Age: 30. Why he's rising : Brought both energy and style to Boston's South End, leading the way for the area's culinary transformation from no man's land to hot spot. His calling card: assertive flavors and polished presentations. Background: Johnson and Wales grad Husbands worked his way up the kitchen hierarchy in a variety of Providence, R.I., operations, took a tour of Europe, then jumped to Chris Schlesinger's East Coast Grill, becoming executive chef in 1995. Opened Tremont 647 with partner Chris Hart in 1997. Cooking style: Adventurous American cuisine. Signature dish: Chilean seabass wrapped in a banana leaf; truffle-scented Fontina-stuffed tater tots. Mentor: Chris Schlesinger. What the critics say : "Husband's Generation-X cooking is both serious and playful."—Food and Wine. "The food can be dazzling. One of the country's most exciting young chefs."—Boston Globe. "A rangy, energetic attitude toward spices and a steady hand at the grill. This is a bistro with all the pieces in place." —Boston Phoenix.

PHOTO: RICK FRIEDMAN/BLACK STAR