Rachel Frazier Johnson and Tanae Morrison
Chef Amanda Freitag closed the event with a cooking class at Sur La Table.
Matt Taylor of Gertrude’s served Kusshi oysters with pineapple mignonette, Thai chilies, basil flowers and shaved foie gras torchon for A Night of Culinary Stars.
Guests gathered for the second night of the foodie fete at The Camby.
Hayden Rassas, Allie Marconi and Blaise Faber
Hayden Rassas, Allie Marconi and Blaise Faber
Tanya Rhodes and Mark Sumby
Thurston Adams and Perrine Adams
November 13, 2016 | Parties
The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America landed in Phoenix on an 11-city tour around the country.
THE PARTY
Foodies and supporters of the James Beard Foundation indulged in a three-day culinary celebration of local and national all-star chefs. The fete kicked off with a welcome reception of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at Little Cleo’s Seafood Legend, followed by A Night of Culinary Stars at The Camby. The final farewell was a morning cooking class and book signing by chefs Amanda Freitag and Christopher Gross at Sur La Table in Kierland Commons.
THE GUESTS
Ken Platzer and Marilyn Platzer, the CFO and COO of the James Beard Foundation, were in attendance. CBS 5 News anchor Sean McLaughlin emceed the evening.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
At the main event, guests were treated to a tasting reception with bites by top chefs, including Jeff Smedstad, who served Elote Cafe’s namesake grilled corn dish; and handmade pasta with black truffle by chef Gabe Bertaccini. Guests then wafted into the ballroom for a four-course dinner prepared by chefs Freitag, Gross and Dushyant Singh, along with presentations and live auctions. The night ended with dessert under the stars at The Camby’s rooftop pool.
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