Richard Chudy

www.chefchudy.com

www.theskinnybeet.com

Specializing in native New England ingredients (and in where to find the best burgers in Boston, thanks to his blog, www.bostonburgerblog.com), Chef Richard Chudy acts as personal chef, in-home caterer, and even personal food shopper and pantry organizer for some of Boston’s fittest (and feistiest) foodies. And while his menu is full, he always has room to drop by for a private (or semi-private) lesson. From boiling water to bouillabaisse to braised lamb, Chef Chudy can show you how to “make it” in the kitchen.

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Anthony Caturano

Prezza

24 Fleet Street, Boston

www.prezza.com

Named after the region where Chef/Owner Anthony Caturano’s grandmother was born, Prezza brings traditional Italian tastes into the 21^st century. Having recently marked their 10^th year in business, Prezza continues not only to survive in the competitive Boston market, but to thrive. In fact, their last year was their best and Caturano continues to come up with new ideas and new tastes that will surely sustain him and his devoted fans far into the future.

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Chris Damian

Papagayo

Assembly Row, Somerville

1 Chelsea Street, Charlestown

15 West Street, Boston

283 Summer Street, Boston

www.papagayorestaurants.com

As the co-owner of the Legendary Restaurant Group (which also includes Scollay Square, Sip Wine Bar and Burger Dive.), chef Chris Damian is a busy man, but he is also one who knows what makes a restaurant work. Helming the kitchen at a popular restaurant that is open from 11:30 Am until 1 AM makes Damian’s day all the more hectic, but the love he has for what he does comes through in every delicious (and authentically caliente) bite!.

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Max Brenner

745 Boylston Street, Boston

www.maxbrenner.com

In addition to giving us everything from AIM to the USB flash drive, cell phones to Rummikub (not to mention models for how to value life and support those who support them), the State of Israel has also given us a real-life Willy Wonka who goes by the collective name Max Brenner. The proudly bald and big-idead man who is half of the dynamic duo at the heart of the international chain has been dipping the world in chocolate for over 15 years and recently opened his latest cocoa oasis in Boston. From custom-made serving pieces (including the adorably sensible Hug Mug) to customizable brunches, lunches and dinners that are as delicious as the desserts for which “The Bald Man” is famous, Max Brenner is a perfect spot for a decadent break or a great gooey gathering.

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Christopher Robins

Gaslight Brasserie

560 Harrison Avenue, Boston

www.gaslight560.com

While it may be true that sometimes you wanna’ go where everybody knows your name, a quiet spot with great food and atmosphere can do the trick sometimes as well. Gaslight is such a spot. Set mostly under Harrison Avenue on the edge of Boston’s tony South End, Gaslight offers a venue for drinks and dining that combines old world continental charm with contemporary flavors and panache overseen by Chef de Cuisine Christopher Robins. Open seven days a week for lunch, dinner, late night “supper” and weekend brunch, Gaslight is a great place to getaway or to bring people who already know you or who you want to get to know better.

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Jim Solomon

The Fireplace

1634 Beacon Street, Brookline

www.fireplacerest.com

A perennial pick for one of the Boston area’s best restaurants and one of its few certified “green” restaurants, The Fireplace can be the perfect spot for a cozy rendezvous, a celebration, or to meet someone with whom to plan such events in the future. With their fresh, locally-grown, and always a bit adventurous offerings and a regular schedule of special events that run from live music performances to Absinthe dinners to summer fundraising block parties and chef/owner Jim Solomon’s famous “Fireside Chats,” there is always something fun going on and great people with whom to share it.

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Nicole Coady

Finale

One Columbus Avenue, Boston

30 Dunster Street, Cambridge

www.finaledessert.com

No matter where you go for dinner in Boston, there is NO place better to finish off your meal and your evening than Finale.

From fresh and flavorful (and nutritious) fruit-based temptations to rich and sinful (though also arguably nutritious) chocolate extravaganzas, Finale has everything a sweet tooth could want. And if you are extra lucky, you may catch a glimpse of their masterful and creative executive pastry chef Nicole Coady behind the mirrored counter.

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Graham Schave

Coda Bar and Kitchen

329 Columbus Avenue, Boston

www.codaboston.com

Despite the many people who call the South End home, few of them (or any of their neighbors in other parts of go-go-Boston) have time to make a home-cooked meal. Fortunately, there is Coda, a well-named place to end your busy day or to kick off your soon-to-be-busy night. For lunch, dinner, or even a weekend brunch, Coda offers a well-known and well-loved array of craft beers and solid, comfortable, yummy food, the combination of which make it a good place to catch the game or just to catch your breath. Bringing a combination of Boston-bed chops with insatiable curiosity, Chef Graham Schave makes sure that Coda is always comfy but never complacent.

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Chef Barbara Lynch

Owner, Barbara Lynch Gruppo

B&G Oysters / The Butcher Shop /Drink / Menton / No. 9 Park / 9 at Home (Catering) / Sportello / Stir: A Demonstration Kitchen and Cookbook Library

www.barbaralynch.com

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Jeffrey Fournier

51 Lincoln

51 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands

www.51lincolnnewton.com

Waban Kitchen

1649 Beacon Street, Waban

www.wabankitchen.com

Many people travel great distances for great food. As he has worked in so many great restaurants, 51 Lincoln/Waban Kitchen chef/owner Jeffrey Fournier is able to bring great tastes from all over to each and every guest with a personal flair that combines the best of what has been with the promise of what is to come. After doing time in the West Coast food movement and behind the burners at such acclaimed venues as Pignoli, The Linwood Grill, Locke-Ober, Excelsior, Sophia’s and The Metropolitan Club, Fournier struck out on his own in 2006 and opened his Newton destination. Tending to his kitchen, his menu, and most importantly his guests with a personal and even offering classes to help others eat and live better, the Amesbury native remains a pioneer in locally-sourced and organic foods that please the eye, palate and pocketbook. From the Monday night oyster bar parties to Wednesday night wine flight events, Fournier is always adding new and fun ways to bring great ideas and flavors to the Boston area.

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