Zagat’s 30 Under 30 List Includes Two South Philly finalists

Zagat’s 30 Under 30 list showcases the young and the daring who move taste buds and start trends. This years list includes two well-deserving chefs who shake things up in South Philly.

The selected finalists are 26-year-ols Malik Ali, sous chef at The Dutch and 28-year-old Jesse Ito (pictured), chef and owner of Royal Sushi & Izakaya.

Qualifications include being under the age of 30, currently working at a restaurant/cafe/bar/brewery/distillery/farm/bakery, etc. and, according to Zagat, “undeniable awesomeness.”

Zagat in April began with 60 potential honorees and cut the list down to 45 finalists. The final 30 Under 30 national list will be revealed in September.

Earlier this year four local chefs, restaurateurs and brewers won at the James Beard Awards, commonly referred to as the Academy Awards of the food and beverage. – BizJournal