NEW ORLEANS – The James Beard Foundation announced that New Orleans will serve as the official kickoff city for the upcoming Taste America culinary series, presented by American Express and Resy. The foundation team shares that the national program celebrates the importance of supporting local independent restaurants and the food industry at large in 20 cities across the country, beginning with a signature event in New Orleans on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at The Josephine.
The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America series brings together chefs, special guests and diners nationwide to highlight the restaurants that anchor our communities and shape America’s culinary identity. This year, the foundation team will shine a spotlight on New Orleans’ vibrant food culture by hosting the Taste America kickoff event in the heart of the city.
Dickie Brennan (Dickie Brennan Family of Restaurants) will serve as Host Committee Chairman for the New Orleans launch. Several notable local leaders have committed to participating on the Host Committee, including Sara Brennan (Bellegarde Bakery & The Commissary), Jacqueline Blanchard (Sukeban), Frank Brigtsen (Brigtsen’s Restaurant), Geordie Brower III (Dickie Brennan Family of Restaurants), Ana Castro (Acamaya & Casimiro), Edgar “Dook” Chase IV (Dooky Chases’s Restaurant), Christa Cotton (El Guapo Bitters), Mia Devillier (Devillier Hospitality Group/La Petite Grocery), Alice Glenn (New Orleans and Company), Kaitlin Guerin (Lagniappe Bakehouse), E.J. Lagasse (Emeril’s), Donald Link (Link Restaurant Group), Ti Martin (Commander’s Palace), Nikki Mills (Pêche Seafood Grill), Effie Richardson (Dakar NOLA), Lindsay Ross (Dickie Brennan Family of Restaurants), John Shoup (Great Chefs Television), Susan Spicer (Rosedale).
“New Orleans has always opened its doors to the world, and I couldn’t be prouder to welcome the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America kickoff to our city,” said Dickie Brennan. “Our culinary community is built on tradition and hospitality, and hosting this event gives us a chance to celebrate the chefs and restaurants who make New Orleans such a special place to dine and live.”
The evening will feature a walk-around tasting showcasing the full cohort of TasteTwenty chefs from across the country — an annual “ones to watch” list recognizing talent whose exceptional cooking, creative vision and leadership are helping shape the future of American dining. Each chef will host a tasting station that reflects their signature style and celebrates the uniqueness of their restaurant and community. Guests will also enjoy beverage stations and activations from national and local sponsors.
“New Orleans has long been at the heart of America’s culinary story, making it the ideal setting to launch our national Taste America series! The kickoff will be a celebration unlike any other—an extraordinary evening where guests taste their way across America in a single night,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO, James Beard Foundation. “With all 20 TasteTwenty chefs under one roof, guests will experience a snapshot of American food culture at its most vibrant, celebrating the incredible breadth of diversity and talent shaping its future. Every ticket sold also helps further our mission at a time when independent restaurants need it more than ever.”
Now in its 14th year, Taste America invites diners to experience their city’s food scene through the lens of celebrated local chefs—and the flavors, traditions, and innovations shaping American dining. Every event is a night to remember, offering a unique opportunity to experience exceptional food, support the JBF mission, and become a part of a vibrant culinary community. Proceeds directly benefit the Foundation’s national impact programming, championing a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving future for independent restaurants and the broader food system.
Tickets for the Taste America New Orleans walk-around tasting are on sale now. For more information, and to view menus and participating talent, visit jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica.