While doing his own research, Glassner spends time with big-name chefs and interviews food writers and critics.

"What big-name chef did you come up with, Ernie?"

Michelin-starred restaurants rub shoulders with bistros offering pared-down food by big-name chefs.

Del Posto has the kinds of things restaurateurs dream about: buzz, a big-name chef and four-star aspirations.

But a couple of prominent restaurateurs and a big-name chef are making up for it.

As more big-name chefs start downmarket, ready-to-franchise places, it seems that what looks easy isn't always easy.

Let the big-name chefs fuss with foams and sous vide.

For several years in the late 1980's, "21" tried to go upscale by hiring two big-name chefs, Anne Rosenzweig and Alain Sailhac.

The food at this six-month-old spot is evolving as its new big-name chef, Robert Trainor, learns his clients' tastes.

It draws big-name chefs with big-time ambitions.