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

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. 

The James Beard House Kitchen

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

Figs

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

Susan Ungaro

James Beard Foundation president Susan Ungaro mingling at the event.

Vanilla Citrus Tonic

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

Vanilla Citrus Tonic

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

Taste America All-Stars

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

John Besh, Honorary All-Star

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

Alon Shaya, This Evening's Chef

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

All-Star Culinary Team

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.

All-Stars Pose With James Beard Cut-Out

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

Chocolate Desserts

Hazelnut chocolate pudding was a hit at the party.

Caviar on Toast

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

Avocado Toast

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

Torta Antica 1920

For chocolate-lovers only. 

Bacardi Cocktails

Bacardi provided many of the cocktails at the event.