100 Most Creative

I ran into an interesting list on FastCompany Magazine (I know, quite an odd reference in a foodie website; I guess my business persona still shows through). Boring business talk aside, it was unexpected to run into two chefs. What’s even more curious is that I’d never heard of neither. Not that I’m the most knowledgeable guy on Earth, far from it. It was just weird to know around 30% of the names on the list (probably the obvious ones) and not the two names from a subject that interests me so much.

Jean-Georges Vongerichten (nº44) owns 18 restaurants around the world (his flagship, Jean Georges, in New York, has three Michelin stars). He just closed an “unprecedented partnership with Starwood Hotels has given the cuisinier license to unleash his creativity – and trademark Asian flavors – in 50 new restaurants over the next five years.”

Dan Barber (nº73) was called by New York Times “Manhattan’s answer to the Farmer in the Dell”. The guy is young – only 39 – but already runs two Blue Hill restaurants. A passionate advocate for regional farm networks (interesting to think about that after my previous post on Future of Food), Barber bets on it as a big answer to many of the economic and ecological abuses.

Interesting characters that bring distinct entrepreneurship to the world of food. I must say I’d put the latter higher on the list (without taking Jonathan Ive from the top, as my designer side still speaks louder).