Alton Brown Will Host James Beard Awards

The James Beard Foundation has chosen TV personality Alton Brown to host the 2012 JBF Awards on May 7 in New York City, while Michael Symon and CBS' Martha Teichner will co-host the James Beard Foundation Book, Broadcast & Journalism Awards Dinner on May 4.

Since it's the foundation's 25th anniversary, the theme for this year's awards is "25 Years of Food at its Best."

Chefs who personally knew James Beard (and other notables influenced by him) are going to prepare dishes from Beard's cookbooks for the gala reception.

Furthermore, the foundation has gathered up recipes to publish the ultimate James Beard cookbook: The James Beard Foundation's Best of the Best: A 25th Anniversary Celebration of America's Outstanding Chefs. What a mouthful. The cookbook will be available March 7 for $60.

Check out the 2012 semifinalists for the James Beard Awards.