Tasting Table New Originals Class Of 2015

What does original mean?

Some may argue that these days it doesn't mean anything, and that everything is a riff on something else. Here at Tasting Table, we don't agree with that—especially in the restaurant world: We think there's still creativity, innovation and thoughtfulness to be found—and that if you're doing something that is uniquely true to you, it's original. And that's why we're calling a group of nine on-the-rise chefs, restaurateurs and tastemakers our New Originals. Expect to see a new "class" every year.

These are folks from across the country who are changing not only the face of dining in their respective cities, but the national conversation about food and drink. There's a restaurateur whose spots in an off-the-beaten-path part of Charleston mix stunning design with food people want to eat; a chef whose take on Russian food is making waves in Portland, Oregon, and beyond; and a pair of chefs whose NYC restaurants are setting the tone for how high-end and casual dining can intersect beautifully.

Once we selected the New Originals, we brought them to New York City in early October for two days of video and photo shoots. We've already learned a lot from them, and you will, too: Over the next several weeks, we'll be rolling out exclusive videos, recipes and more, so you can get to know them better.

And while you're at it, jot down their names now. We can guarantee you'll be hearing them a lot in the years to come.