119 — Chef Darryl Bell Jr.

You can take the man out of Kansas City, but not Kansas City out of the man. Missouri-native Darryl Bell Jr. knows that eminently. He’ll be the first to acknowledge that this city, steeped in history, jazz, and world-class barbecue, flavored and seasoned his upbringing in countless ways that linger. So much so that when this chef – who’s cooked in the celebrated kitchens of Alinea in Chicago, Bouchon in Yountville, Etoile in Napa, Michel Troisgros in Tokyo, Press in St. Helena, and restaurants in France – embarked on his first entrepreneurial venture, it had Kansas City written all over it.

Bell’s company, Stateline Road BBQ, is named for the major thoroughfare that divides Kansas City, MO and Kansas City, KS. Not surprisingly, it’s a hotbed for great barbecue joints. His first product, 816 BBQ Sauce, carries the imprint of the area code of Kansas City. A zesty blend of Central Valley tomatoes, Gilroy garlic, brown sugar, vinegar, and a hush-hush blend of spices, it’s just the right amount of sweet, heat, and piquant that reveals itself on the palate like a fine wine. In fact, one Napa Valley winery owner christened it the “Mercedes-Benz of barbecue sauces.’’ None other than Thomas Keller took one taste and put it on his menus served aboard all Seabourn luxury cruise ships.