Bruce J. Auden, Chef, Polo's in San Antonio, The Farimount Hotel, San Antonio, TX

Auden is British, but he knows all about working with the best American ingredients and inspiring a dedicated staff. He's one of the Texas contingent of noteworthy young chefs. True to that tradition, he's forging a cuisine out of local ingredients and tastes. His Southwestern-style cooking has slight Oriental undertones, making for a subtle and successful combination.