NASHVILLE, TENN. - The James Beard Foundation®, the organization behind the prestigious James Beard Awards®, announces that its celebrated Taste America culinary series returns to Nashville with an exciting pop-up dinner on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at Noko. 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 Nashville 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.”
Guests will experience the culinary excellence that has established the James Beard Foundation as a leading voice in American dining. The Nashville dinner will feature Chef Dung “Junior” Vo from Noko, recognized as one of the industry’s finest culinary talents and changemakers as part of the Foundation’s annual class of TasteTwentychefs—who will present an exceptional menu in collaboration with Chef Chris Baird of S.S. Gai while championing the James Beard Foundation’s mission of Good Food for Good®. Tickets for the Taste America Nashville dinner are on sale now at jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica for eligible Capital One cardholders and will be on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Nov. 14.
"What sets TasteTwenty chef Vo apart is not just his incredible approach to Asian wood-fired cuisine, but his commitment to making a difference beyond the kitchen through community engagement and exceptional care for his team,” said Siobhan Flaherty Haber, Vice President of Events, James Beard Foundation. "This combination of outstanding craft and leadership is exactly what our TasteTwenty program celebrates, and we are so excited to highlight both of our incredible chefs at this special event.”
Hosted at Noko, the Nashville dinner is an unparalleled opportunity for guests to experience the outstanding and delicious work of James Beard Foundation-curated talent in a rare and intimate setting. Guests will enjoy a delectable one-of-a-kind multi-course menu, in addition to wine pairings and cocktails. The four-course menu will feature collaborative dishes and signature flavors from both chefs.
The event will also feature local partners, including Leiper’s Fork Distillery, Music City Food & Wine Festival and Tennessee Department of Tourism Development.
Across 20 U.S. cities, the Taste America series offers food enthusiasts a firsthand experience of the flavors, regional specialties, and innovations shaping 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 Nashville event will be on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Nov. 14. Visit here for more information.
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.
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.
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