James Beard 2018 Taste America Tour Announced

(PRESS RELEASE) The James Beard Foundation (JBF) announced the cities and dates for its sixth annual Taste America® national culinary tour, September 28 – November 17. The traveling series will bring one-of-a-kind dining experiences and educational opportunities to 10 dynamic culinary destinations this fall including Austin, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Louisville, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Seattle. In addition to spotlighting the delicious food around the country, Taste America will focus on amplifying JBF food waste and sustainability initiatives and will directly contribute to the Foundation's Scholarship programs.

Phoenix’s weekend-long itinerary will kick off on Thursday, September 27th with a Welcome Reception at Dominick’s Steakhouse in Scottsdale. Guests will meet and greet participating chefs while enjoying a delicious cocktail and tasting reception.

On Friday, September 28 at Mountain Shadows, a one-of-a-kind, collaborative dinner benefiting the James Beard Foundation will take place. The evening will begin with a reception featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvre from local chefs and restaurateurs, including Scott Holmes (Little Miss BBQ, Phoenix), Cassie Shortino (Tratto, Phoenix), Chrysa Robertson (Rancho Pinot, Scottsdale), Doug Robson (Gallo Blanco, Otro Café, Phoenix), and Samantha Sanz (Talavera at The Four Seasons Resort, Scottsdale, AZ). Afterwards, guests will be seated for an extraordinary dinner prepared by Host Chef Charles Wiley (Hearth ’61 at Mountain Shadows, Paradise Valley, AZ), Local All-Star Charleen Badman (FnB, Scottsdale, AZ) and Visiting All-Star Maneet Chauhan (Morph Hospitality Group, Nashville, TN), who will curate a menu showcasing America’s rich and diverse culinary scene. Capping off the night will be a dessert reception featuring Martin Nakatsu (Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch, Scottsdale, AZ), Sarah Chisholm (Tempe Public Market, Tempe, AZ), and Helen Yung (Sweet Republic, Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ).

The benefit dinner will be co-chaired by Amy and Tim Louis. Emcee for the evening will be Sean McLaughlin, News Anchor, CBS5.

For tickets, please call (480) 951-2950 or visit https://www.jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica