On the Menu: July 23 through July 28

by jbfauthor on July 22, 2011

It's a big week for the Beard Foundation, and we'd love for you to be a part of it! Saturday, July 23, 5:30 P.M. Chefs & Champagne® A beloved chef, Emeril Lagasse made cooking and good food fun with his popular TV show Emeril Live. In addition to this success, Lagasse is the chef/proprietor of 12 restaurants and the author of 15 cookbooks. We are thrilled to honor this talented culinarian at this year’s Chefs & Champagne for his contributions not only to the world of food, but also for his dedication to educational programs that help young people discover the wonders of the culinary arts. “What an honor to be recognized by the James Beard Foundation,” said Emeril Lagasse. “I am looking forward to being part of such an incredible event, among exceptional colleagues, and most importantly, where the fundraising will be dedicated to supporting students’ culinary education.” Chefs & Champagne® New York is the James Beard Foundation's annual summer tasting party. It features flowing Champagne, the wines of Wölffer Estate Vineyard, Stella Artois beers, and culinary offerings from a select group of more than 30 fine chefs, many from JBF Award–winning restaurants. The 2011 recipient of the Christian Wölffer Scholarship for wine and food studies will also be announced. Tuesday, July 26, 7:00 P.M. Top Chefs Meet Willamette Valley Top Chef Season Three runner-up Dale Levitski has achieved a culinary comeback at Chicago’s Sprout, where he turns out daring and delicious interpretations of classic bistro cuisine. Join the 2011 JBF semifinalist and his sous chef—fellow Top Chef alum Sara Nguyen—at a phenomenal Beard House dinner featuring wine pairings from boutique Oregon winery Carabella Vineyard. Wednesday, July 27, 7:00 P.M. Upscale Down South Back in Baton Rouge after a stint as executive chef at Mississippi’s Monmouth Plantation, acclaimed chef Scott Varnedoe has transformed iconic chophouse Stroubes into an upscale Down South dining destination. Join us for a taste of Varnedoe’s refined new menu, which offers a sophisticated Southern take on classic steakhouse fare. Thursday, July 28, 7:00 P.M. Refined New England Enjoy a beautifully prepared, farm-inspired menu that showcases pristine New England ingredients when Justin Dain of the historic Hanover Inn visits us at the Beard House. The former chef of the renowned Reluctant Panther and an alum of Equinox Resort in Manchester, Vermont, Dain is known for his refined yet accessible American cuisine. For details and reservations, visit www.jamesbeard.org/events or call 212.627.2308.