Philly’s First and Only Food Awards, ‘The Tasties,’ Returns to Live! Casino to Celebrate the City’s Hottest Chefs & Restaurants

After a sold-out debut earlier this year, The Tasties—Philly’s first and only awards show dedicated to the city’s vibrant culinary and hospitality scene—is set to return bigger and bolder on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. Presented by the team behind the Delicious City Philly Podcast, the second annual event will once again bring together chefs, restaurateurs, bartenders, and industry professionals for an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence, creativity, and community in Philadelphia’s food world.

Hosted by Chef Eli Kulp (High Street Hospitality Group) and his Delicious City Philly co-hosts, Marisa Magnatta and Dave Wez (aka @FeedingTimeTV), The Tasties will transform the casino’s ballroom into a red-carpet celebration of the region’s finest dining talent. Guests can expect an evening of awards, live entertainment, and tasting experiences from some of Philadelphia’s most acclaimed chefs and makers.

The red carpet begins at 4 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony from 5 to 7 p.m., and a grand after-party running through the night with chef-driven bites, craft beverages, and live DJs.

Tickets will go on sale November 4 at deliciouscitypodcast.com, with an early-bird discount available through November 14 for the first 100 ticket buyers.

This year’s event expands seating capacity from 450 to 600 guests, reflecting the growing excitement surrounding The Tasties.

• General Admission (Awards + Party): $190

• After-Party Only: $95

• VIP Admission: $250 (includes an exclusive one-hour reception with top chefs, elevated tastings, and specialty cocktails)

All proceeds benefit Philabundance, one of the region’s most impactful hunger-relief organizations.

The 2026 Tasties will introduce a brand-new category: The Future Tastemaker Award, recognizing rising stars under 30 who are shaping the next generation of hospitality in Philadelphia. Three winners will each receive $1,000 scholarships to invest in professional development, tools, or continuing education in their craft.

Nominations for Future Tastemakers open December 3, with restaurants and bars encouraged to submit deserving team members via the Delicious City website.

Ahead of the main ceremony, The Tasties will host a private nominee celebration on December 1, presented by Philadelphia Style Magazine, uniting finalists for a night of connection and recognition.

Co-host and podcast producer Marisa Magnatta, who also serves on the board of Philabundance, shared her enthusiasm for this year’s evolution:

“Having worked with Philabundance for decades, I’ve seen firsthand how food can unite a city. The Tasties aren’t just about competition—they’re about collaboration, connection, and giving back.”

Chef Eli Kulp echoed that sentiment, noting that The Tasties are a reflection of Philadelphia’s inclusive, community-minded dining culture.

“Food and hospitality connect us all,” Kulp said. “As last year’s winner Miled Finianos put it, ‘Philadelphia chooses collaboration over competition.’ That’s the heart of The Tasties.”

This year’s ceremony will feature 14 award categories, recognizing achievements in cooking, bartending, service, design, and innovation. The 15-member judging committee now includes a diverse mix of food journalists, tastemakers, past winners, and community leaders to ensure transparency and inclusivity.

After the awards, guests will head into an expanded after-party experience that includes multiple immersive rooms, chef pop-ups, and live music. Returning this year is Giordano’s Garden Groceries Italian Market Room, a hit from the inaugural event featuring imported Italian goods, antipasti, and nostalgic market-style flair.

The post-ceremony festivities will also highlight top local chefs, distillers, and brewers, each presenting specialty dishes and drinks for guests to sample throughout the night.

Expect creative culinary collaborations, surprise guest performances, and themed party zones designed to keep the energy—and the flavors—flowing until late.