THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION'S TASTE AMERICA® Seattle WALK-AROUND TASTING - Meet this week’s Chefs in Focus
THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION'S TASTE AMERICA® PRESENTED BY AMERICAN EXPRESS AND RESY ANNOUNCES Seattle WALK-AROUND TASTING NOV. 1 AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SEATTLE
James Beard Taste America Seattle, Nov. 1 at Four Seasons Hotel, features 45 tasting experiences showcasing some of Puget Sound’s most exciting chefs and libations – meet this week’s Chefs in Focus
For tickets, menus and participating talent, visit jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica.
The James Beard Foundation® (JBF), the organization behind the prestigious James Beard Awards®, announces that its Taste America culinary series returns to Seattle with a walk-around tasting on November 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. Presented by American Express and Resy, Taste America celebrates the chefs and local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities and culture – featuring one-of-a-kind evenings of exceptional food and drink in 20 U.S. cities from coast to coast.
The Seattle tasting will be hosted by TasteTwenty chef Jhonny Reyes of Lenox selected for the Foundation's 2026-2027 TasteTwenty class – an annual "ones to watch" list recognizing talent whose exceptional cooking, creative vision, and leadership are helping shape the future of American dining. Joining chef Reyes will be an impressive lineup of the talent behind Seattle's most exciting independent restaurants, with 45 food and beverage stations featuring signature bites, beverages, and exclusive sponsor activations.
Here's this week’s Chef’s in Focus feature for Seattle Means Business.
Jhonny Reyes, Lenox
Jhonny Reyes is the chef and founder of Lenox, an Afro Latino soul restaurant in Seattle that has quickly become known for bold flavors, heartfelt hospitality, and a fresh perspective on comfort food. Born in Harlem and raised in Seattle, Jhonny’s cooking reflects both sides of his story, blending cultural roots, personal memories, and the energy of the communities that shaped him.
Lenox began during the pandemic as a meal delivery service, created to bring comfort and connection through food during an uncertain time. What started as a grassroots effort grew into popular pop ups and eventually into a brick-and-mortar restaurant that now serves as a gathering place for the city.
His menu highlights Afro Latino flavors through dishes that honor tradition while bringing something new to the table. Just as important as the food is his commitment to building community, mentoring his team, and creating opportunities within the industry.
Amy Abera, Delish Ethiopian Cuisine
Delish Ethiopian Cuisine is a family-owned business committed to preparing your meals with freshest ingredients that are wholesome and memorable.
The restaurant is owned and driven by husband (Delish Lemma) and wife Chef Amy Abera – a dynamic duo getting lots of attention. At Delish, their visitors are treated like family. Whether it’s their large variety of veggie cuisines, savory meat-based dishes, and anything in between, they deliver a satisfying dining experiences every night.
Their bar area has a comfortable atmosphere and food and drink recipes were passed down from Abera’s mother and grandmother. Enjoy the meat-free section of the menu with the 10-item veggie combo or try succulent beef tibs pan-fried in garlic, butter, onion, and berbere spice. Delish also offers an Ethiopian coffee ceremony for five or more diners.
Aaron Tekulve, Surrell
Chef Aaron Tekulve grew up in a family steeped in cooking tradition. So, it wasn't surprising that his first job was in a restaurant at 14 years old. In 2012 he started his pop-up restaurant and private dining/catering company while working in Seattle restaurants including Lark as sous chef and Canlis.
He named his business in 2016 Surrell as an homage to his mother and grandmother for all their amazing support in teaching him to cook when he was young. Surrell is the middle name of all the first-born women on his mom’s side.
In 2019 Surrell was named by Seattle Magazine’s Best Pop-Up Restaurant and in 2022 and 2023 Surrell was named one of Wine Enthusiast’s Top 50 Best Restaurants in America.
Surrell was a James Beard Award Finalist for Best Chef Northwest and Pacific in 2026.
