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Today Eater kicks off Young Guns 2016, once again searching for the nation's top young chefs, bartenders, and other food professionals. Whether they're working the line, managing the front of house, shaking cocktails, or kickstarting a restaurant empire, Eater is looking for the best.
The nomination process starts right now, and with so many talented service industry restaurant pros in Detroit there shouldn't be a shortage of local candidates. In the past, Detroit has been fortunate enough two produce two members of the Eater Young Guns class — Sister Pie founder Lisa Ludwinski and chef Garrett Lipar of Torino and Marais.
What are the criteria?
Nominees must be under 30 years of age — or have worked in their field for less than five years — as of April 30, 2016, and must be currently employed in the hospitality industry in the United States or Canada. They're not yet household names, but they show extraordinary promise. These kids are working with their heads down and haven't received recognition they deserve.
How do I submit nominations?
To find these up-and-comers, we're opening nominations up to the public. Know an amazing young sommelier, a genius baker in the making, or a burgeoning chef? We want to hear about them. We're asking for your input right here. This process will be open through Monday, March 29. If you have additional supporting materials (anything from Instagram photos of brilliant pop-up menus or pastry glamor shots to local newspaper articles), please do include them. Questions should be directed to youngguns@eater.com.
Who judges Eater Young Guns?
Once all the nominees are in, we'll put our heads together with the legends of the industry who agreed to serve on the Young Guns selection committee. The winners will be contacted in May, and the 2016 class will be announced and toasted at a gala event this June.
