James Beard Foundation brings its 2018 Taste America event to Phoenix Sept. 27 through Sept. 29. The weekend of culinary events kicks off with a welcome reception on Thursday, Sept. 27 at Dominick’s Steakhouse, where guests will meet and greet the participating chefs while enjoying a delicious cocktail and tasting reception.
Then, “Iron Chef” challenger and celebrity “Chopped” judge Maneet Chauhan will serve as the 2018 Taste America Visiting All-Star and will join Taste America Local All-Star Charleen Badman on Friday, Sept. 28, in creating a one-of-a-kind dining experience as part of the foundation’s national culinary series (the series visited 10 cities this fall).
Chauhan will travel to Phoenix to collaborate with Badman of FnB and host Chef Charles Wiley of Mountain Shadows, where the dinner takes place. Together, the trio will create a one-of-a-kind, three-course dinner that benefits the foundation. The rest of Friday’s local chef lineup will be featured in the walk-around tasting reception before dinner and dessert reception afterward. Chefs include Scott Holmes (Little Miss BBQ,), Chrysa Robertson (Rancho Pinot), Doug Robson (Gallo Blanco, Otro Café), Samantha Sanz (Talavera at The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North), Martin Nakatsu (Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch), Sarah Chisholm (Tempe Public Market), and Helen Yung (Sweet Republic).
Then, on Saturday, Sept. 29, free in-store consumer events will take place at Sur La Table at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Activities of the day will include cooking demonstrations by Chauhan and Badman, book signings, tastings from local producers and artisans, as well as product demos and tastings from artisanal vendors Cutino Sauce Co. and Sweet Dee’s and some of the program’s national sponsors.
Visit jamesbeard.org/taste-america-phoenix for more details and ticket sales.
Sept. 27-Sept. 29: 2018 Taste America
