James Beard Foundation’s “Taste America” Returns with a Weekend of Regional Cuisine

The Ebell Taste AmericaThe fourth annual James Beard Foundation’s Taste America event returns to LA this weekend before continuing on its national epicurean tour. Taste America focuses on regional flavors from coast to coast, heading to great American food cities like San Francisco, Chicago and New Orleans.

Friday, September 23rd, at 6:30pm, guests in Los Angeles will enjoy a walk-around tasting reception at the gorgeous Vibiana. Some of our favorite local chefs will be providing small hors d’oeuvre. Chefs for the opening reception include Nyesha Arrington (Leona), Josef Centeno (Orsa & Winston), and Bruce Kalman (Union, Knead & Co.). There will be cocktails. Dress swanky.

The reception will be followed by a “one-of-a-kind” four-course dinner at 7:30pm prepared by James Beard, Award–winning chef and Taste America All-Star Scott Conant (Impero Caffé), along with Local Star and hottie Curtis Stone (Gwen), James Beard Award-nominated pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith (Sweet Hedy), and Host Chef Neal Fraser (Redbird, Fritzi’s) who will “collaborate to create a unique and unforgettable one-night-only menu.” Premiere Dining Event tickets for $275 include the opening reception, the seated dinner, and access to both a silent and live auction. Buy your tickets here.

On Saturday, September 24, there will be a free in-store event at Sur La Table in Westwood. James Beard Award-winner Suzanne Goin will perform a cooking demo, and the day’s events include “book signings, culinary treats from local producers and artisans, as well as product demos and tastings from…national sponsors.” The cooking demo is sold out, but to get a free spot on the waiting list, contact keidi@afandco.com.

Check the event page for more info. The James Beard Foundation will donate a portion of the evening’s proceeds to the Taste America Scholarship Fund. Previously on The LA Beat: Taste America 2015.

Elise Thompson

About Elise Thompson

Born and raised in the great city of Los Angeles, this food, culture and music-loving punk rock angeleno wants to turn you on to all that is funky, delicious and weird in the city. While Elise holds down the fort, her adventurous alter ego Kiki Maraschino is known to roam the country in search of catfish.
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