Age: 35
Occupation: Chef
Previous TIME 100 Appearances: 0
Achatz has become the leading American figure in the culinary art known as molecular gastronomy. His influence extends far beyond his Chicago sanctuary, Alinea, which Gourmet named best restaurant in the U.S. in 2006. The lucky few who get to dine there — Alinea seats only 64 — may even see Achatz use an entire table as a giant "plate" onto which he paints his edible masterpieces.