James Beard Foundation’s Taste America Returns to Houston for 14th Year — Hosted by TasteTwenty and James Beard Award-Winning Chefs Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu

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Fall is the season of football, sweater weather, and, of course, incredible eating. To kick off a marathon of a few weeks of culinary excellence, the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America, presented by American Express and Resy, is returning to Houston on Thursday, November 12, at the Thompson Houston.

The evening will bring together some of the city’s most celebrated chefs for a walk-around tasting experience you won’t want to miss. It’ll spotlight Houston’s diverse and vibrant independent restaurant community, featuring more than 12 food and beverage stations with signature bites, drinks and exclusive sponsor activations.

The Houston tasting will be hosted by TasteTwenty chefs and James Beard Award Winners Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu of James Beard Award Semifinalist JŪN and Third Place. The chefs were selected for the Foundation’s 2026-2027 TasteTwenty class, which is an annual “ones to watch” list recognizing talent whose exceptional cooking, creative vision, and leadership are helping shape the future of American dining. 

Joining Chefs Garcia and Lu will be an impressive lineup of the talent behind Houston’s most exciting independent restaurants, with more than twelve food and beverage stations featuring signature bites, beverages, and exclusive sponsor activations. Guests who purchase tickets for the Premier Hour will enjoy roaming caviar bumps provided by DR Delicacy (now, that’s chic) and bites from Thompson Houston Executive Chefs Sierra Rustrum and Jarade Blackmon.

The 2026 Taste America Houston lineup includes:

– James Beard Award Semifinalist Aaron Bludorn of James Beard Award Semifinalist Bludorn

– James Beard Award Semifinalist Tristen Epps-Long of Buboy

– Christian Hernandez, Barbacana

– James Beard Award Semifinalist Suu Khin of Burmalicious

– JBF Chef Bootcamp Alum and James Beard Award Winner Hugo Ortega and Paula Gutierrez of Zaranda

– James Beard Award Winner Benchawan Jabthong Painter of Street to Kitchen

– James Beard Award Semifinalist Felipe Riccio of James Beard Award Nominee March Restaurant

– James Beard Award Winner Adrian Torres of Maximo

– James Beard Award Semifinalist Stephanie Velasquez and Nicolas Vera of James Beard Award Nominee CASAEMA

– JBF Taste America TasteTwenty Alum Michelle Wallace of B’tween Sandwich Co.

– Rebecca Masson, Fluff Bake Bar (presented by Plugrà)

– Jim Shirley of The Great Southern Café (presented by Visit South Walton)

Now in its 14th year, Taste America celebrates the people and flavors shaping American dining. Event proceeds directly support the James Beard Foundation’s national programming, which champions a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving independent restaurant industry — something we can all stand behind this November.

Tickets for the Taste America Houston walk-around tasting are on sale now. For more information and to view menus and participating talent as they are added, visit jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica. 

The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® is presented by American Express and Resy, the official credit card and reservations platform of the James Beard Foundation. Taste America is also supported by Premier Sponsor: Deloitte; Supporting Sponsor: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.; Patron Sponsors: Choose Chicago, Illinois Restaurant Association, Patrón Tequila; with Additional Support from: Sodexo, the official campus dining partner of the James Beard Foundation, TABASCO® Brand, TILIT, VerTerra Dinnerware, Windstar Cruises, the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation; and Founding Partner: Bowen & Co. Events. Taste America Houston local sponsors include: Houston First Corporation, PaperCity Magazine, Mijenta Tequila, Plugrà Premium European Style Butter, and Visit South Walton.

Bon appétit!