Rising Stars represent the future of American Cuisine. They are young culinary professionals that exemplify the contemporary American dining scene. Rising Stars are creative, passionate, ambitious, and, of course, incredible chefs creating delicious food. They also show a strong desire to support the culinary community by sharing their knowledge.
Four cities are chosen by Starchefs each year for Rising Star nominations. In 2008, those cities were Chicago, South Florida, New York City, and Las Vegas. Rising Stars are nominated by the StarChefs Advisory Board, by previous Rising Stars Award winners, by local food media, by StarChefs’ editorial research, and through a website nomination form. Nominees must have less than 10 years of experience as an Executive Chef and should be under 40 years of age. The StarChefs Advisory board consists of influential chefs around the country including Daniel Boulud, Norman Van Aken, Todd English, Jose Andres, Ken Oringer, Paul Liebrandt, Josh DeChellis, and Marcus Samuelsson. The winners are chosen from the nominees by the Starchefs editorial team after a series of tastings and interviews. A group of 10-16 chefs, pastry chefs, mixologists and sommeliers are chosen (from a pool of 60-100) that best represent the dining scene of that city.
Kendal Duque - Sepia
Tim Graham - Tru
Bill Kim - Le Lan
Christopher Nugent - Les Nomades
Michael Sheerin - Blackbird
Giuseppe Tentori - Boka
Pastry Chef Elissa Narow - Custom House and Spring
Pastry Chef Tim Dahl - Blackbird and Avec
Sommelier Josh Kaplan - MK
Mixologist John Kinder - MK
Hotel Chef Award: Kristine Subido - Wave
This award is given to a chef with responsibility for a hotel’s food and beverage program (they have responsibility for more than a restaurant such as banquets, catering, room service, etc).
Restaurateur Award: Shawn McClain - Spring, Green Zebra, Custom House
This award is given to a young restaurateur that is greatly influencing that city's culinary scene. They must have a minimum of two successful restaurants open and a third on the way.
2008 Host Chef Frank Brunacci - Sixteen at the Trump International Hotel
