Lesbian Chefs

List contributed by Aefa Mulholland, with Ed Salvato at Planet Out .

Addition and pictures contributed by Websketch.

Outside the home, they say the kitchen is a man's world. Yet amid the industrial blenders, macho egos and tempers, is a talented crew of gay women at the helm of some of the country's best restaurants. To stimulate your appetite, we present the top women chefs who play for our team.

1. Tamara Murphy, Brasa
2107 Third Avenue, Seattle
206/728-4220; www.brasa.com; dinner entrées: $24-39

Adored by resident and visiting celebrities alike, sumptuous Brasa is presided over by Iron Chef America contender Tamara Murphy. After six years creating masterpieces (mistresspieces?) of French cuisine at Campagna, Tamara created the beautiful, romantic Brasa -- 'coals' in Portuguese. Mediterranean influences on the menu are paired with local produce, such as Oregon rabbit and Cascade beef.

2. Traci Des Jardins, Jardiniere
300 Grove Street, San Francisco
415/861-5555; www.jardiniere.com; $24-35

Also a survivor of Iron Chef America, culinary star Traci Des Jardins opened the two-tiered Jardiniere in 1997 -- a dramatic venue with mahogany columns, sweeping staircase and a golden dome in a landmark "theatre for food." Californian-French cuisine is her specialty. When not bent over a hot grill, she also hurtles morsels onto plates at her other project, Acme Chophouse (24 Willie Mays Plaza; 415/644-0240; http://www.acmechophouse.com/).

3. Elizabeth Falkner, Citizen Cake
399 Grove Street, San Francisco
415/861-2228; www.citizencake.com; $20-28

James Beard-nominated Elizabeth Falkner, of TV and cruiseship fame, (wo)mans this hip patisserie/restaurant/bar -- a showcase for sugar explosions, avant-garde pastry and caramelized teeter totters. Specializing in architecturally- and pop culturally-inspired desserts, this art school graduate wants you to enjoy fabulous entrées but leave room for a hefty portion of Retro Tropical Shag or Mocha Mi Su -- a couple of her architecturally ambitious and sumptuously delicious cakes.

4. Susan Feniger, The Border Grill
Mandalay Bay Casino, 3950 Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas
702/632-7403; www.bordergrill.com; $10-38

This fabulous spot, run by Susan Feniger with her 'Too Hot Tamales' TV show co-presenter Mary Sue Milliken, offers Las Vegas visitors a delicious culinary gamble, where every choice is a winner. Innovative empanadas and tamales star and Nevada's best margaritas add to the experience. An incredible outdoor patio is the perfect place for delectable desert city dining.

5. Anita Lo, Annisa
13 Barrow Street, New York
212/741- 6699; www.annisarestaurant.com; $24-31

Kitchen goddess Anita Lo named her intimate den 'Annisa' after the Arabic word for 'women.' This Greenwich Village oasis is subtly attired in neutral earth tones, lit by tabletop oil lamps and filled with diners stunned by eclectic à la carte miracles. From a foundation in French cuisine, Ms Lo has adventured to exciting frontiers of new American food, proffering astounding dishes, filled with intrigue. Wines are mostly from female vintners or from wineries with female proprietors.

6. Kerry Heffernan, The Laurel Court
The Fairmont, 950 Mason Street, San Francisco
415/772-5260; www.fairmont.com; $20-27

Another James Beard honoree, Kerry Heffernan, executive sous chef of San Francisco's Fairmont, specializes in Northern California cuisine. Formerly executive chef at St Helena's Pinot Blanc, executive chef/owner of Oakland's award-winning Autumn Moon and chef at the Palace, Kerry infuses seasonal produce and fresh local products with her own creativity to produce bold, memorable flavors.

7. Jamie Leeds, Hank's Oyster Bar
1624 Q Street N.W., Washington D.C.
202/462-4265; www.hanksdc.com; $12-19

Having helmed the stoves at 15 ria, James Beard-honored chef Jamie Leeds opened her intimate 65-seater restaurant in May 2005. An array of oysters and seasonal seafood star at this wonderfully welcoming Dupont Circle venue, named after the chef's father.

8. Deborah Scott, Indigo Grill
1536 India Street, San Diego
619/234-6802; www.cohnrestaurants.com; $18-29

Deborah Scott's menus of 'Beginnings' and 'Sunset Offerings,' and her tantalizing Ceviche Bar, are laden with thrilling delicacies such as pipian pesto, epazota and mescal cured salmon. High-end Alaskan seafood hustles for diners' attention with exotic Oaxacan food.

9. Deborah Stanton, Deborah's (Life Love Food)
43 Carmine Street, New York
212/242-2606; www.deborahlifelovefood.com; $16-24

Having graduated to her eponymous Greenwich Village spot from Galaxy and Tribeca Bar & Grill, Deborah Stanton serves up three courses of life, love and food to an appreciative (largely gay) clientele. Her energetic modern American gems are served in generous portions.

10. Pitita Lago, The Blue Mill Tavern
50 Commerce Street, New York
212-352-0009; $15-27

Having done time at Gotham Bar & Grill, Rainbow Room and Atmosphere, Pitita Lago now dishes up upscale old style originals -- three course blue plate depression-era specials -- with respect, flair and charm. The whirring fans and Art Deco surrounds feel far from the West Village as Pitita plates up classics from bygone days.

11. Jenny Cates, Bonfire
Park Plaza Hotel
64 Arlington Street, Boston
617-262-3473; $18-30

Knock back a crisp draft beer, glass of wine (the restaurant offers a nice selection from the world over) or a stiff cocktail while enjoying the frenetic, but controlled energy of the open kitchen. Helmed by Jenny Cates, Bonfire is really a gussied-up steak house with warm South American influences. Most diners -- including locals who love Todd English (he of Olives) and out-of-towners staying upstairs at the storied Park Plaza -- follow with a steak. The service is professional: informative and available but not intrusive. The ambience is urbane with walls of windows looking upon a pleasantly busy street scene.

And we have to add our favorite:

Cat Cora, the first woman to win the "Iron Chef America" competition, acclaimed chef, author and UNICEF spokesperson has been named Executive Chef of Bon Appetit magazine.

Cora is a classically trained professional, having worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. She holds the distinction of being the first female Iron Chef and is a familiar face on the Food Network. Cora is also the president and founder of Chefs for Humanity, a coalition of celebrity chefs and culinary professionals working together to raise funds and provide resources for humanitarian aid, nutritional education and hunger-related initiatives throughout the world.

Cora, 39, a Greek-American from Jackson, Miss., lives in Santa Barbara, California, with her partner Jennifer and sons Zoran and Caje.