FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW ORLEANS SELECTED AS NATIONAL KICKOFF CITY FOR THE 2026-2027 SEASON OF THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION’S TASTE AMERICA® SERIES, PRESENTED BY AMERICAN EXPRESS AND RESY
NEW ORLEANS, LA — The James Beard Foundation® is excited to announce that New Orleans will serve as the official kickoff city for the upcoming Taste America culinary series, presented by American Express and Resy. The national program celebrates the importance of supporting local independent restaurants and the food industry at large in 20 cities across the country, beginning with a signature event in New Orleans on Wednesday, September 16 at The Josephine, 2400 Napoleon Avenue.
The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® series brings together chefs, special guests, and diners nationwide to highlight the restaurants that anchor our communities and shape America’s culinary identity. This year, the Foundation will shine a spotlight on New Orleans’ vibrant food culture by hosting the Taste America kickoff event in the heart of the city.
Dickie Brennan (Dickie Brennan Family of Restaurants) will serve as Host Committee Chairman for the New Orleans launch. Several notable local leaders have committed to participating on the Host Committee, including Sara Brennan (Bellegarde Bakery & The Commissary), Jacqueline Blanchard (Sukeban), Frank Brigtsen (Brigtsen's Restaurant), Geordie Brower III (Dickie Brennan Family of Restaurants), Ana Castro (Acamaya & Casimiro), Edgar "Dook" Chase IV (Dooky Chases's Restaurant), Christa Cotton (El Guapo Bitters), Mia Devillier (Devillier Hospitality Group/La Petite Grocery), Alice Glenn (New Orleans and Company), Kaitlin Guerin (Lagniappe Bakehouse), E.J. Lagasse (Emeril's), Donald Link (Link Restaurant Group), Ti Martin (Commander's Palace), Nikki Mills (Pêche Seafood Grill), Effie Richardson (Dakar NOLA), Lindsay Ross (Dickie Brennan Family of Restaurants), John Shoup (Great Chefs Television), Susan Spicer (Rosedale).
“New Orleans has always opened its doors to the world, and I couldn’t be prouder to welcome the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America kickoff to our city,” said Dickie Brennan. “Our culinary community is built on tradition and hospitality, and hosting this event gives us a chance to celebrate the chefs and restaurants who make New Orleans such a special place to dine and live.”
The evening will feature a walk-around tasting showcasing the full cohort of TasteTwenty chefs from across the country —an annual "ones to watch" list recognizing talent whose exceptional cooking, creative vision, and leadership are helping shape the future of American dining. Each chef will host a tasting station that reflects their signature style and celebrates the uniqueness of their restaurant and community. Guests will also enjoy beverage stations and activations from national and local sponsors.
“New Orleans has long been at the heart of America's culinary story, making it the ideal setting to launch our national Taste America series! The kickoff will be a celebration unlike any other—an extraordinary evening where guests taste their way across America in a single night,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO, James Beard Foundation. “With all 20 TasteTwenty chefs under one roof, guests will experience a snapshot of American food culture at its most vibrant, celebrating the incredible breadth of diversity and talent shaping its future. Every ticket sold also helps further our mission at a time when independent restaurants need it more than ever.”
Now in its 14th year, Taste America invites diners to experience their city's food scene through the lens of celebrated local chefs—and the flavors, traditions, and innovations shaping American dining. Every event is a night to remember, offering a unique opportunity to experience exceptional food, support the JBF mission, and become a part of a vibrant culinary community. Proceeds directly benefit the Foundation's national impact programming, championing a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving future for independent restaurants and the broader food system.
Tickets for the Taste America New Orleans walk-around tasting are on sale now. For more information, and to view menus and participating talent, visit jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica.
PRESS ASSETS
- Taste America event photography available here (please credit photographer listed in file details)
The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® is presented by American Express and Resy, the official credit card and reservations platform of the James Beard Foundation. Taste America is also supported by Premier Sponsor: Deloitte; Supporting Sponsor: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.; Patron Sponsors: Choose Chicago, Illinois Restaurant Association, Patrón Tequila; with Additional Support from: Sodexo, the official campus dining partner of the James Beard Foundation, TABASCO® Brand, 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 toward 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, community, and economy, and drives toward a better food system. For 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 culinary events and partnerships nationwide, including at Platform by JBF® and the James Beard House in New York City. Learn more at jamesbeard.org, sign up for our emails, and follow @beardfoundation on social media
ABOUT RESY
Resy is a digital dining platform that powers restaurants around the world and provides reservation booking for passionate diners. With the powerful backing of American Express, Resy has created best-in-class software that elevates dining experiences and connects restaurants to a vast network of highly engaged diners. Resy is a destination for restaurant discovery, exclusive access, original content, and chef-driven culinary events. The amazing world of restaurants is just a few taps away in the Resy app and at Resy.com.
ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS
American Express (NYSE: AXP) is a global payments and premium lifestyle brand powered by technology. Our colleagues around the world back our customers with differentiated products, services, and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Founded in 1850 and headquartered in New York, American Express’ brand is built on trust, security, and service, and a rich history of delivering innovation and Membership value for our customers. With over a hundred million merchant locations across our global network, we seek to provide the world’s best customer experience every day to a broad range of consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, and large corporations. For more information about American Express, visit americanexpress.com, americanexpress.com/en-us/newsroom/ and ir.americanexpress.com.