Age: 36. Why he's rising: Since retiring from basketball earlier this year, Jordan is turning more of his attention to his restaurant business. He is a proven contender, following up his upscale sports bar (Michael Jordan's) with the ultra-hip 160...

Age: 38. Why he's rising: He produces knockout food at red-hot Silo, a unique concept whose second-floor balcony setting over-looks Farm to Market, a huge gourmet food store that occupies floor one and has just been purchased by Bliss. It's a...

Age: 25. Why he's rising: Elevated Scandinavian-inspired cuisine to new heights. The restaurant, which had won two stars, then lost a star and many customers with it, won three stars from The New York Times just months after Samuelsson's arrival...

JOHNNY VINCZENCZ Executive chef, Astor Place Bar & Grill, Miami Beach...

Andrew LansingPresident and Chief Operating Officer of The Levy Restaurants, Chicago ...

BRENDT STERLING ROGERS Pastry chef, Tatou, New York City ...