THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION® TASTE AMERICA CULINARY SERIES RETURNS TO SEATTLE, PRESENTED BY CAPITAL ONE

Press Release Submission
Sep 27
5 min read

Updated: 16 hours ago

For Immediate Release

Experience Seattle’s most acclaimed culinary talent in an exceptional evening of delicious bites celebrating the city's dynamic independent restaurant scene Chef Elmer Dulla of family friend will headline the event as part of the 2025-2026 TasteTwenty class—an annual selection of "ones to watch, "recognized for outstanding culinary talent and leadership in the industry.

[Seattle, WA - September 26, 2025] - The James Beard Foundation®, the organization behind the prestigious James Beard Awards®, announces that its celebrated Taste America culinary series returns to Seattle with a walk-around tasting on Sunday, October 26 at 6:30 PM at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. Presented by Capital One, the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® series celebrates culinary excellence and the local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities—bringing together chefs and food lovers for unique dining experiences across 20 U.S. cities.

"Our Taste America series showcases the independent restaurants and visionary chefs who are leading American food culture forward through excellence and through the kind of positive leadership our industry needs, "said Clare Reichenbach, Chief Executive Officer, James Beard Foundation.

"We're thrilled that Seattle diners will experience our Good Food for Good® mission and the cooking of these incredible chefs, who are shaping the future of American dining, at this special event.” Bringing together the culinary community and food enthusiasts in celebration of Seattle’s local food culture, guests will experience the culinary excellence that has established the James Beard Foundation as a leading voice in American dining.

This exciting walk-around tasting experience brings together some of Seattle’s most celebrated chefs, showcasing the unique flavors and creativity that define the city's thriving independent restaurant scene.

Headlining the celebration will be TasteTwenty chef Elmer Dulla of familyfriend selected as part of the James Beard Foundation's 2025-2026 TasteTwenty class—an annual class of the country's most promising "ones to watch" recognized for outstanding culinary talent and leadership in the industry. Joining Chef Dulla will be an impressive lineup of some of Seattle’s finest culinary talents, with over 35 food and beverage stations featuring bites from some of the city's most dynamic independent restaurants, plus exclusive sponsor activations.

"We're excited to bring together some of Seattle’s most talented chefs for this special walk-around event, showcasing the incredible cuisine that defines the city's independent restaurant scene,“ said Siobhan Flaherty Haber, Vice President of Events, James Beard Foundation. "The talent chosen for this event exemplifies exactly what our TasteTwenty program celebrates—that combination of outstanding craft and meaningful impact.

"Presenting the 2025 Seattle Chef Lineup:

TasteTwenty Chef Elmer Dulla of James Beard Award Semifinalist® familyfriend
James Beard Award Semifinalist® Logan Cox of Homer
James Beard Award Nominee® Oscar Amador Edo of La Loba
Andrea Ferrandi of Four Seasons Hotel Seattle and Goldfinch Tavern
Lupe Flores of Situ Tacos
José Garzón of BAD CHANCLA
Danielle Grogan of Four Seasons Hotel Seattle and Goldfinch Tavern
James Beard Award Semifinalist® Evan Leichtling of Off Alley
Karuna Long of James Beard Award Semifinalist® Sophon
James Beard Award Nominee® Melissa Miranda of Musang
Jhonny Reyes, Lenox
James Beard Award Nominee® Ethan Stowell of Ethan Stowell Restaurants
James Beard Award Nominee® Rachel Yang of James Beard Award Semifinalist®
Joule and Revel

Across 20 U.S. cities, the Taste America series offers food enthusiasts a firsthand experience of the flavors, regional specialties, and innovations in American dining. By attending this Taste America event, guests not only enjoy an unforgettable evening of delicious cuisine—but also become part of the Foundation's vibrant and growing national culinary community. Proceeds from Taste America events benefit the James Beard Foundation’s mission to champion a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving future for independent restaurants and the broader food system.

Tickets for the Taste America Seattle event are now on sale. Visit here for more information and menus added soon: jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica.

Valued national sponsors for this event include: Capital One and VerTerra Dinnerware. Local partners and tasting booths include: Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, Goldfinch Tavern, Klipsun Winery, Mijenta Tequila, Seattle Caviar Company, Top Pot Doughnuts, Carnation Farms, Pacific Seafood, Snoqualmie Casino, Epulo Bistro, Niles Peacock Kitchen & Bar, Charlie’s Produce, The Wines of J. Lohr, C. Mondavi & Family, DeLille Cellars, Delicato Wines, Treveri

Cellars, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Back Bar Project, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Hendrick’s Gin, Milagro Tequila, William Grant & Sons, Herita USA, Holladay Distilling, Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur, Seattle Means Business and Seattle Restaurant Week.

As the official credit card and banking partner of the James Beard Foundation, eligible Capital One cardholders have early access to tickets and special onsite perks through Capital One Entertainment while supplies last.

PRESS ASSETS

Taste America event selects available here (please credit the photographer listed in file details).

Headshots of the participating chefs available here.

The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® is presented by Capital One, the official credit card and banking partner of the James Beard Foundation. Through this first-of-its-kind partnership, eligible Capital One cardholders can enjoy exclusive access to James Beard Foundation programming. Taste America is also supported by Premier Sponsors: CookUnity, Deloitte; Patron Sponsors: Choose Chicago, Illinois Restaurant Association, Sierra Nevada; with Additional Support from: American Airlines, the official airline of the James Beard Foundation; Sodexo, the official campus dining partner of the James Beard Foundation, TABASCO® Brand, VerTerra Dinnerware, Windstar Cruises, the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation; and Founding Partner: Bowen & Co. Events.

ABOUT THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION

The James Beard Foundation (JBF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to leading chefs and the broader culinary industry towards a new standard of excellence. For information on the Foundation’s programs and initiatives, please visit jamesbeard.org. Our guiding principle, Good Food for Good®, informs our vision of a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable independent restaurant industry that stands as a cornerstone of American culture, community, and economy and drives towards a better food system. For nearly 40 years, JBF has been instrumental in recognizing, amplifying, educating, and training the individuals who shape American food culture. Today, our mission comes to life through the prestigious James Beard Awards, industry and community-focused programming, advocacy and policy initiatives, and exciting culinary events and partnerships around the country—including at our new Platform by JBF® event space in New York City. Learn more at jamesbeard.org, sign up for our emails, and follow @beardfoundation on social media.

ABOUT CAPITAL ONE

At Capital One we’re on a mission for our customers – bringing them best-in-class products, rewards, service, and experiences. Capital One is a diversified bank that offers products and services to individuals, small businesses and commercial clients. We use technology, innovation, and interaction to provide consumers with products and services to meet their needs. Through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment, we provide our rewards cardholders with access to unforgettable experiences in the areas they’re passionate about, including dining, music, sports, and the arts. Learn more at capitalone.com/dining and capitalone.com/entertainment.

For Seattle event questions and local media inquiry contact Dick Stephens at stephens@varsitycommunications.com