2013 Top 5 Rising Chefs in the U.S. " Nikolai's Roof

At 27, Stephanie Alderete has shot through the ranks to become a seasoned pro as chef de cuisine at one of Atlanta's top fine-dining destinations, Nikolai's Roof. Finding her way into the kitchen at a young age, she was deeply inspired by her grandmother’s authentic Mexican cooking. After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta, she ventured into catering at the Hilton Atlanta --- where moving to Nikolai's was a goal and a dream. She constantly pushed herself, and worked up to become chef de partie under Olivier De Busschere who became her mentor. Promoted to chef de cuisine in 2012, Alderete has taken up the Franco-Russian culinary mantle and works with local organic farmers, fishermen and game farmers to create a dazzlingly sophisticated, seasonally changing menu. Away from the stoves, Alderete still manages to run half-marathons, proving she can keep up the pace both in the kitchen and out of it.

 Read GAYOT.com's restaurant review of Nikolai's Roof