Zagat Releases "Chicago 30 Under 30" of Culinary World

Zagat, that familiar guidebook of local restaurants that's published, well, everywhere, today released its first-ever "Chicago 30 Under 30" list and it's a pretty solid, if not slightly predictable, cross-section of the rising stars in kitchens, behind bars and running restaurants. What's actually most impressive is just how many recognizable names on the list are breaking ground at such young ages.

The list, done alphabetically and not in order of rank, leads off with Purple Pig chef/partner Jimmy Bannos, Jr and GT Fish & Oyster sous chef Jessica Carney right behind. Other up-and-comers on the list include Franks 'n' Dawgs Joe Doren, Molly and Jerrod Melman (brother R.J. is over 30), L20 exec chef Matthew Kirkley, Aviary's Craig Schoettler, Blackbird's David Posey, Wit Hotel pastry chef Toni Roberts, Chilam Balam's Chuy Valencia and Revae Schneider of La Femme du Coupe.

Zagat’s 2012 Chicago 30 Under 30:

· Jimmy Bannos Jr. (27), Chef/Partner, The Purple Pig
· Jess Carney (28), Sous Chef, GT Fish & Oyster
· Jeff Donahue (29), Manager/Bartender, The Barrelhouse Flat
· Joe Doren (26), Chef, Franks 'N' Dawgs
· Rochelle DuBridge (26), Pastry Chef, Julius Meinl
· Richie Farina (29), Chef de Cuisine, Moto
· Zach Friedlander (26), Bartender, Gilt / Maude's
· Cosmo Goss (24), Head of Charcuterie, Publican Quality Meats
· Elliot Green (28), Sous Chef, Avec
· Robby Haynes (29), Head Bartender, The Violet Hour
· Ronnie Higgins (24), Bar Manager, Bangers & Lace
· Matthew Kirkley (28), Executive Chef, L2O
· Chris Marchino (29), Executive Sous Chef, Spiaggia
· Molly Melman and Jerrod Melman (26 and 29), Restaurateurs, Lettuce Entertain You (RPM Italian, Hub 51, M Street Kitchen, Stella Rossa Pizza Bar and Paris Club)
· Desiree Napolitano (28), Sommelier, Chicago Cut Steakhouse
· Jennifer Petrusky (24), Chef de Cuisine, Yusho Restaurant
· David Posey (28), Chef de Cuisine, Blackbird
· Toni Roberts (27), Pastry Chef, theWit Hotel
· Amanda Rockman (29), Executive Pastry Chef, The Bristol and Balena
· Ian Rossman (28), Sous Chef, Frog N Snail
· Revae Schneider (28), Proprietress, La Femme du Coupe
· Craig Schoettler (25), Executive Chef, The Aviary
· Jay Schroeder (28), Bartender, Double A (at Mercadito)
· Carl Shelton (27), Chef de Cuisine, Boka
· Rachel Slivicki (25), Assistant Pastry Chef, Hot Chocolate
· Chuy Valencia (26), Chef/Co-Owner, Chilam Balam
· Erling Wu-Bower (29), Sous Chef, The Publican
· Kady Yon (25), Executive Pastry Chef, The Pump Room
· Jonathan Zaragoza (22), Chef-Owner, Birrieria Zaragoza

· 30 Under 30: Chicago's Hottest Up-and-Comers [Zagat]