The bustling local eat scene wouldn’t be much with the talented creatives behind the grub. Thankfully, the Chippewa Valley has many great chefs, including this year’s category winner Tyler Thelen. I’ve heard through the grapevine he’s cookin’ up something of his own, though you’ll have almost certainly eaten his food — Thelen’s been part of a number of local restaurants. Tony Draganowksi needs little introduction around here, and is the force behind area gem Bijou Bistro. Ella Wesenberg, too, is a familiar name on the food scene, and is the mastermind of The Good Wives. —McKenna Scherer