The 28^thAnniversary of Chefs & Champagne Toasts Good Food For Good

The summertime is the best occasion to gather farm-to-table foodies, culinary connoisseurs, and everyone in between together to relish in their passion for good food. This year’s James Beard Foundation Chefs & Champagne did just that. The lavish sustainable Wölffer Estate Vineyard, played host in honoring the 28^thAnniversary of what is considered the East End’s premier culinary summertime affair. Over 900 gastronomy enthusiasts, food lovers and influencers came in full force to mark the occasion with this year’s guest of honor, Padma Lakshmi. The stunning host and executive producer of Bravo’s Top Chef definitely set the tone with her adoration for food, family, feminism and the overall efforts that the James Beard Foundation accomplished in implementing a better food system.

The impressive occasion involved more than 35 chefs, 20 of which were women, from around the globe, to share their delectable dishes. Fare was accompanied by the overflowing Champagne Boizel and ciders from the WölfferEstate Vineyard. The event involved unique and fun tasting experiences for guests from participating chefs including Emma Bengtsson, of Aquavit, NYC, Janine Booth and Jeff Mcinnes, from Root & Bone, NYC, Laetitia Rouabah of Benoit Restaurant and Wine Bar, NYC, and Chris Starkus, from Urban Farmer, Denver.

“This year’s summer fundraiser had the greatest impact yet,” noted Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. “The annual event exemplifies our continued commitment to create exceptional experiences all in support of the Foundation’s mission to change the world through food. It was fantastic to honor Padma Lakshmi, and to recognize her inspiring contributions to the culinary community.We are also hugely grateful to all the amazing chefs and attendees who raised funds in support of the Foundation’s programs to create a better food world.”

In addition to the tastings, the evening’s event involved a silent auction that raised over $100,000 to aid in JBF’s mission, scholarship, and education. The silent auction highlighted one-of-a-kind dining experiences including a 4-course Italian dinner for 2 at Centrolina in Washington, DC, a six-course seafood feast at Seamore’s Brookfield Place in NYC, and dinner at the exclusive East Hampton Pop Up, EMP Summer House, NY.

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