The James Beard Foundation Kicked Off Its 3rd Annual Taste America 10-City Culinary Tour

The James Beard Foundation is hitting the road. The national nonprofit culinary organization kicked off its third annual Taste America series (in an exclusive digital media sponsorship with The Daily Meal) on August 4 at the James Beard House. 

Alon Shaya (second from the right) and his team preparing the evening’s offerings for the kickoff event.

Fresh figs were used in Alon Shaya's short rib tagine dish.

James Beard Foundation president Susan Ungaro mingling at the event.

A variety of beverages were served at the event; this one was a tonic cocktail with orange and vanilla flavors.

Chefs John Besh (left) and Rocco DiSpirito looked dapper at the Taste America kickoff.

The kickoff featured cuisine from chef John Besh’s hometown, New Orleans.

Chef Alon Shaya will show off his culinary chops at the New Orleans event this October.

Are these chefs coming to your hometown? (L to R): Art Smith, Alon Shaya, Mark Ladner, April Bloomfield, Susan Ungaro (president of the James Beard Foundation), Rocco DiSpirito, and John Besh.

Take a good look, America: These are your Taste America All Stars. 

Hazelnut chocolate pudding was a hit at the party.

Ira with paddlefish caviar and rye was also a hit with guests. 

One of the passed appetizers was avocado on toasted pumpernickel with smoked white fish.

For chocolate-lovers only. 

Bacardi provided many of the cocktails at the event.