James Beard Foundation’s 4th Annual Taste America Announces Star Chefs
Tickets have just gone on sale for the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America national epicurean tour, which will visit 10 American cities this fall.
Spanning six weekends between Sept. 23 and Nov. 5, this year’s program will stop in Boston, Charleston, Chicago, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Phoenix, Portland, Oreg., San Francisco and the Twin Cities. Each city will enjoy a special evening that starts off with a walk-around tasting reception from a lineup of celebrated local chefs, followed by a one-of-a-kind four-course dinner crafted in collaboration with a Taste America All-Star and a Local Star chef.
Phoenix’s weekend long celebration kicks off Thurs., Sept. 22, with a Welcome Reception at Fox Restaurant Concepts’ Little Cleo’s Seafood Legend at The Yard, Phoenix. The evening includes handcrafted cocktails mixed by Beverage Director Snapp, and indulgence of a menu inspired by Fox Restaurant Concepts’ dinner at The Beard House this June.
Gabe Bertaccini, Il Tocco Food; Kelly Fletcher, Crudo; Sacha Levine, Ocotillo; and Jeff Smedstad, Elote Café
Matthew Taylor, Gertrude’s
The festivities continue Fri., Sept. 23, at The Camby with A Night of Culinary Stars, an exclusive dining event benefiting the James Beard Foundation. The evening begins with a reception filled with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from local chefs and restaurateurs, including Gabe Bertaccini (Il Tocco Food, Phoenix), Kelly Fletcher (Crudo, Phoenix), Sacha Levine (Ocotillo, Phoenix), Jeff Smedstad (Elote Café, Sedona), and Matthew Taylor (Gertrude’s, Phoenix).
Dushyant Singh, Artizen
Guests will then be seated for dinner prepared by James Beard Award-winning chef and Taste America All-Star Amanda Freitag (Food Network’s Chopped and American Diner Revival, New York), along with Local Star James Beard Best Chef Southwest Award Winner Christopher Gross (Christopher’s and Crush Lounge, Phoenix) and host chef Dushyant Singh (Artizen Crafted American Kitchen and Bar at The Camby, Phoenix) who will collaborate to create a unique one-night-only menu.
The evening concludes with desserts prepared by Tracy Dempsey (Tracy Dempsey Originals, Tempe), Eugenia Theodosopoulos (Essence Bakery Café, Phoenix) and Helen Yung (Sweet Republic, Scottsdale). Sean McLaughlin (News Anchor, CBS 5 News) will serve as guest emcee for the Friday night festivities.
Christopher Gross, Christopher’s and Crush Lounge; Tracy Dempsey, Tracy Dempsey Originals; Eugenia Theodosopoulos, Essence Bakery Café; and Helen Yung, Sweet Republic
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
The Camby has created a package that includes two tickets to the dinner plus an overnight stay at The Camby on Fri., Sept. 23 and brunch for two at Artizen Crafted American Kitchen and Bar the following morning.
On Saturday, September 24, 2016 Free in-store consumer events will take place at Sur La Table located at Kierland Commons, Scottsdale, on Sat., Sept. 24. Activities will include cooking demos by All-Star Amanda Freitag and JBF Award Winner Christopher Gross, book signing by Amanda Freitag, culinary treats from local producers and artisans, as well as product demos and tastings from national sponsors.
For reservations, CLICK HERE.
For a complete schedule of Phoenix events, CLICK HERE.
