He's worked in kitchens for three decades. He's gotten rave reviews from the New York Times. His Manhattan eatery, L'Impero, won a James Beard Award for best restaurant. You've very likely watched Conant in action, because he's been a judge on Chopped, Top Chef, and 24 Hour Restaurant Battle. He's traded cooking techniques with Anthony Bourdain for an audience of millions.

In one of the most competitive restaurant scenes in the world, Conant was on fire. But at 45, Conant says, he needed a change of pace. Not long ago, he met Stefano Fabbri, owner of Pomo Pizzeria Neapolitano. They hit it off and decided to start a restaurant together in midtown Phoenix. Conant really embraced the Valley — he swiftly bought a house in Phoenix and moved his family west. Now he lives with his wife and two daughters, and a pool.