The countdown is on. On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Taste America Philadelphia returns to the Avenue of the Arts for a night that blends culinary star power with a cause. Hosted by the James Beard Foundation and presented by Capital One, the event takes place at The Grand Belle at The Bellevue in collaboration with Cescaphe, serving up a walk-around tasting that highlights the soul of Philadelphia’s food scene. This one-night-only event offers a curated taste tour of Philly’s best and brightest—recognized talent, rising stars, and names that make the city one of the most compelling culinary destinations in the country.
Tickets are on sale now and, given the 2025 edition sold out with more than 500 attendees, demand is already heating up. Guests can opt for Premier Hour access at $250, which grants early entry from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and a chance to mix and mingle with chefs before the crowds. General Admission, priced at $200, opens the doors from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., offering full access to the tasting and the atmosphere that only the James Beard Foundation can curate. This is Taste America Philadelphia at its most dynamic—intimate, high-energy, and driven by a powerful mission: Good Food for Good.
Taste America Philadelphia: The Chefs Behind the Night
Taste America Philadelphia’s chef lineup reflects Philadelphia’s rich cultural tapestry and innovative spirit. Leading the evening is Chef Yun Fuentes of BOLO, a James Beard Award Semifinalist and member of the Foundation’s TasteTwenty Chefs—a group recognized for shaping the future of American food. Known for his commitment to heritage-driven cuisine and vibrant Latin flavors, Fuentes will anchor the tasting with signature dishes that capture both tradition and creativity.
Joining Fuentes is a powerful collection of chefs who represent every corner of Philly’s diverse food culture. Tyler Akin of Bastia brings refined global sensibilities, while Chance Anies of Tabachoy channels Filipino comfort food with heart and precision. Ange Branca of Kampar, another James Beard Award Semifinalist, introduces the complex, spice-laced flavors of Malaysia. Michael Brenfleck of Little Walter’s offers a modern take on Polish cuisine rooted in nostalgia and technique. Nicholas Elmi, a James Beard Award Nominee, lends his French-trained approach from Laurel, one of the city’s most celebrated fine dining rooms.
Guests will also experience the rich Ethiopian-inspired flavors of Mebruka Kane of Doro Bet, the soulful border-town Mexican cooking of Frankie Ramirez of Amá, and the exquisite laminated pastries of Emily Riddell of Machine Shop, another Semifinalist, presented by Plugrà Premium European Style Butter. Amy Rivera-Nassar of Amy’s Pastelillos brings Puerto Rican street food energy in the form of crisp, craveable pastelillos made with love and tradition. Even more participating chefs will be announced in January 2026, rounding out a lineup that reads like a who’s who of Philly’s modern culinary movement.
Each dish at Taste America Philadelphia tells a story—of migration, of heritage, of innovation. From punchy small plates to meticulously plated sweets, the walk-around format invites guests to engage directly with the chefs behind the food, making for an evening that’s as educational as it is delicious.
Taste America Philadelphia: Venue, Impact, and Why It Matters
The venue itself—The Grand Belle at The Bellevue—offers the perfect stage for an event of this caliber. Located at 200 S Broad Street, the historic setting radiates old-world grandeur and timeless elegance, while Cescaphe’s event production brings polish and modern hospitality to every detail. With its sweeping staircase, high ceilings, and dramatic chandeliers, it’s the kind of room that elevates every moment—and Taste America Philadelphia promises to fill it with energy, flavor, and community.
More than just a feast, this event directly supports the James Beard Foundation’s impact programming—initiatives designed to cultivate a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving food culture across the country. Proceeds go toward mentorship, scholarships, industry advocacy, and leadership development for independent restaurants and culinary professionals. In a post-pandemic landscape where small restaurant operators continue to navigate complex challenges, events like this help shift the balance back toward resilience and opportunity.
Taste America Philadelphia reminds us that our city is a culinary powerhouse, not because of trends, but because of the deeply rooted chefs, traditions, and ideas that shape its food scene.
This event will sell out. Buy your tickets now. Thank me later.
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