Industry Insiders Describe 2014 in One Word

As is the tradition at Eater, our closeout of the year is a survey of restaurant industry insiders. We've already covered the 2014's restaurant standbys and best newcomers. Now it's time for 2014 in one word.

Describe 2014 in one word.

Krista Miller, Atlanta Eats director of content

Beautiful.

Jason Santamaria, Second Self Beer Company co-founder

Life-changing.

Ali Wild, Across the Street owner

Bombastic.

Steven Lingenfelter, Illegal Food chef/owner

(With tongue firmly planted in cheek) Whirlwind/complete mindfuck.

Todd Richards, The Pig & The Pearl and The Shed at Glenwood chef/partner

Polarizing.

Linton Hopkins, chef/restaurateur/empire builder

Wow!

Alex Brounstein, Grindhouse Killer Burgers owner

BeltLine.

Julian Gogliana, The Pinewood owner/bartender

Whiskey.

Zeb Stevenson, Parish executive chef/soon moving to Watershed on Peachtree

Oyster-rama!

Jarrett Stieber, Eat Me Speak Me chef

Busy.

Eli Kirshtein, The Luminary chef/owner

BeltLine.

Josh Charles, Flags of Origin owner/designer (Bocado Burger, Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall)

Introspective.

Zach Meloy, Better Half chef/owner

Expectant.