Philly’s Top Chefs and Rising Stars Take Center Stage at the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America Culinary Series

Philly’s culinary community will once again take center stage when the James Beard Foundation Taste America® Culinary Series, presented by Capital One, arrives in the city for a one-night-only celebration on March 18th. The highly anticipated event will take place at The Grand Belle at The Bellevue, in partnership with Cescaphe.

Taste America: Philadelphia invites guests to experience an elevated walk-around tasting featuring a curated lineup of the city’s most acclaimed chefs and rising culinary stars—all while supporting the Foundation’s mission of Good Food for Good®. Tickets are now available, with General Admission priced at $200 and Premier tickets at $250, which include early access to the tasting. Given that the 2025 event sold out with more than 500 attendees, guests are encouraged to secure tickets early at jamesbeard.org/events/taste-america-philadelphia

The evening will be hosted by Yun Fuentes, James Beard Award® Semifinalist and executive chef of BOLO, who was also recognized as part of the Foundation’s prestigious TasteTwenty Chefs class. Known for his thoughtful approach to food and leadership, Fuentes will lead a lineup that reflects Philadelphia’s depth, diversity, and creative energy.

Participating chefs include:

• Tyler Akin (Bastia)

• Chance Anies (Tabachoy)

• Ange Branca (Kampar)

• Michael Brenfleck (Little Walter’s)

• Nicholas Elmi (Laurel)

• Mebruka Kane (Doro Bet)

• Frankie Ramirez (Amá)

• Emily Riddell (Machine Shop, presented by Plugrà® Premium European Style Butter)

• Amy Rivera-Nassar (Amy’s Pastelillos)

Additional chefs and collaborators will be announced in January 2026.

The event unfolds in two phases: a Premier Hour from 6:00–7:00 PM, offering early access and a more intimate tasting experience, followed by General Admission from 7:00–9:00 PM. Guests can expect thoughtfully prepared bites, beverage pairings, and the opportunity to engage directly with the chefs shaping Philadelphia’s dining scene.

Beyond the food, Taste America serves a larger purpose. Proceeds from the evening directly support the James Beard Foundation’s impact programs, which focus on creating a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system while championing independent restaurants nationwide.

For Philadelphia food lovers, Taste America isn’t just a tasting—it’s a celebration of the city’s culinary identity, its people, and the future of American dining.