The James Beard Foundation (JBF) announced the cities and dates for its sixth annual Taste America® national culinary tour, September 28th through November 17th. The traveling series will bring one-of-a-kind dining experiences and educational opportunities to 10 dynamic culinary destinations this fall including Austin, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Louisville, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Seattle. In addition to spotlighting the delicious food around the country, Taste America will focus on amplifying JBF food waste and sustainability initiatives and will directly contribute to the Foundation’s Scholarship programs.
On Friday, September 28th at Mountain Shadows, Taste America, a one-of-a-kind, collaborative dinner, benefiting the James Beard Foundation will take place. The evening will begin with a reception featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvre from local chefs and restaurateurs, including Scott Holmes (Little Miss BBQ, Phoenix), Danielle Leoni (The Breadfruit & Rum Bar, Phoenix), Chrysa Robertson (Rancho Pinot, Scottsdale), Doug Robson (Gallo Blanco, Otro Café, Phoenix), and Samantha Sanz (Talavera at The Four Seasons Resort, Scottsdale, AZ). Afterwards, guests will be seated for an extraordinary dinner prepared by a Taste America Visiting All-Star, Host Chef Charles Wiley (Hearth ’61 at Mountain Shadows, Paradise Valley, AZ), and Taste America Local All-Star Charleen Badman***(FnB***, Scottsdale, AZ) who will curate a menu showcasing America’s rich and diverse culinary scene. Capping off the night will be a dessert reception featuring Martin Nakatsu (Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch, Scottsdale, AZ), Sarah Chisholm (Tempe Public Market, Tempe, AZ), and Helen Yung (Sweet Republic, Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ).
The benefit dinner will be co-chaired by Amy and Tim Louis. Emcee for the evening will be Sean McLaughlin, News Anchor, CBS5.
Make sure to get your tickets to the Taste America dinner before they are all gone. You can get them online or by calling 480.951.2950.