The 2021 Taste 50
People
Men and women who are bringing their talents to the Southern food scene
1 MASHAMA BAILEY
Savannah, Georgia
Mashama’s family roots brought her back to the South from New York to open her critically acclaimed restaurant, The Grey, in Savannah with business partner and coauthor of Black, White, and The Grey, John O. Morisano. As the executive chef, Mashama has received endless praise over the program she continues to curate at the restaurant’s first location as well as two other locations now opening elsewhere in the region. If she wasn’t on your radar before, then Mashama is someone you need to know.
2 HUNTER EVANS
Jackson, Mississippi
Hunter decided to name his first restaurant, Elvie’s, after his late grandmother who instilled the love of cooking in him when he was just 8 years old. But the Jackson native pulled inspiration for his menus from the famous cafés of Europe. The all-day eatery brings thoughtfully prepared dishes while honoring all the Southern farmers and fishermen that make the menu possible.
3 PAOLA VELEZ
Washington, DC
Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic forced many people to slow down, but Paola Velez did the opposite. In 2020, the James Beard award-nominated pastry chef cofounded Latin American pop-up Doña Dona to benefit Ayuda DC, which assists undocumented workers in the restaurant industry. Later that year, she also cofounded Bakers Against Racism, which swiftly grew into a worldwide bake sale raising more than $2 million to support social justice causes around the world. As executive pastry chef at Maydan and Compass Rose, both in Washington, DC, Paola’s determination lies in not only perfecting pastry but also being a leader and changemaker in her industry and communities.
4 BRIAN RIGGENBACH
Nashville, Tennessee
Many of Brian’s childhood memories he cherishes today revolve around food. So, when he made his way to Nashville, he and his partner knew it was time to create a space all their own. The Mockingbird, just steps from the iconic thoroughfare Broadway, is the result—a combination of whimsical surroundings and global-inspired fare that keeps you coming back for more.
5 SUZANNE VIZETHANN
Atlanta, Georgia
In Suzanne’s own words, her restaurant, Buttermilk Kitchen, represents her in every way. Whether it’s a dish featuring her newest food obsession or a song she’s carefully selected to play in the dining room, Suzanne’s got her hands in it all. Now she’s released a cookbook with the same name, giving fans a chance to recreate their favorite meals at home.
6 NICK WALLACE
Jackson, Mississippi
“I admire losing myself in the rituals of writing menus, using my knife, stirring, and tasting,” says Jackson, Mississippi, chef Nick Wallace. “When you’re doing something you love, it’s happiness that you’ve never experienced.” A
