THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION'S TASTE AMERICA® PRESENTED BY AMERICAN EXPRESS AND RESY 

ANNOUNCES NATIONAL KICK-OFF EVENT IN NEW ORLEANS

Experience an unforgettable evening featuring exceptional food and drink from
TasteTwenty chefs led by New Orleans Host Chef Sophina Uong of Mister Mao

New Orleans, Louisiana (August, 12, 2026)— The James Beard Foundation® (JBF), the organization behind the prestigious James Beard Awards®, announces that its Taste America culinary series Presented by American Express and Resy is kicking-off in New Orleans with a walk-around tasting event on September 16 at 6pm at The Josephine. Taste America celebrates the chefs and local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities and culture- featuring one-of-a-kind evenings of exceptional food and drink in 20 U.S. cities from coast to coast. 

The New Orleans tasting will be hosted by TasteTwenty chef Sophina Uong of Mister Mao, selected for the Foundation's 2026-2027 TasteTwenty class—an annual "ones to watch" list recognizing talent whose exceptional cooking, creative vision, and leadership are helping shape the future of American dining. Joining chef Uong will be an impressive lineup of the talent behind America’s most exciting independent restaurants, with more than 20 food and beverage stations featuring signature bites, beverages, and exclusive sponsor activations.

"We're thrilled to bring this celebration to New Orleans, where guests will sample exceptional bites from some of the city's most dynamic talent, connect with their local food community, and raise a glass to the chefs leading our industry forward through both craft and purpose,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO, James Beard Foundation. "It will be a festive evening, all while directly supporting the James Beard Foundation's mission to champion independent restaurants at a time when that support is needed more than ever."

"We can't wait to celebrate New Orleans’ remarkable culinary community at this special event! In one evening, guests will taste what makes New Orleans one of the most distinct food cities in America," said Siobhan Flaherty Haber, Vice President of Events, James Beard Foundation. "We're also excited to have chef Sophina Uong hosting the event—one of the 20 'ones to watch' chefs named to this year's TasteTwenty, recognized for their exceptional talent as well as their impact beyond the plate."

Presenting the Taste America New Orleans lineup:

  • Sophina Uong, Mister Mao (New Orleans)

Local Lump Crab and Gulf Shrimp with Kroeung, Market Lime, and End-of-Summer Corn

  • Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu, JŪN and Third Place (Houston, TX)

Lamb Belly with Salted Yogurt and Pickled Green Tomatoes

  • Yan Herrera, Hellbender (New York, NY)

Oyster Mushroom Tacos

  • Doug Hewitt, Freya and Chartreuse (Detroit, MI)

Smoked Appalachian Trout with Cornbread, Corn Butter, and Chowchow

  • Christian Irabién, Amparo Fondita (Washington, D.C.)

Ceviche de Ostion Ahumado - Smoked Oyster Conserva with Jugo Negro, Pepitas, Lime, Serrano, Cilantro, Onion, Chile de Arbol, Kewpie Mayonnaise, and Saltine Cracker

  • Phila Lorn, Mawn (Philadelphia, PA)

Scallop Crudo with Chili Jam-Ponzu, Fall Apples, and Caviar

  • Mathew Meeker, Fancypants (Nashville, TN)

Quahog Clam with Hazelnut Milk, Green Strawberry, and Magnolia Blossom

  • Erin Miller, Urban Hearth (Boston, MA)

Koji-Marinated Duck Breast with Mocha Demiglace, Wild Blueberries, and Puffed Wild Rice

  • Zubair Mohajir and Rishi Kumar, Mirra / Mariela (Chicago, IL)

Chaas Aguachile - Hamachi with Buttermilk Aguachile, Garlic-Serrano Achar, Nopales, and Curry Leaves

  • Misti Norris, Far-Out (Dallas, TX)

Cold Noodles with Millbrook Farm Black King Trumpet Mushrooms, Mushroom XO Sauce, and Mushroom Broth

  • Laura and Sayat Ozyilmaz, Maria Isabel Restaurant (San Francisco, CA)

Crawfish-Stuffed Chile en Nogada with French Walnut Sauce and Green Walnut Oil

  • Marc Quiñones, La Fonda on the Plaza (Santa Fe, NM)

New Mexico Spiced-Beef Tartare with Red Chile Salsa Macha and Pink Peppercorn-Pickled Corn on Sourdough Toast

  • Saif Rahman, Peregrine (Raleigh, NC)

Goat Kefta with Sugar Cane, Mango Chutney, Toasted Gold Rice, and Market Lime

  • Carol Reyes, Bóveda Restaurante (San Juan, PR)

Conejo en Escabeche > Rabbit with Creamy Polenta, Manchego, Golden Raisins, Tomato Concassé, Hazelnuts, and Crispy Herbs

  • Jhonny Reyes, Lenox (Seattle, WA)

Cassava Fritter with Encebollado and Pique

  • Megan Sanchez, Farag's (Portland, OR)

Date-Glazed Pork-Aleppo Meatball with Curry Labneh and Mint

  • Parnass Savang and Rod Lassiter, Talat Market (Atlanta, GA)

Scallop Sangwa with Pineapple, Galangal, Ginger-Lemongrass Dressing, Shallots, Thai Bird Chili, Mint, Cilantro, and Fried Garlic

  • Raheem Sealey and Monika Dominguez, Shiso Miami (Miami, FL)

Smoked Beef Brisket Croquette with Japanese Sweet Potato, Miso Butter, and Parmesan

  • LT Smith, Chilte (Pheonix, AZ)

Melon Aguachile - Compressed Melon with Leche de Maize, Burnt Onion, Micro Epazote and Nori Salsa Macha

  • Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle, Little Fish Melrose Hill (Los Angeles, CA) 

Beach Sandwich - Soy-Cured Mussels with Guindilla Pepper

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 as they are added, visit jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica.

PRESS ASSETS

  • Taste America event photography available here (please credit photographer listed in file details)

  • Participating chef headshots available here

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.

Taste America New Orleans local sponsors include: Mijenta Tequila, Plugrà, Avenue Magazine, and New Orleans Magazine.

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.

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