James Beard Foundation’s Taste America - Austin

The James Beard Foundation’s 2018 Taste America^® cross-country culinary series, which will visit Austin from November 15-17 for a weekend of food-filled events, is fast approaching.

“James Beard Foundation’s Taste America is such a great opportunity for chefs around the country to collaborate with each other and feel connected. We always look forward to events like these ones, and we’re thrilled to be in Austin and in such fine company,” said Visiting All-Stars Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson, Chefs and Owners of Kismet in Los Angeles. 

"Cooking for The James Beard Foundation's Taste America is an honor of the highest level. The work done by the Foundation is so powerful and important in this critical time. To represent Austin, and our talent-rich restaurant community, is something I will always be grateful to have done," said Local All-Star Michael Fojtasek, Executive Chef and Owner of Austin’s Olamaie.

A limited number of tickets for the Gala are now available to the public starting at $250. All Taste America benefit dinner VIP ticket holders and table purchasers will participate in an exclusive meet & greet with the chefs, and have access to the November 15 kick-off event Smoke Session, an evening of BBQ, brews, and blues.

Austin’s Friday, November 16 benefit dinner will kick off with a reception filled with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from local chefs and restaurateurs. Afterwards, guests will be seated for an exceptional dinner prepared by Taste America Visiting All-Stars Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson and Local All-Star Michael Fojtasek.  To cap off the evening, guests will be treated to a walk-around dessert reception featuring sweet bites from local chefs. For the full schedule of events and more information, visit jamesbeard.org/taste-america-austin. 

The James Beard Foundation’s 2018 Taste America is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors and partners, including premier sponsors Deloitte, El Tesoro^TM Tequila, and Woodford Reserve; supporting sponsors Dinova, Gloria Ferrer, Ornua Foods North America, Robert Mondavi Winery, and Windstar Cruises; patron sponsor Choose Chicago; retail partner Sur La Table; and founding partner Bowen & Company. Additional support for Taste America 2018 has been provided by Chefwear and VerTerra Dinnerware. Local Partners include 44 Farms, American Bank of Commerce, Chameleon Cold Brew, method, New Belgium Ale, Verlasso, Whole Foods Market.  Local Media Partners are Culture Map and Texas Monthly. Special thanks to graphic designer Yara Erazo.

Ticket for the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America 2018 are now on sale. Visit jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica for more details.

*Notes James Beard Award Winner

**Notes James Beard Award Nominee

***Notes James Beard Award Semifinalist