TRAVEL/FOOD

Annual “ones to watch” list recognizes standout culinary leaders who will headline the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® national tour—launching this September 2026 in New Orleans and traveling from coast to coast through March 2027 

The James Beard Foundation® (JBF) today announced its 2026–2027 TasteTwenty class—its annual “ones to watch” list spotlighting the most exciting chefs across the country, whose exceptional talent, creative vision, and leadership in communities are helping define the future of American dining. Across 20 U.S. cities, each chef will headline an event in their hometown as part of the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® culinary tour presented by American Express and Resy. 

Through the TasteTwenty, the Foundation—the organization behind the prestigious James Beard Awards® and one of the most trusted names in American culinary—recognizes some of the industry’s finest talent and changemakers who embody the organization’s guiding principle of Good Food for Good®. The cohort is part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to championing the chefs at the forefront of American food culture—who represent a new standard of excellence rooted in both exceptional cooking and meaningful impact beyond the plate. From Top Chef Canada’s Katianna Hong to 2025 TIME 100 honoree Nok Suntaranon of Kalaya to celebrated chefs like Valerie Chang, Emmanuel Chavez, and Serigne Mbaye, TasteTwenty alumni have gone on to earn widespread national recognition. Each class is thoughtfully curated to reflect the wide range of cuisines, geographies, perspectives, and stories that make the American culinary landscape so richly distinct. 

“Each year, the chefs in our TasteTwenty cohort show us what our guiding vision of Good Food for Good looks like in practice, and where American dining is headed next. These are chefs to know now, innovative leaders who are pushing boundaries in the kitchen through their exceptional cooking, creativity, and dedication to craft, while also leading with purpose,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO, James Beard Foundation. “We are proud to champion this extraordinary group as they help shape a more sustainable, vibrant, and thriving industry.” 

In addition to craft, the TasteTwenty chefs are chosen for their leadership and contributions beyond the kitchen. They are investing in their teams, advancing workplace culture and staff wellbeing, championing responsible sourcing and sustainability practices, and advocating for a more resilient food system. Together, they reflect a new generation of culinary leaders committed to building a thriving future for independent restaurants and the communities they serve.  

Presenting the 2026-2027 TasteTwenty class:  

• James Beard Award Nominees® Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu of James Beard Award Semifinalist® JŪN and Third Place (Houston Tasting)
• Yara Herrera of Hellbender (New York City Tasting)
• James Beard Award Semifinalist® Doug Hewitt of Freya and Chartreuse (Detroit Dinner)
• Chef Bootcamp Alum Christian Irabién of Amparo Fondita (Washington, D.C. Dinner)
• James Beard Award Winner® Phila Lorn of Mawn (Philadelphia Tasting)
• Mathew Meeker of Fancypants (Nashville Tasting)
• Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Alum and James Beard Award Nominee® Erin Miller of Urban Hearth (Boston Tasting)
• James Beard Award Semifinalists® Zubair Mohajir and Rishi Kumar of Mirra and Mariela (Chicago Dinner)
• Chef Bootcamp Alum and James Beard Award Nominee® Misti Norris of James Beard Award Semifinalist® Far Out (Dallas Dinner)
• James Beard Award Semifinalists® Sayat and Laura Ozyilmaz of Maria Isabel Restaurant (San Francisco Tasting)
• Legacy Network Alum and James Beard Award Semifinalist® Marc Quiñones of La Fonda on the Plaza (Santa Fe Dinner)
• Saif Rahman of James Beard Award Semifinalist® Peregrine (Raleigh Dinner)
• James Beard Award Semifinalist® Carol Reyes of Bóveda Restaurante (San Juan Dinner)
• Jhonny Reyes of Lenox (Seattle Tasting)
• Megan Sanchez of Farag’s (Portland Dinner)
• James Beard Award Nominees® Parnass Savang and Rod Lassiter of Talat Market (Atlanta Dinner)
• Raheem Sealey and Monika Dominguez of Shiso Miami (Miami Dinner)
• James Beard Award Semifinalist® LT Smith of Chilte (Phoenix Dinner)
• Chef Bootcamp Alum, Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Alum, and James Beard Award Semifinalist® Sophina Uong of Mister Mao (New Orleans Tasting)
• Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle of Little Fish Melrose Hill (Los Angeles Tasting) 

Now in its 14th year, the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® national culinary series celebrates the local, independent restaurants at the heart of our communities. Across 20 U.S. cities, diners are invited to experience their city’s food scene through the lens of celebrated local chefs—and the flavors, traditions, and innovations that shape it. Events range from intimate chef-led dinners with curated menus and wine pairings to expansive tastings—all hosted by a TasteTwenty chef representing their respective city. Together, the series tells the ever-evolving story of American dining. 

Taste America launches on September 16 in New Orleans with a special opening event bringing the TasteTwenty together under one roof for an unforgettable evening of food and drink. The walk-around celebration will feature delicious bites from each chef showcasing their distinct culinary styles and points of view, before the series travels nationwide through March 2027. 

Tickets are on sale now for the Taste America kickoff:  

• September 16 (New Orleans, LA): walk-around tasting hosted by TasteTwenty chef James Beard Award Semifinalist® Sophina Uong (Mister Mao) featuring the full lineup of TasteTwenty chefs  

Events to be announced through March 2027:  

• September 2026: Detroit 

• October 2026: Houston, Los Angeles; Miami; Portland, OR; Raleigh; Washington, D.C.
• November 2026: Nashville; Santa Fe; Seattle
• February 2027: New York City, San Francisco
• March 2027: Atlanta; Boston; Chicago; Dallas; Philadelphia; Phoenix; San Juan 

Attending a Taste America event offers a unique opportunity to experience exceptional food, support the JBF mission, and become part of a vibrant national culinary community. Proceeds from all Taste America events directly benefit the Foundation’s national impact programming, championing a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving future for independent restaurants and the broader food system. 

To learn more and purchase tickets to Taste America events, visit here. For information on the James Beard Foundation’s programs and initiatives, please visit jamesbeard.org.  

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. 

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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