Local Flavor Coast to Coast

JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION'S

TASTE AMERICA TO VISIT PHOENIX

The James Beard Foundation will present its national

epicurean tour celebrating America’s culinary diversity.

From Sept. 12 through Oct. 25, 2014, the program will

stop in 10 cities over five weekends, including Atlanta,

Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York City,

Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.

Each city will enjoy a special evening that

starts off with a walk-around tasting reception

from a line-up of local chefs, followed by a

one-night-only, collaborative four-course

dinner crafted by a Taste America All-Star and

a local celebrity chef.

                                                                                                                                                             Host chef Paul McCabe, T. Cook's at The Royal Palms Resort & Spa

A weekend-long tour, Phoenix’s Taste America intinerary will kick off on Fri., Sept. 12, at The Royal Palms Resort & Spa with A Night of Culinary Stars, an exclusive dining event benefiting the James Beard Foundation. The evening will begin with a reception filled with bites and libations from local chefs, including Charleen Badman (FnB, Scottsdale), Cullen Campbell (Crudo, Phoenix), Joshua Hebert (Posh, Scottsdale), Gio Osso (Virtu, Scottsdale) and Silvana Salcida Esparza (Barrio Café, Phoenix).

Afterward, guests will be seated for an exceptional dinner prepared by Taste America All-Star Sherry Yard, Helms Bakery, LA; local Star Kevin Binkley, Binkley’s Restaurant, Cave Creek; and host chef Paul McCabe, T. Cooks at The Royal Palms Resort & Spa, Phoenix. The chefs will collaborate to create a one-of-a-kind menu diners won’t forget. Tickets begin at $250 per guest and include reception, dinner, all beverages, tax and gratuity.

On Sat., Sept, 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a series of free in-store consumer events will take place at Sur La Table located in Scottsdale Fashion Square. The day’s activities will include book signings, tastings from local producers and artisans, plus cooking demonstrations by James Beard Award winners.

The James Beard Foundation will donate a portion of the evening’s proceeds to the Taste America Scholarship Fund. Local culinary students in Arizona are invited to apply for this culinary scholarship between April 1 and May 15, 2015 through jamesbeard.org.

Complete schedule of events and tickets

Above left, Kevin Binkley, Binkley's Restaurant in Cave Creek