New York, NY (February 15, 2011) –- For the past 23 years FOOD & WINE editors have honored the country’s most promising up-and-coming chefs with the magazine’s annual Best New Chef award. Today FOOD & WINEannounces a brand-new addition to this prestigious program: The People’s Best New Chef award. The dining public will determine The People’s Best New Chef winner via online vote on CNN’s websiteeatocracy.com/foodandwine, who is hosting this survey in conjunction with FOOD & WINE, beginning today and continuing through March 1, 2011.

The field of 100 nominees for The People’s Best New Chef award includes 10 chefs in each of 10 regions across America, all talented innovators who have run their own kitchens for five years or fewer. The chefs with the most votes in each of the regions will be named finalists. Of those 10 finalists, the one with the most votes overall will be named The People’s Best New Chef and will be profiled along with the 10 Best New Chefs in the July 2011 issue of FOOD & WINE. The People's Best New Chef finalists and winner will be revealed on March 2. (Note: Inclusion as a nominee for The People’s Best New Chef award does not preclude consideration for a Best New Chef award.)

“We know that people are opinionated, especially when it comes to food, and their tastes are more discriminating than ever,” says FOOD & WINE Editor in Chief Dana Cowin. “We’re excited to give restaurant-goers across America a chance to give a giant shout-out to their favorite chef.”

To learn about the 100 chefs eligible for The People’s Best New Chef award, go to foodandwine.com/peoples-bnc. Visit eatocracy.cnn.com/foodandwine on or before March 1 to vote for your favorite and follow #peoplesbnc.