News Summary
Nashville is set to host the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America event on February 20th at Saint Elle. This culinary celebration will feature local chefs and tantalizing dishes from the 2025 Nashville-based James Beard Award semifinalists. Attendees can enjoy exclusive tastings, meet restaurant nominees, and immerse themselves in Nashville’s vibrant food culture. Tickets are available for both general admission and a premium experience that offers additional perks. Mark your calendars for this unforgettable evening of culinary excellence!
Nashville Celebrates Culinary Excellence at James Beard Foundation’s Taste America Event
Nashville is gearing up for a delectable evening as the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® event rolls into town on February 20th. This year, the event is being hosted at the chic Saint Elle, located at 1420 3rd Ave S. It promises to be a fantastic celebration of our beloved local independent restaurants and the vibrant culinary community that Nashville is known for.
What’s Cooking at the Event?
Food lovers, rejoice! The event will showcase a variety of food stations, each hosted by some notable chefs who have made a name for themselves right here in Nashville. Attendees will get the chance to savor tantalizing creations from all of the 2025 Nashville-based James Beard Award semifinalists. That’s right; it’s a culinary showcase you don’t want to miss!
Meet the Semifinalists
Some of the remarkable talents you can look forward to include:
- Josh Habiger from Strategic Hospitality
- Julio Hernandez from Maiìz de la Vida
- Jake Howell from Peninsula
- Dung “Junior” Vo from Noko
- Colby Rasavong from Bad Idea
Each of these chefs is ready to impress and show off why Nashville’s food scene is buzzing with excitement!
Grab Your Tickets!
Don’t wait too long to get your tickets! General admission options are available, along with a limited number of Premier tickets for a truly exclusive experience. What makes the Premier ticket so special? Here are some perks!
- Dedicated check-in for a hassle-free entry.
- Enjoy a full hour of early access to the cocktail and tasting reception.
- Exclusive tastings from the notable William Cole Vineyards.
- A flavorful specialty bite from Chef’s Market.
- Access to the VIP lounge, furnished by The Malin.
- Receive an upgraded tote gift bag filled with goodies from Frothy Monkey, the Tennessee Department of Tourism, and more!
Nashville’s Culinary Honors
The event also signifies Nashville’s growing reputation, featuring nominees in three significant categories on the James Beard Foundation’s 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards long list. These include:
- Best Chef – Julio Hernandez of Maiìz de la Vida is a standout nominee for this category, representing the Southeast.
- Outstanding Restaurateur – The pairing of Benjamin and Max Goldberg with Josh Habiger from Strategic Hospitality makes this category exciting!
- Best New Restaurant – Bad Idea is bringing its flair to this category, showing that new spots in Nashville can compete on a national level.
Looking Ahead
Mark your calendars! The next round of nominees will be announced on April 2, with the winners revealed on June 16 during a prestigious ceremony in Chicago. This event not only honors culinary talent but also emphasizes the significance of racial and gender equity and sustainability within the food system.
Strategic Hospitality’s Legacy
If you haven’t heard, Strategic Hospitality is a force to be reckoned with, boasting nearly 20 James Beard nominations over the years with celebrated establishments like Locust, Bastion, and Henrietta Red in their repertoire.
A Toast to Nashville’s Culinary Scene
This Taste America event shines a bright light on Nashville’s culinary scene, showcasing the growth, creativity, and dedication of chefs who put their heart and soul into every dish. So, get ready to taste the best of Nashville, because this event is sure to be a flavorful experience filled with new favorites and culinary surprises!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Wilson County Source
- Tennessean
- Nfocus Magazine
- Wikipedia: James Beard Awards
- Google Search: James Beard Foundation
Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
