Celebrity Chefs in New Orleans

New Orleans is brimming with culinary talent unlike any other in the country. Some of the best remain under the national radar while others have risen to the level of celebrity chef. Here are just a few who've reach name-recognition status here in New Orleans and beyond.

Donald Link

A homegrown Louisianan, Donald Link has built a stellar career making upscale versions of the Cajun food he grew up with. He won a James Beard award for Best Chef in the South in 2007.
Restaurants: Herbsaint, Cochon and Cochon Butcher.

Emeril Lagasse

One word made Emeril Lagasse the most famous chef in America: "Bam!" Beyond making cooking shows cool again, the Massachusetts native has become an adopted son of New Orleans. He built his reputation at Commander's Palace before building his own restaurant empire.
Restaurants: Emeril's New Orleans, Emeril's Delmonico and NOLA.

John Besh

It's difficult to turn on the Food Network without seeing John Besh either competing on a show or judging a competition. The Louisiana native still has time to keep his vast New Orleans restaurant group thriving.
Restaurants: August, Besh Steak, Luke, Domenica and The American Sector.

Tory McPhail

Tory McPhail made a name for himself at Commander's Palace Las Vegas before moving back to the Big Easy in 2002 to take over the original, 120-year-old restaurant that has churned out major awards and chefs such as Emeril Lagasse. He hosts "Off the Menu," which airs on Turner South.
Restaurant: Commander's Palace.

Susan Spicer

The character Ms. Desautel in HBO's "Treme" is loosely based off of her, but Susan Spicer also has an award-winning cookbook, a James Beard best regional chef award, Food Network appearances and a restaurant in the Nation's Restaurant News' Fine Dining Hall of Fame to her credit.
Restaurant: Bayona Restaurant.