NEW ORLEANS – The James Beard Foundation, the organization behind the James Beard Awards, announces that its Taste America culinary series returns to New Orleans with a walk-around tasting on Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Sazerac House. Presented by Capital One, the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America series celebrates culinary excellence and the local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities, bringing together chefs and food lovers for unique dining experiences across 20 U.S. cities.
The New Orleans walk-around tasting will feature chef Serigne Mbaye from DAKAR NOLA, winner on behalf of the 2024 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, also recognized as one of the industry’s finest culinary talents and changemakers, as part of the foundation’s annual class of TasteTwenty chefs. The TasteTwenty chefs, in collaboration with local guest chefs, champion the James Beard Foundation’s mission of Good Food for Good at special events around the country. Tickets for the Taste America New Orleans tasting are on sale now at jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica.
The New Orleans tasting will feature over ten food stations, speciality cocktails, sponsor and partner activations. Participating chefs include:
● Chef Serigne Mbaye of James Beard Award WinnerDAKAR NOLA
● Chef Martha Wiggins of Café Reconcile, James Beard Award Semifinalist
● Chef Charly Pierre of Fritai, James Beard Award Semifinalist
● Chef Sophina Uong of Mister Mao, James Beard Award Semifinalist, and James Beard Foundation Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Program and Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change alumnae
● Chef EJ Lagasse of Emeril’s, James Beard Award Semifinalist
● Chef Nikki Mills of James Beard Award Winner Pêche
● Chef Marlon Williams of Chicken’s Kitchen, James Beard Award Semifinalist
● Chef Tom Branighan of Mamou
● Chef Edgar Caro of Brasa
● Chef Kaitlin Guerin of Lagniappe Baking Co.
Valued national sponsors for this event include Capital One, American Airlines, Deloitte, and local partners Tabasco and Sazerac.
“We are delighted to bring Taste America to New Orleans, a city known for its rich food culture and vibrant independent restaurant community,” said Siobhan Flaherty Haber, vice president of events at the James Beard Foundation. “It is sure to be an unforgettable culinary experience, and we’re thrilled to highlight our Good Food for Good mission as well as the exceptional talents, inspiring stories, and community commitment of our TasteTwenty host chef Serigne Mbaye and the local guest chefs.”
Taste America events highlight the richness and diversity of America’s local food culture while spotlighting chefs uniquely leading the industry forward. Menus at all events promise a delectable evening benefiting the foundation’s industry-focused mission and programs. Throughout the series, Taste America will highlight over 100 leading chefs and offer participants a window into the tastes and traditions shaping American food today. Attending the Taste America New Orleans event is a unique opportunity to become part of the foundation’s vibrant and growing national culinary community, comprising food lovers and industry professionals alike. Proceeds from Taste America events benefit the James Beard Foundation’s national impact programming in support of equity, sustainability, women’s leadership, and a future where all can thrive in the culinary industry and beyond.
Tickets for the Taste America New Orleans event are now on sale. For more information, visit jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica.
As the official bank and credit card partner of the James Beard Foundation, eligible Capital One rewards cardholders will have access to tickets set aside just for them on Capital One Entertainment, which include special onsite perks while supplies last.
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