Zach Bell

Executive chef, Café Boulud

Why: In addition to heading the elegant menu and special wine dinners at Café Boulud, the outgoing Chef Bell frequently cooks for charitable fundraisers, having joined his boss Daniel Boulud for years in hosting dinners for Share Our Strength, which raises money to fund programs that feed hungry children. In addition, Bell was the chef chair of the 2007 Signature Chefs & Wine Extravaganza at the Marriott Boca Raton, which raised money for the March of Dimes and he was part of the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival, which benefited the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League and Humane Society of the Palm Beaches. In addition, he leads the cafe's popular Cooking Class and Luncheon Series.

Lidia and Norbert Goldner

Founders and owners of Café L'Europe

Why: The perennially top-rated Café L'Europe is one of handful of restaurants that have become Palm Beach icons. The restaurant, which has been around almost 28 years, is listed in the Florida Golden Spoon Hall of Fame and is well-known not only for its high-spirited Halloween and New Year's Eve parties, but also for innovative menus and a spectacular wine cellar. The Goldners are members of the Ordre des Coteaux, champagne's most prestigious society, and are active in the Greater South County Road Association.

Paul Leone

President, Flagler System Inc., which owns The Breakers

Why: Leone is the chief executive of the island's largest employer, with 2,300 workers on the payroll. The internationally known resort is a perennial award winner for its food, accomodations, service and landscaping. It was the first hotel in Palm Beach County to receive a Green Lodging Certification by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and is currently undertaking a four-year renovation of its guest rooms. A former president of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, Leone is active in the Town of Palm Beach United Way and the Palm Beach Day Academy, and has charitable interests that include Hospice of Palm Beach County and Habitat for Humanity, which partnered with The Breakers to build a house in 2007.

Jean-Pierre Leverrier

Co-owner, chef of Chez Jean-Pierre

Why: A truly family affair, Jean-Pierre and his wife, Nicole, have owned the highly regarded restaurant since the 1970s. Jean-Pierre and son Guillaume work in the kitchen. Another son, David, manages the restaurant. All strive to keep this romantic bistro the darling of food critics and beloved by diners seeking fine French cuisine and exquisite service. The family also actively supports the Starkey Hearing Foundation and the Center for Family Services.

Jeff Simms

Executive chef of banquets for The Breakers

Why: Simms is the go-to guy for all of the major food/charity/event functions at The Breakers and the Cohen Pavilion. He recently was named Chef of the Year by the Palm Beach County Chefs Association of the American Culinary Federation for his contributions to cookery, community service, chef-association and charity-event participation and educational and culinary-profession contributions. Last year, Simms was named the Distinguished Visiting Chef by Johnson & Wales University.