Los Angeles Culinary Event Brings Together Independent Restaurants The James Beard Foundation's Taste America will return to Los Angeles on October 6 at 7 PM at the LINE Los Angeles, bringing together more than 10 of the city's independent restaurants for a walk-around tasting event. The evening will be hosted by Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle of Little Fish, who were recently named to the James Beard Foundation's 2026–2027 TasteTwenty, an annual recognition list for 20 emerging chefs across the country. According to the Foundation, the chefs were selected for their "exceptional cooking, creative vision, and leadership" shaping the future of American dining.
Participating Restaurants The lineup includes participating chefs from Linden, Bridgetown Roti, Komal, Ki, RasaRumah, Camélia, Maydan LA, Azizam, and Betsy, among others. The event will feature signature bites, beverages, and exclusive sponsor activations. "We're thrilled to bring this celebration to Los Angeles, where guests will sample exceptional bites from some of the city's most dynamic talent, connect with their local food community, and raise a glass to the chefs leading our industry forward through both craft and purpose," said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. "It will be a festive evening, all while directly supporting the James Beard Foundation's mission to champion independent restaurants at a time when that support is needed more than ever." Siobhan Flaherty Haber, Vice President of Events at the James Beard Foundation, added: "In one evening, guests will taste what makes Los Angeles one of the most distinct food cities in America. We're also excited to have chefs Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle hosting the event—one of the 20 'ones to watch' chefs named to this year's TasteTwenty, recognized for their exceptional talent as well as their impact beyond the plate."
Event Details and Support Now in its 14th year, Taste America operates in 20 U.S. cities coast to coast.
The series is presented by American Express and Resy, with support from sponsors including Deloitte, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., and others. Proceeds from the event directly benefit the James Beard Foundation's national programming supporting independent restaurants and the broader food system. Tickets are on sale through the James Beard Foundation website.
Why It Matters
As independent restaurants face sustained economic pressure, Foundation-backed events like Taste America serve both as fundraising mechanisms and industry celebration platforms, drawing media attention and consumer engagement to the operators and chefs driving local culinary culture.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
