Who are Boston's up-and-coming female chefs?

[Swankalicious]

Hello eGulleteers,

I'm researching a piece on young, female Boston-area chefs - any recommendations? I can only think of established chefs who've gotten tons of press (Barbara Lynch, Jody Adams, Lydia Shire, etc.) Anyone slightly below the radar out there? Thanks.

[Chris Amirault]

I wouldn't say she's below the radar, but Ana Sortun's omission from your list prompted me to add her just in case.

[OwnReward]

Hello eGulleteers,

I'm researching a piece on young, female Boston-area chefs - any recommendations? I can only think of established chefs who've gotten tons of press (Barbara Lynch, Jody Adams, Lydia Shire, etc.) Anyone slightly below the radar out there? Thanks.

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There are a few professional associations that might be able to assist you and point you to some up and comers...

Women Chefs and Restauranteurs http://www.womenchefs.org has a very active New England Chapter

Women's Food Service Forum http://www.womensfoodserviceforum.com is just getting established in Boston--their first NE Regional meeting in November had close to 100 participants-- (I loved the program!)

The American Culinary Federation's Boston Chapter, called the Epicurean Club, is currently run by a woman http://www.theepicureanclubofboston.com/

Johnson and Wales or any of the assorted culinary schools should have a media relations/alumni resource center that might know who is doing what...

and any of the state restaurant associations might be able to send you in good directions.

PM me if you need more suggestons...

KV

[LindaK]

Definitely Ana Sortun as a top local female chef, but she's beyond the "up-and-coming" category.

Amanda Lydon got some great press for a while, she was at the stove of some very good local restaurants and was a Food and Wine "best of" but I think she's now opened a place in Nantucket.

If you're including pastry chefs, Joanne Chang of "Flour" is highly regarded and is supposedly opening a second patisserie/cafe in the near future.

[Busboy]

Keep in mind that there's likely an informal, if not formal gang of female chefs in the area. Call one of the senior members of the sorority, and they'll likely be quite pleased to point out the up-and-comers for you.