Ted Allen and Mario Batali to Headline the 2014 James Beard Awards

For this spring's James Beard Awards gala, an evening that already promises a high concentration of culinary star power, we're handing headlining duties to two industry bigwigs. Choppedhost and author Ted Allen has signed on to act as master of ceremonies, while chef, television personality, and culinary empire builder Mario Batali will serve as gala chef chair. The two stars will preside over an evening themed "Sounds of the City,” a celebration of the relationship between music and food, and the many ways in which the culinary community is inspired by music and the artists who create it. The motif will extend into our tasting reception, where chefs from some of America’s beloved musical cities will create dishes inspired by their favorite sounds. This year's gala will be held at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater on Monday, May 5.

This year's Book, Broadcast, and Journalism Awards ceremony will take place at Gotham Hall on Friday, May 2, and will be hosted by brothers Matt Lee and Ted Lee, both Beard Award–winning cookbook authors and publishers of the charming Lee Bros. Boiled Peanuts Catalogue.

Read the full press release.