Events / JBF Gala

The 2021 James Beard Foundation Gala

Fri, November 12, 2021

6:30 PM
The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York City
Price: See below for pricing. Click Here to View Our Auction and Purchase Tickets

6:30 P.M. Reception and Silent Auction
8:00 P.M. Dinner and Live Auction

Honoring

Edward Lee and Lindsey Ofcacek, Co-founders, The LEE Initiative, for their commitment to a more equitable, sustainable restaurant industry

and

Jodie W. McLean, CEO, EDENS, for her outstanding support in initiating the Foundation's Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership program

The 2021 James Beard Foundation Gala will celebrate the chefs and other culinary leaders who make our collective future more equitable, sustainable, and delicious. In light of the challenges of the past year—and our dedication to ensure that the culinary industry survives, rebuilds, and thrives in the wake of the pandemic—the event will highlight our Open for Good campaign and the inspiring chefs who channel leadership, vision, integrity, resilience, and hope. Throughout the evening, we will also spotlight our revitalized focus on impact-driven work, including our Women’s Leadership programs, Advocacy, and new Racial Equity initiatives.

In addition to the Gala, we are thrilled to announce our Fall 2021 Open for Good Online Auction, which launches on November 1 and will be open through November 12, 2021. Auction packages range from dinners at renowned restaurants across the country, VIP tours of wineries, state-of the art cookware, coveted fine wines and spirits, and unique gifts. Pre-register for the Online Auction now to be first to know when packages will go on sale.

Black-tie attire suggested

Gala Chefs

Host Chef
Ashfer Biju

The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, NYC

Host Pastry Chef
Michael Mignano
Farine Baking Company, NYC

Ann Ahmed
Khâluna, Minneapolis

Courtney Blagrove and Zan B.R.
Whipped - Urban Dessert Lab, NYC

Valerie Chang
Itamae, Miami

Gregory Gourdet
Kann, Portland, OR

Nya Marshall
IVY Kitchen + Cocktails, Detroit

JBF Award Winner
Ana Sortun
 
Oleana, Cambridge, MA

Saran Toby
Provisions Café, Germantown, MD

Event Chairs

Henni and John Kessler
Robin and Frederic Seegal
 

Vice Chairs

Nancy Lukitsh
Marva A. Smalls, Viacom
 

Auctioneer

Subyn Novelle


Support Levels

Chair: $25,000
Premium seating for 10, with personalized table signage and place cards. Access to exclusive Leadership reception during the event with Champagne toast hosted by JBF CEO, Clare Reichenbach. Each guest receives a mask, custom Hedley & Bennet apron, and JBF Open for Good tote bag. Prominent listing as Event Chair on-screen, on all collateral materials, recognition from the podium, and a full-page ad in the event program. Two complimentary Beard Box meal kits (Dinner for 4) to an upcoming Beard House Fellows event, exclusively for table donors.

Vice Chair: $20,000
Premium seating for 10, with personalized table signage and place cards. Access to exclusive Leadership reception during the event with Champagne toast hosted by JBF CEO, Clare Reichenbach. Each guest receives a mask and JBF Open for Good tote bag. Prominent listing as Vice Chair on-screen, on all collateral materials, recognition from the podium, and a half-page ad in the event program.

Benefactor: $15,000
Priority seating for 10, with personalized table signage and place cards, with access to general reception. Each guest receives a mask and JBF Open for Good tote bag. Listing as Benefactor on all collateral materials and on-screen.

Supporter: $7,500 (SOLD OUT)
Preferred dinner seating for 10, with access to general reception. Listing as Supporter on all collateral materials and on-screen.

Patron: $3,000 (SOLD OUT)
Preferred dinner seating for 6, with access to general reception. Listing as Patron on all collateral materials and on-screen.

 

*Due to the impact of COVID-19, ticket level options are limited for 2021.

Table purchases are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law, less $335 per guest for food and beverage served.

Menu

Dinner

FIRST COURSE
Created by Ashfer Biju
Cauliflower, Kale, and Chickpea Chaat with Ginger Yogurt, Pomegranate, Mint, and Tamarind Chutneys
** Gluten-free, nut-free, and vegetarian; contains alliums and dairy 

SECOND COURSE
Created by Ana Sortun
Potato–Porcini Kibbeh with Walnut Sauce and Celery–Green Olive Salad
**Shellfish-free and vegetarian; contains alliums, dairy, gluten, and nuts 

THIRD COURSE
Created by Gregory Gourdet 
Chillipepper Rockfish with Savory Coconut Epis, Plantain, Habanero, and Bay
** Dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free

FOURTH COURSE
Created by Ashfer Biju
Guava-Braised Beef Short Rib with Butternut Squash Purée, Roasted Brussel Sprouts, and Shallots
**Gluten-free, nut-free, and shellfish-free; contains alliums and dairy 

Wine pairings to be announced.

*Menu is subject to change

Sponsors

Official James Beard Foundation Partners

Official Credit Card and Banking Partner

Official Air Line

Event Sponsors

 

 

 

Related Info

Maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our guests, chefs, and entire hotel team to experience our events is a top priority.  The James Beard Foundation will adhere to city, state and/or federal regulations along with the policy of our host venue, which may include: wearing masks when not at your table, maintaining 3-feet of distance away from guests, or providing proof of vaccination. Ticket buyers attending the Gala event will be alerted of the final policy in an email at least two (2) business days prior to the event date. Thank you for your continued understanding and compliance with these measures for your safety and the safety of those around you.

COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place regardless of precautions that may be taken. By purchasing and using tickets, you, on your behalf and on behalf of any accompanying parties, agree to (1) assume all risks associated with COVID-19 and other communicable diseases, (2) comply with all related health and safety policies of the James Beard Foundation and any participating restaurants, as well as all applicable federal, state, and local government laws and recommendations, and (3) expressly release the James Beard Foundation and each of its respective affiliates, parents, subsidiaries, trustees, officers, directors, partners, employees, and agents from any and all claims arising from or relating to COVID-19.

The Foundation is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity and which is free of unlawful discrimination and harassment. In keeping with this commitment, the Foundation will not tolerate harassment of guests or staff in any form at Foundation events.