2020 STARCHEFS NEW YORK RISING STARS
December 1 to December 15
For StarChefs, New York is different from other markets—this is our home. We heard the same sirens, trudged through the same rainstorms that lost business, worried over news from the mayor’s and governor’s offices, and ordered local food to our tiny apartments during quarantine. We watched this industry crisis unfold in real time.
It has been a true privilege to taste with and interview over 115 restaurant professionals while developing this issue. As we talked through masks, they opened up about their worries and financial difficulties. Despite the uncertainty, we tasted some damn good food and drinks, relished in one another’s company, and even managed to have a few laughs.
We were amazed and inspired to see this class of Rising Stars Award winners innovate during these stressful times. Many used this time as a jumping-off point to try new things and reinvent rather than just adapt. So we thank the restaurant community for its contributions to the city and hope you enjoy this issue, our small way to celebrate you.
RISING STARS AWARD WINNERS
These 24 professionals are recognized not only for their exception food and drink, but also for their ability to lead, inspire, and support the local Chicago community. For more information on our Rising Stars selection process, please visit www.starchefs.com/risingstars/about.
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CHEF
Paul Donnelly
Tuxedo Hospitality -
CHEF
Jae Lee
Nowon -
CHEF
Diego Moya
Racines NY -
CHEF
Kyo Pang
Kopitiam -
CHEF
Sungchul Shim
Kochi -
CHEF
Jay Wolman
LaLou -
GAME CHANGER
Presented by S.Pellegrino
Alan Delgado
Oxomoco -
COMMUNITY
Presented by Kikkoman USA
Eric See
Ursula -
PASTRY CHEF
Presented by TCHO Chocolate
Julie Elkind
Bâtard -
PASTRY CHEF
Presented by TCHO Chocolate
Michelle Palazzo
Frenchette -
PASTRY CHEF
Presented by TCHO Chocolate
Caroline Schiff
Gage & Tollner -
CONCEPT
Taka Sakaeda
Nami Nori -
MASA MAKER
Carlos Macías
For All Things Good -
MASA MAKER
Matt Diaz
For All Things Good -
SAKE BREWERS
Brandon Doughan and Brian Polen
Brooklyn Kura -
BAKER
Adir Michaeli
Michaeli Bakery -
BAKERS
Autumn Moultrie & Brian Villanueva
Back Alley Bread -
BARTENDER
Brian Evans
Sunday Hospitality -
BARTENDER
Harrison Ginsberg
Crown Shy -
BARTENDER
Shannon Tebay
Death & Company -
SOMMELIER
Presented by Wines from Spain
Eliza Christen
Lilia and Misi -
SOMMELIER
Presented by Wines from Spain
Jhonel Faelnar
Atomix -
MENTOR
Presented by Vitamix Commercial
James Kent
Crown Shy
RISING STARS RESTAURANT WEEK
To celebrate the Award winners, StarChefs is excited to host our Rising Stars Restaurant Week from December 1 to December 15. For two weeks only, experience the signature dishes, desserts, pastries, cocktails and beverages that wowed the StarChefs editorial team.
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Atoboy
Korean Fried Chicken paired with Raúl Pérez, La Vizcaina de Vinos, Las Gundiñas, Bierzo Tinto, Spain 2018
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Back Alley Bread
Angel Donuts, Seké Wild African Honey, Cinnamon Sugar
