NEW YORK, NY / PHILADELPHIA, PA – The James Beard Foundation® (JBF) today revealed the impressive lineup of chefs selected for its 2025-2026 TasteTwenty class. This annual cohort recognizes 20 rising stars and culinary changemakers from across the U.S. who will headline the Foundation’s national Taste America® event series, presented by Capital One. Among those honored is Philadelphia’s own Chef Yun Fuentes of BOLO.
The TasteTwenty chefs are selected for both their exceptional culinary talent and their commitment to positive industry impact, embodying the JBF’s “Good Food for Good®” ethos through sustainability efforts, community engagement, and advocacy. Chef Fuentes, a James Beard Award Semifinalist®, joins a diverse group including notable names like Douglass Williams (MIDA, Boston), Ope Amosu (ChòpnBlọk, Houston), Mary Attea (Musket Room, NYC), and Vivian Ku (Pine & Crane, Los Angeles).
“These chefs represent the future of American dining,” said Clare Reichenbach, JBF CEO. “We’re honored to showcase their talents on a national stage.”
The Taste America series will launch in Los Angeles on July 29, 2025, with a unique tasting event featuring all 20 TasteTwenty chefs. Following the kickoff, the series will travel across the country through March 2026, with each TasteTwenty chef hosting an event in their home city.
Philadelphia’s turn comes in March 2026 (date TBC), when Chef Yun Fuentes will host a walk-around tasting event, designed to showcase the unique character of the city’s food scene and independent restaurant community.
Proceeds from all Taste America events benefit the Foundation’s national programs supporting the independent restaurant industry. Tickets for the first four events (Los Angeles, Asheville, Denver, Detroit, New Orleans) are available now, with details for the Philadelphia event and others to be announced later at jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica. This national series provides a fantastic opportunity for diners to experience exceptional food while supporting the future of the culinary industry.
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