The Gods of Food | TIME

November 18, 2013 5:50 PM EST

Man doesn’t live by Bread alone, and while this pantheon of providers is human, they do more than sate hunger. Today’s masters of haute cuisine don’t cater only to the 1%: their impact is felt even by those who would never eat a Michelin-starred meal. They are thought leaders and advocates, who not only prepare extraordinary meals but also tell us why we may be doing good for the planet by eating well. Other influencers are less well known but no less powerful: farmers, activists, bureaucrats and businessmen who help determine what goes on your plate or in your cup. Here is TIME’s selection of people who will likely be at your dining table tonight — even if you didn’t invite them.

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AGAINST THE GRAIN
Chef Dan Barber is going to seeds to improve what goes from farm to table

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DUCK AND COVER
David Chang has duck ramen among the various offerings of his global food empire

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