Although our greatest joys are cooking and entertaining, they're simply not as fun without inspiration from the outside world. I'm often spurred to mix up new flavor combinations or cooking techniques by the likes of cooking shows, restaurateurs, bartenders, and, of course, great restaurant chefs.

In 2008, we had the privilege of speaking with cutting-edge faces in the food industry and leaders who have had longtime influence on us. We were impressed by their humility, devotion to hard work, and advice for everyday cooks. These interviews are our top 10 favorites this year:

• A Chic Coffee Break With Colin Cowie [1]
• Pat and Gina Neely on Being in the Business Together [2]
• Rocco DiSpirito at the Aspen Food and Wine Classic [3]
• Getting to Know Anne Burrell [4]
• Talking Drinks With Tony Abou-Ganim [5]
• Catching Up With the Great Thomas Keller [6]
• Aïda Mollenkamp Shows Us Around Chow [7]
• David Chang Dishes on Slow (And Fast) Food [8]
• Katie Lee Joel Speak Out on the Burger Backlash [9]
• Meet Dale DeGroff, the King of Cocktails [10]

Photo Courtesy of Colin Miller [11]