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The James Beard Foundation's Taste America® presented by Capital One announces its return to Boston on February 6, 2025, with an extraordinary culinary celebration at the State Room featuring the region's most innovative chefs and restaurants.
From the streets of Somerville to the shores of Portland, ten celebrated chefs will transform the 33rd floor into a showcase of New England's diverse culinary landscape. Leading the charge is TasteTwenty chef Cassie Piuma of Sarma, whose bold Middle Eastern flavors will set the tone for an evening where tradition meets innovation.
"This year's lineup reads like a love letter to New England's dining scene," says Nancy Bean, owner of WISE UP Events. "Each chef brings their unique perspective to the table, creating a mosaic of flavors that tells the story of our region's evolving food culture."
The evening's culinary journey spans the globe: guests will experience the Nigerian-inspired dishes of Cecilia Lizotte's Suya Joint, the vibrant Latin flavors of Amarilys Colon's La Padrona, and the refined New England cuisine of Conor Dennehy's Talulla and Fallow Kin. Providence's rising star Milena Pagán of Little Sister joins Boston's Nick Dixon of Prima and David Blessing of the State Room in showcasing the region's contemporary American cuisine.
David Vargas brings Vida Cantina's innovative Mexican cuisine from Portsmouth, while Valerie Goldman presents The Honey Paw's Asian-influenced creations from Portland. Urban Hearth's Erin Miller, in collaboration with Bostonchefs.com and the American Lamb Board, will present a special station highlighting the versatility of American lamb.
"What makes this event extraordinary is how it brings together the different threads of our culinary community," Bean adds. "From established James Beard nominees to emerging talents, each chef adds their own distinctive voice to the conversation."
The evening is enhanced by partnerships with premium brands including Longwood Venues & Destinations, Nantucket Wine & Food Festival, Saratoga Spring Water, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Rosaluna Tequila, Bulleit Whiskey, and more, each adding their own element to this multifaceted celebration.
Two ticket options are available:
From the streets of Somerville to the shores of Portland, ten celebrated chefs will transform the 33rd floor into a showcase of New England's diverse culinary landscape. Leading the charge is TasteTwenty chef Cassie Piuma of Sarma, whose bold Middle Eastern flavors will set the tone for an evening where tradition meets innovation.
"This year's lineup reads like a love letter to New England's dining scene," says Nancy Bean, owner of WISE UP Events. "Each chef brings their unique perspective to the table, creating a mosaic of flavors that tells the story of our region's evolving food culture."
The evening's culinary journey spans the globe: guests will experience the Nigerian-inspired dishes of Cecilia Lizotte's Suya Joint, the vibrant Latin flavors of Amarilys Colon's La Padrona, and the refined New England cuisine of Conor Dennehy's Talulla and Fallow Kin. Providence's rising star Milena Pagán of Little Sister joins Boston's Nick Dixon of Prima and David Blessing of the State Room in showcasing the region's contemporary American cuisine.
David Vargas brings Vida Cantina's innovative Mexican cuisine from Portsmouth, while Valerie Goldman presents The Honey Paw's Asian-influenced creations from Portland. Urban Hearth's Erin Miller, in collaboration with Bostonchefs.com and the American Lamb Board, will present a special station highlighting the versatility of American lamb.
"What makes this event extraordinary is how it brings together the different threads of our culinary community," Bean adds. "From established James Beard nominees to emerging talents, each chef adds their own distinctive voice to the conversation."
The evening is enhanced by partnerships with premium brands including Longwood Venues & Destinations, Nantucket Wine & Food Festival, Saratoga Spring Water, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Rosaluna Tequila, Bulleit Whiskey, and more, each adding their own element to this multifaceted celebration.
Two ticket options are available:
- Premier Access (6:00 PM): $225
- General Admission (7:00 PM): $150
Tickets are now available for purchase.
For a full list of chefs and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.jamesbeard.org/events/taste-america-boston-13.
About WISE UP Events
Based in Boston, WISE UP Events is a premier events services company specializing in creating unforgettable culinary and wine experiences. WISE UP designs and produces exceptional events ranging from intimate fundraisers to grand multi-day festivals. The company's expertise lies in concept development, talent curation, crowd engagement, and flawless event execution. With decades of experience, WISE UP Events has established itself as a leader in food and wine event production, marketing, and management, making them a go-to choice for clients seeking high-quality, memorable events in the culinary and wine industries. For more information, visit https://www.instagram.com/wiseupevents.
About James Beard Foundation
The James Beard Foundation (JBF) is a 501(c)3 organization that celebrates and supports the people behind America’s food culture, while pushing for new standards in the restaurant industry to create a future where all have the opportunity to thrive. Established over 30 years ago, the Foundation has highlighted the centrality of food culture in our daily lives and is committed to supporting a resilient and flourishing industry that honors its diverse communities. By amplifying new voices, celebrating those leading the way, and supporting those on the path to do so, the Foundation is working to create a more equitable and sustainable future—what we call Good Food for Good®. JBF brings its mission to life through the annual Awards, industry and community-focused initiatives and programs, advocacy, partnerships, and events across the country.
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