What Is American Food Culture?

What do we mean when we are talking about “American food”? Chefs and their teams shape the restaurant industry, bringing their foodways, culture, and their histories to their kitchens, heavily influencing what we have come to know as “American” food. Panelists will discuss the definition of “American” food, how it is ever changing, how we talk about it, and what it might look like in the future.

Moderated by Krishnendu Ray, Professor, New York University; Journalism Awards Subcommittee Member, James Beard Foundation

Panelists include:

Silver Iocovozzi, Chef-owner, Neng Jr.'s; 2025 James Beard Award Nominee for Best Chef: Southeast

Gabriel Kreuther, Chef-owner, Gabriel Kreuther; 2009 James Beard Award Winner for Best Chefs in America New York City; 2025 James Beard Award Nominee for Outstanding Chef

Sarah Thompson, Executive chef, Casa Playa; 2025 James Beard Award Nominee for Best Chef: Southwest

Erick Williams; Chef-owner, Virtue; 2022 James Beard Award Winner for Best Chef: Great Lakes