OUR TOP 10 LISTS

10. Nobu Matsuhisa

Nobu Matsuhisa is the first high-end sushi chef that I encountered in the US. In fact, he's the first sushi chef I encountered, period. I had never had sushi before coming to LA, so to have the best first, I feel a bit spoiled. I find myself always comparing other sushi chefs to Nobu.

Hungry for more? Tune in for a cross-country road trip with celebrity Chef Ludo Lefebvre as he reinvents American cuisine. LUDO BITES AMERICA, Tuesdays at 9p.

Author: Ludo Lefebvre

9. Guy Martin

While I worked at Le Grand Vefour in Paris, Guy Martin was instrumental in showing me the business of being a chef and running a restaurant. I learned about food costs and that just being a great cook did not mean you could successfully run a restaurant.

Hungry for more? Tune in for a cross-country road trip with celebrity Chef Ludo Lefebvre as he reinvents American cuisine. LUDO BITES AMERICA, Tuesdays at 9p.

Author: Ludo Lefebvre

8. Alain Passard

Alain Passard has been my most influential teacher. I worked under him at L'Arpege, one of Paris's most prestigious restaurants. It was under Alain Passard that I learned ''L'Ecole du feu,'' that is, ''The School of Fire.'' Heat is the most important element in cuisine and, used properly, is like a scalpel in the hands of a skilled surgeon.

Hungry for more? Tune in for a cross-country road trip with celebrity Chef Ludo Lefebvre as he reinvents American cuisine. LUDO BITES AMERICA, Tuesdays at 9p.

Author:Ludo Lefebvre

7. Pierre Gagnaire

After Marc Meneau, I trained under Pierre Gagnaire at St. Etienne. When I applied to work for Pierre Gagnaire, I went with my parents to his restaurant for the interview. Before I interviewed, Pierre Gagnaire served my family lunch. That lunch was the first, truly great meal I ever had. It was then, at that meal, that I knew I really wanted to be a chef. I had been cooking for four years already, but it was at that table when it all clicked and I knew that I always wanted to be in the kitchen.

Hungry for more? Tune in for a cross-country road trip with celebrity Chef Ludo Lefebvre as he reinvents American cuisine. LUDO BITES AMERICA, Tuesdays at 9p.

Author:Ludo Lefebvre

6. Marc Maneau

I did my first apprenticeship under Marc Maneau at his restaurant, L'Esperance, in Vezelay, Burgundy. He's a great chef who really gave me a chance that affected the rest of my life.

Hungry for more? Tune in for a cross-country road trip with celebrity Chef Ludo Lefebvre as he reinvents American cuisine. LUDO BITES AMERICA, Tuesdays at 9p.

Author:Ludo Lefebvre

5. Anthony Bourdain

Why not? Anthony Bourdain has never cooked for me, but I love his style. I love his mission, too. He travels, meets people, and learns new techniques, all to become an even better chef. He's a real badass.

Hungry for more? Tune in for a cross-country road trip with celebrity Chef Ludo Lefebvre as he reinvents American cuisine. LUDO BITES AMERICA, Tuesdays at 9p.

Author:Ludo Lefebvre

4. Roy Choi

A fellow LA food truck chef, Roy Choi, might be best known for his Kogi Truck that serves up Korean Mexican tacos all across the city. Yet, you should also get to know him for his other restaurants in the Culver City area—A-Frame and Chego.

I can't get over his Furikake Kettle Corn at A-Frame. His rice bowl concept restaurant, Chego, is also a place to check out. I really admire Roy for what he's doing with his restaurant concepts. He's being rebellious, paving a new way to experience really great food at an affordable price.

He was trained in a fine dining background, but is now doing things his own way. Hey, that sounds like me, too! No wonder why I like him.

Hungry for more? Tune in for a cross-country road trip with celebrity Chef Ludo Lefebvre as he reinvents American cuisine. LUDO BITES AMERICA, Tuesdays at 9p.

Author: Ludo Lefebvre

3. David Chang

David Chang is a great Korean-American Chef. When Krissy and I come to New York, we like to go to the East Village to eat at David Chang's Momofuku restaurants. At Momofuku Noodle Bar, we're big fans of his spicy chicken ramen bowl.

And at Momofuku Ssäm Bar, you must try the Rotisserie Duck Ssäm. It's a whole rotisserie duck with chive pancakes, bibb lettuce, hoisin, duck scallion, crispy shallots, and sides. But do know that if you want this great feast, you must reserve it in advance.

Hungry for more? Tune in for a cross-country road trip with celebrity Chef Ludo Lefebvre as he reinvents American cuisine. LUDO BITES AMERICA, Tuesdays at 9p.

Author: Ludo Lefebvre

2. Farley Boyle

Farley Boyle is our family friend from New Jersey. She's not a professional chef, but I greatly respect her because she has no fear cooking for me. When we visit her she whips up these great meals…three-meat meatballs, crab bisque, crab pasta…just great.

Hungry for more? Tune in for a cross-country road trip with celebrity Chef Ludo Lefebvre as he reinvents American cuisine. LUDO BITES AMERICA, Tuesdays at 9p.

Author: Ludo Lefebvre

1. My Mom

And who can blame me? If you asked anyone to put together a list of favorite chefs, Mom would have to make the list. Always. My mother and my grandmother were the first people who taught me how to cook. More than cooking, they taught me how to dine, as the French do, and truly celebrate food and our time together around the table. Growing up, I had several favorite meals. I always enjoyed her roasted chicken and potatoes as well as her Hachis Parmentier. It’s like a French Shepherd’s Pie.

Hungry for more? Tune in for a cross-country road trip with celebrity Chef Ludo Lefebvre as he reinvents American cuisine. LUDO BITES AMERICA, Tuesdays at 9p.

Author: Ludo Lefebvre