Food Industry News

In our culinary news section, the Chef’s Pencil team brings together our latest research and insights into the culinary and food industry.

Read our latest reports on the most expensive restaurants in the world, the countries with the highest number of Michelin restaurants, latest veganism popularity trends, or the most sushi-crazed cities in the world.

Chef of the Week: Nathan Davies of Vraic, Guernsey

Exceptionally focused, quietly confident, and uncompromising in his standards, Nathan Davies is one of the most compelling chefs to emerge from the UK’s modern fire-led movement. After honing his craft...

Chef's Pencil Staff

February 2, 2026

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Chef of the Week: Chef Sebastián Vargas of Los Félix, Miami

Few chefs embody the idea of a truly global culinary journey quite like Chef Sebastián Vargas. Born in Colombia, shaped by the spice-laden markets of Old Delhi, refined through classical...

Chef's Pencil Staff

January 19, 2026

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Chef of the Week: Chef Jeong-In Hwang of San Ho Won, San Francisco

This week, we’re honored to feature Chef Jeong-In Hwang, chef de cuisine of San Ho Won in San Francisco. San Ho Won is one of the most acclaimed Korean restaurants...

Chef's Pencil Staff

December 30, 2025

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Chef of the Week: Chef Roberto Alcocer of Valle, California

This week, we’re thrilled to spotlight Chef Roberto Alcocer, the visionary behind Valle in Oceanside, California, and one of the leading ambassadors of modern Mexican cuisine in the United States....

Chef's Pencil Staff

December 15, 2025

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Chef of the Week: Chef Seigo Tamura of 715 Sushi, Los Angeles

This week, we spotlight Chef Seigo Tamura, the acclaimed itamae behind 715 Sushi in Los Angeles and a standout figure in today’s sushi world. A former professional athlete who traded...

Chef's Pencil Staff

December 8, 2025

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Most Expensive Restaurants in Scottsdale

Scottsdale has quietly turned into one of the most expensive steak-and-seafood playgrounds in the Southwest. To see just how high the checks can climb, Chef’s Pencil analyzed menus across the...

Chef's Pencil Staff

December 3, 2025

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Chef of the Week: Chef Rogelio Garcia of Auro, California

From dishwasher to Michelin-starred executive chef, Rogelio Garcia’s story is the kind of journey that defines modern American dining — one built on grit, humility, and extraordinary talent. As the...

Chef's Pencil Staff

December 1, 2025

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The Most Expensive Restaurants in Phoenix

While it may not enjoy the same gourmand cachet as some other U.S. cities, Phoenix’s dining scene has exploded in recent years. World-class chefs, boutique hotel restaurants, and luxury steakhouses...

Chef's Pencil Staff

November 28, 2025

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International Thanksgiving Foods: What Different Countries Serve in Autumn

Long before Thanksgiving became synonymous with turkey, parades, and football in the United States, many cultures across the world were already honoring the same idea: gratitude for the harvest. In...

Adina Serban

November 27, 2025

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Chef of the Week: Sumant Sharma, Executive Pastry Chef at Musaafer Houston & NYC

Redefining Indian Pastry on the Global Stage From the farmlands of Royal Rajasthan to the Michelin-starred kitchens of Musaafer, Chef Sumant Sharma has embarked on a remarkable journey to reimagine...

Chef's Pencil Staff

November 25, 2025

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Thanksgiving Restaurant Prices Revealed: What Americans Pay in 29 Cities

Food Industry News

For many Americans, Thanksgiving has long meant crowded grocery stores, hours of chopping and roasting, and a post-feast mountain of dishes. But a growing number of people are choosing a...

Chef's Pencil Staff

November 24, 2025

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Chef of the Week: Chef Massimo Falsini of Caruso’s, Montecito

Few chefs embody both tradition and evolution as seamlessly as Massimo Falsini, the visionary behind Caruso’s, one of California’s most celebrated modern Italian restaurants. Born and raised in Rome, shaped...

Chef's Pencil Staff

November 17, 2025

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Miami’s Most Expensive Restaurants in 2025

New Research Reveals Miami’s Most Expensive Restaurant Is More Expensive Than the World’s Most Expensive Michelin Restaurant Miami’s dining scene has never been shy about luxury, but new research compiled...

Chef's Pencil Staff

November 14, 2025

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Chef of the Week: Chef Lynnessa Hughes of Haven, Tampa

At Tampa’s acclaimed Haven, Chef Lynnessa Hughes brings warmth, precision, and a deeply personal touch to one of the city’s most beloved dining rooms. After five years honing her craft...

Chef's Pencil Staff

November 11, 2025

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Chef of the Week: Ricky Odbert of Six Test Kitchen, California

Few chefs embody the spirit of dedication and innovation quite like Ricky Odbert, the creative force behind Six Test Kitchen in Paso Robles. What began in 2015 as a humble...

Chef's Pencil Staff

November 3, 2025

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Where Do Your Walnuts Come From?

It’s mid-fall — the leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and that unmistakable nutty aroma is back in the air. Yes, it’s walnut season! Few foods feel as seasonal,...

Chef's Pencil Staff

October 24, 2025

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Orlando’s Most Expensive Restaurants in 2025

Food Industry News

Once known primarily for theme parks and family-friendly dining, Orlando has quietly evolved into one of the Southeast’s most exciting fine-dining destinations. The city’s culinary scene has matured dramatically in...

Chef's Pencil Staff

October 17, 2025

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Where to Splurge: Atlanta’s Most Expensive Restaurants in 2025

Food Industry News

Once known more for its Southern comfort food and barbecue than fine dining, Atlanta has quietly transformed itself into one of America’s rising gourmet destinations. The city’s restaurant scene now...

Chef's Pencil Staff

October 16, 2025

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Chef of the Week: Chef Ron Hsu of Lazy Betty, Atlanta

Atlanta’s dining scene has evolved into one of America’s most dynamic, and few chefs embody that transformation better than Ron Hsu, the creative force behind Lazy Betty. Since earning a...

Chef's Pencil Staff

October 13, 2025

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Is Culinary School Worth it?

The Long-Standing Debate A conversation going on among culinarians for decades: Is culinary school actually worth it? It’s easier than ever to get a start in the restaurant industry without...

Anna Miller

October 10, 2025

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Chef of the Week: Chef Yuu Shimano of Restaurant Yuu, New York

A master of French cuisine with Japanese precision, Chef Yuu Shimano has crafted a culinary journey that bridges two of the world’s most refined gastronomic traditions. Trained at the prestigious...

Chef's Pencil Staff

October 7, 2025

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Chef of the Week: Takanori Akiyama of Tsukimi, New York

At the heart of New York’s East Village, Chef Takanori Akiyama has quietly redefined the art of kaiseki dining at Tsukimi, his intimate 12-seat counter. Born into a family of...

Chef's Pencil Staff

September 29, 2025

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Chef of the Week: Norman Fenton of Cariño, Chicago

This week’s Chef of The Week feature spotlights Chef Norman Fenton, the creative force behind Cariño in Chicago, one of the city’s most exciting restaurants. In under a year, Chef...

Chef's Pencil Staff

September 23, 2025

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From New York to Lagos: Where Eating Out Is Most Affordable for Locals

Food Industry News

Is spending $50 at a restaurant expensive? What about $80 or even $150? Like most things in life, the answer is relative—it depends on where you are, the type of...

Chef's Pencil Staff

September 22, 2025

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