David Chang

Think you're busy? This year the enterprising ramen enthusiast expanded his nearly 500-employee empire to four Momofuku restaurants in New York City, one in Sydney, and three in Toronto, plus two bars and five Momofuku Milk Bar bakeries in New York. His restaurants have won a diehard following, and his food magazine, Lucky Peach, has been a hit. Along the way, the son of Korean immigrants has picked up three prestigious James Beard awards. Screen test: Chang played himself on HBO's New Orleans drama, Treme. --D.R.