James Beard Foundation’s Taste America New Orleans

New Orleans is a culinary destination unlike any other–which is why you’ll find so many James Beard Award-winning (and nominated) chefs and restaurants across the city. For those who let their stomach lead the way when making travel plans, The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America®: New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to taste food from some of the best chefs in New Orleans, all in one night.

The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® presented by Capital One is a nationwide initiative to bring together chefs, special guests, and diners from across the country to celebrate the local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities.

The Sazerac House is set to become a culinary playground as it hosts an extraordinary walk-around tasting event, bringing together the crème de la crème of New Orleans' vibrant food scene. This gastronomic gathering promises to be a feast for the senses.

Leading the charge is the talented Chef Serigne Mbaye (James Beard Award Winner®) of Dakar NOLA, whose innovative fusion of Senegalese and Creole cuisines has been turning heads and delighting palates across New Orleans. But Chef Mbaye won't be alone in this culinary carnival - he'll be joined by a stellar lineup of New Orleans' finest chefs, each bringing their A-game to the table.

The full lineup (and menu) includes:

·      Chef Martha Wiggins (James Beard Award Semifinalist®) of Café Reconcile- Smothered Oyster, Beech, and Shitake Mushrooms with Brown Rice Grits, Chevre, Herbs, and Crispy Shallots

·      Chef Charly Pierre (James Beard Award Semifinalist®) of Fritai - Shrimp Pikliz with Plantation Chip and Avocado

·      Chef Sophina Uong (James Beard Award Semifinalist®) of Mister Mao - Khmer Lump Crab Breakfast Noodles

·      Chef EJ Lagasse (James Beard Award Nominee®) of Emeril’s - Gulf Shrimp Rémoulade with Petrossian Caviar

·      Chef Nikki Cabrera Mills (James Beard Award Winner®) of Pêche Seafood Grill - Bright Side Oysters with Ginger-Coconut Mignonette

·      Chef Marlon Chukumerije (James Beard Award Semifinalist®) of Chicken’s Kitchen - Grandmaw’s Smothered Okra with Smoked Sausage and Diced Chicken

·      Chef Tom Branighan of MaMou Apple-Foie Gras Velouté with Gingerbread Crouton

·      Chef Edgar Caro of Brasa - Posta Negra Cartagenera – Tamarind and Panela-Braised Louisiana Wagyu Beef Short Rib with Coconut Rice, and Beet Ensalada de Payaso

·      Chef Kaitlin Guerin of Lagniappe Baking Co. - Moringa-Bay Leaf Cream Cheesecake

·      Chefs Arvinder Vilkhu (James Beard Award Semifinalist®) and Ashwin Vilkhu (James Beard Award Nominee®) of Saffron Nola - Khyber Lamb Chops

·      Chef Alex Harrell of The Gloriette - Roasted Carrots with Charred Carrot Harissa, Yogurt, Pecan, and Sesame

·      Chef Samuel Perry (James Beard Award Semifinalist®) of King Brasserie + Bar - Steak Tartare with Black Truffle Tapenade, Pickled Mushroom, Escargot Aioli & Lavash

Additionally, craft cocktails will be provided by:

·      Chris Hannah (James Beard Award Winner®) of Jewel of the South

·      Liz Kelley (James Beard Award Winner®) of Cure

·      Hadi Ktiri of Chandelier Bar, Four Seasons New Orleans

·      Ellie Rogers of Sylvain

…Plus more to be announced!

Tickets begin at $150 for General Admission, or $225 for Premier Admission, which includes early entry to the tasting event. Tickets can be purchased here.