NASHVILLE, TN — The James Beard Foundation® (JBF), the organization behind the prestigious James Beard Awards®, announces that its Taste America culinary series returns to Nashville with a walk-around tasting on Nov. 19, 2026 at 6 p.m. at Saint Elle. 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 Nashville tasting will be hosted by TasteTwenty chef Mathew Meeker of Fancypants, 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 Meeker will be an impressive lineup of the talent behind Nashville's most exciting independent restaurants, with more than 10 food and beverage stations featuring signature bites, beverages, and exclusive sponsor activations.
"We're thrilled to bring this celebration to Nashville, where guests will sample exceptional bites from some of the city's most dynamic talent, connect with their local food community, and raise a glass to the chefs leading our industry forward through both craft and purpose,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO, James Beard Foundation. "It will be a festive evening, all while directly supporting the James Beard Foundation's mission to champion independent restaurants at a time when that support is needed more than ever."
"We can't wait to celebrate Nashville’s remarkable culinary community at this special event! In one evening, guests will taste what makes Nashville one of the most distinct food cities in America," said Siobhan Flaherty Haber, Vice President of Events, James Beard Foundation. "We're also excited to have chef Mathew Meeker hosting the event—one of the 20 'ones to watch' chefs named to this year's TasteTwenty, recognized for their exceptional talent as well as their impact beyond the plate."
Presenting the Taste America Nashville lineup (with more to be announced):
- TasteTwenty chef Mathew Meeker of Fancypants
- Josh Cook and Ana Aguilar, Tantísimo
- Nick Guidry of Deacon’s New South
- Hal Holden-Bache of James Beard Award Semifinalist® Lockeland Table
- Kamal Kalokoh of Riddim N' Spice
- Bill Laviolette of Shotgun Willie’s BBQ
- James Beard Award Semifinalist® Vivek Surti of James Beard Award Semifinalist® Tailor
“Being selected to represent Nashville in the Foundation’s TasteTenty class is an honor,” said James Beard Foundation TasteTwenty chef Mathew Meeker. "I am beyond grateful to celebrate our city’s outstanding culinary scene with so many talented chefs.”
Now in its 14th year, Taste America invites diners to experience their city's food scene through the lens of celebrated local chefs—and the flavors, traditions, and innovations shaping American dining. Every event is a night to remember, offering a unique opportunity to experience exceptional food, support the JBF mission, and become a part of a vibrant culinary community. Proceeds directly benefit the Foundation's national impact programming, championing a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving future for independent restaurants and the broader food system.
Tickets for the Taste America Nashville walk-around tasting are on sale now. For more information, and to view menus and participating talent as they are added, visit jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica.
The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® is presented by American Express and Resy, the official credit card and reservations platform of the James Beard Foundation. Taste America is also supported by Premier Sponsor: Deloitte; Supporting Sponsor: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.; Patron Sponsors: Choose Chicago, Illinois Restaurant Association; Patrón Tequila; with Additional Support from: 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.
Local partners include Mijenta Tequila.
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 toward a new standard of excellence. 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 toward a better food system. For 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 culinary events and partnerships nationwide, including at Platform by JBF® and the James Beard House in New York City. Learn more at jamesbeard.org, sign up for our emails, and follow @beardfoundation on social media.
ABOUT RESY
Resy is a digital dining platform that powers restaurants around the world and provides reservation booking for passionate diners. With the powerful backing of American Express, Resy has created best-in-class software that elevates dining experiences and connects restaurants to a vast network of highly engaged diners. Resy is a destination for restaurant discovery, exclusive access, original content, and chef-driven culinary events. The amazing world of restaurants is just a few taps away in the Resy app and at Resy.com.
ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS
American Express (NYSE: AXP) is a global payments and premium lifestyle brand powered by technology. Our colleagues around the world back our customers with differentiated products, services, and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Founded in 1850 and headquartered in New York, American Express’ brand is built on trust, security, and service, and a rich history of delivering innovation and Membership value for our customers. With over a hundred million merchant locations across our global network, we seek to provide the world’s best customer experience every day to a broad range of consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, and large corporations. For more information about American Express, visit americanexpress.com, americanexpress.com/en-us/newsroom/ and ir.americanexpress.com.
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