Emeril Lagasse, Executive Chef, Commander's Palace, New Orleans, LA

At age 30, Lagasse has already served as executive chef at this much-acclaimed restaurant for four years. His cooking talent is multi-faceted: restaurant economics and classic techniques are just two of his strong points. Raising standards as fast as they are reached has kept him growing and learning. By effectively teaching and leading his staff, he's been able to bring them right along with him, too.