NASHVILLE, TENN. (Nov. 21, 2024) – The James Beard Foundation®, the organization behind the James Beard Awards®, the most prestigious culinary recognition in the country, announces that its national Taste America culinary series returns to Nashville with a walk-around tasting on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, from 6–9 p.m. at Saint Elle. 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 Nashville walk-around tasting will feature chef Mailea Weger, most recently of Lou, recognized as one of the industry’s finest culinary talents and changemakers as part of the Foundation’s annual class of TasteTwenty chefs, who will champion the James Beard Foundation’s mission of Good Food for Good® at this special event, in collaboration with local guest chefs. Tickets for the Taste America Nashville tasting are on sale now for Capital One cardholders and will be available publicly beginning November 22, 2024, at jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica.
Bringing together the local culinary community and beyond in celebration of local independent food culture, this major event hosted at Saint Elle will be an unparalleled opportunity for guests to experience the exceptional and delicious work of James Beard Foundation-curated talent. Leading the event is TasteTwenty chef and James Beard Award semifinalist Mailea Weger. Weger is known for her culinary style blending contemporary California fare with old-world European influences to create seasonal, sustainable and vegetable-forward dishes. Local guest chefs from the city will also participate for a total of 15+ food and beverage stations, including sponsor and partner activations.
Participating chefs include:
- André Prince Jeffries and Tamara Kelly of Prince’s Hot Chicken
- Arnold Myint of International Market
- Colby Rasavong of Bad Idea
- Deb Paquette of etch and etc.
- Dung “Junior” Vo of Noko
- Jason La Iacona of Miel
- Josh Habiger of Bastion
- Julio Hernandez of Maíz de la Vida
- Margot McCormack of Margot Cafe
Valued national sponsors for this event include Capital One, Maldon Sea Salt, McCormick for Chefs and VerTerra Dinnerware. Special thanks to AvantStay, as well as local partners Tennessee Department of Tourism Development, The Calling, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery and Chef’s Market Café & Takeaway.
“We are delighted to bring Taste America to Nashville, 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 talent, inspiring story and community commitment of our TasteTwenty chef Mailea Weger and local guest chefs."
Taste America events highlight the richness and diversity of America’s local food culture, while spotlighting chefs who are uniquely leading the industry forward. Menus at all events promise a delectable evening benefiting the Foundation's industry-focused mission and programs. Over the course of 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 Nashville event is a special 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 for the culinary industry and beyond.
Tickets for the Taste America Nashville event are now on sale now for Capital One cardholders and will be available publicly beginning Nov. 22, 2024. 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.
The James Beard Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability. For information on the Foundation’s programs and initiatives, please visit jamesbeard.org.
The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® is presented by Capital One, the official credit card and banking partner of the James Beard Foundation. Through this first-of-its-kind partnership, eligible Capital One cardholders can enjoy exclusive access to James Beard Foundation programming. Taste America is also supported by Premier Sponsors: American Airlines, the official airline of the James Beard Foundation, Deloitte; Supporting Sponsor: Wine Access; Patron Sponsors: Choose Chicago, Illinois Restaurant Association, Maldon Sea Salt, McCormick for Chefs; with Additional Support from: Mountain Valley Spring Water, VerTerra Dinnerware, Windstar Cruises, the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation; and Founding Partner: Bowen & Co. Events.
ABOUT THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION
The James Beard Foundation (JBF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to leading chefs and the broader culinary industry towards a new standard of excellence. Our guiding principle, Good Food for Good®, informs our vision of a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable independent restaurant industry that stands as a cornerstone of American culture and drives towards a better food system. For nearly 40 years, JBF has been instrumental in recognizing, amplifying, educating, and training the individuals who shape American food culture. Today, our mission comes to life through the prestigious James Beard Awards, industry and community-focused programming, advocacy and policy initiatives, and exciting culinary events and partnerships around the country—including at our new Platform by JBF® event space in New York City. Learn more at jamesbeard.org, sign up for our emails, and follow @beardfoundation on social media.
ABOUT CAPITAL ONE
At Capital One, we’re on a mission for our customers – bringing them best-in-class products, rewards, services, and experiences. Capital One is a diversified bank that offers products and services to individuals, small businesses, and commercial clients. We use technology, innovation, and interaction to provide consumers with products and services to meet their needs. Through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment, we provide our rewards cardholders with access to unforgettable experiences in the areas they’re passionate about, including dining, music, sports, and the arts. Learn more at capitalone.com/dining and capitalone.com/entertainment.
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