James Beard Foundation Hosts Chicago Taste America Event Presented by Capital One at River Roast

Chicago’s 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 March 15th. 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 be offered a multi-course meal with beverage pairings, created just for this special night through a 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. The Chicago event 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.

The box office is officially open, and 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.