2021 STARCHEFS LOS ANGELES
RISING STARS
June 16 to June 30
From wildfires to politics to an erratic sequence of restaurant openings and closings, Los Angeles has undeniably been through it this year. It was an honor, privilege and a deep responsibility for StarChefs to visit more than 120 hospitality professionals both before and after the coronavirus pandemic hit.
Our team originally landed in Los Angeles in January 2020 and were gearing up for a third trip in mid-March. Days before, our Los Angeles Rising Stars research came to a halt and we were forced to postpone our travels for nearly a whole calendar year. When we picked it back up, many of the people we originally met with had sadly closed their restaurants or left their jobs. The culinary landscape looked completely different. These before-and-after views gave us more context and weren’t always easy to reconcile with our expectations. Despite the hardships, it was clear compelling food and drinks continued to come out of the Los Angeles restaurant community.
Whether opening small, neighborhood hubs or rising through the ranks of esteemed restaurant groups, we could be more impressed with the 2021 Class of Los Angeles Rising Stars. This class in particular shows a resiliency and power not easily matched. In honor of our Rising Stars—and all the industry professionals who gave us their time—we hope you enjoy what we’ve been calling a miracle issue. We owe it all to you.
RISING STARS AWARD WINNERS
These 19 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
Spencer Bezaire
Eszett -
CHEF
Chris Carrillo
République -
CHEF
Chuy Cervantes
Damian and Ditroit -
CHEF
Jackson Kalb
Jame Enoteca and Ospi -
CHEF
Kyungbin Min
hanchic -
CHEF
Daniel Son
Katsu Sando -
GAME CHANGER
Presented by S.Pellegrino
Ari Kolender
Found Oyster -
PASTRY CHEF
Presented by TCHO Chocolate
Gemma Matsuyama
OTOTO and Tsubaki -
COMMUNITY
Justin Pichetrungsi
Anajek Thai -
RESTAURATEUR
Presented by The Montague Company
Vivian Ku
Joy and Pine & Crane -
RESTAURATEURS
Presented by The Montague Company
Or Amsalam and Alex Phaneuf
Hasiba and Lodge Bread Company -
CONCEPT
Briana Valdez
HomeState -
BAKER
Presented by Butter of Europe
Arturo Enciso
Gusto Bread -
BUTCHER
Teresa Cabansag
Gwen -
SFOGLINO
Presented by Niman Ranch
Francesco Allegro
Rossoblu -
BARTENDER
Mike Capoferri
Thunderbolt -
SOMMELIER
Presented by Wines from Spain
Chloe Miranda
Birdie G’s -
SOMMELIER
Presented by Wines from Spain
Sam Rethmeier
République -
Mentor
Presented by Vitamix Commercial
Suzanne Goin
The Lucques Group -
EXPLORE LOS ANGELES
Presented by California Avocados
Tyler Curtis
Pilot at The Hoxton DTLA -
EXPLORE LOS ANGELES
Presented by California Avocados
Sam Nuckols
Sibling Rival -
STARCHEFS SUPPORTS
Presented by Savencia Cheese USA
Rose & Warren Schwartz
Magpies Softserve
RISING STARS RESTAURANT WEEK
To celebrate the Award winners, StarChefs is excited to host our Rising Stars Restaurant Week from Wednesday, June 16 to Wednesday, June 3. For two weeks only, experience the signature dishes, desserts, pastries, cocktails and beverages that wowed the StarChefs editorial team.
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Anajek Thai
Dry-Aged King Kampachi Crudo, Marinated Ikura, Nam Jim, Herbs
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A.O.C.
Za'atar Aussie Lamb Chops, Smoked Eggplant, Cucumber, Preserved Lemon, Labneh
