James Beard Foundation's Taste America culinary series includes two Chicago chefs

Chicago’s very own Chef Cedric Harden of River Roast will participate in the James Beard Foundation’s 2021-2022 Taste America culinary series, in collaboration with featured guest Chef Darnell Reed (Luella’s Southern Kitchen) on Wednesday, January 12th. Taste America presented by Capital One will feature events in 26 total cities nationwide, bringing chefs and diners together to celebrate local independent restaurants and support efforts to rebuild a more sustainable and equitable industry.

Guests will enjoy a multi-course meal with beverage pairings, created just for this special night through a unique chef collaboration curated by the Foundation. A reception prior will feature signature welcome beverages by national sponsors Rabbit Hole Distillery and White Claw® Hard Seltzer. This local menu includes the following:

BREAD COURSE

Cornbread, Buttermilk Biscuit, and Seeded Muffuletta Bread with Pimento Cheese and Butter

APPETIZER

King Crab–Pork Belly Gumbo

ALTERNATE APPETIZER 

Gumbo z’Herbes with Vegan Dirty Rice

ENTRÉE

Crispy Pork Shank with Lentils, Corn, Torn Bread, and Apple Cider Nage 

ALTERNATE ENTRÉE

Delicata Squash with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, Wild Rice, and Pumpkin Seeds

DESSERT

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, Crispy Carrots, and Cinnamon Caramel

*Wine pairings courtesy of Dough Wines.

Tickets can be purchased at jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica, offered by tables of two, four, and six.

(Taste America supports local chefs and restaurants directly while also driving philanthropic support towards industry-wide relief. 65% of all tickets sold will go directly to River Roast and Luella’s Southern Kitchen to support their business, with 35% of proceeds supporting the Foundation’s national programming, including the Open for Good campaign.)