Friends of the James Beard Foundation dinner

Join James Beard Semifinalist, Executive Chef Chad Johnson, and his culinary team, along with 6 of Tampa's past Beard Nominees and favorite local chefs as we host the first annual, Friend of the James Beard foundation dinner, to benefit the Bern Laxer Scholarship Fund.

Hosted by owner David Laxer (past Beard nominee for Bern's Steakhouse), we have invited the best culinary talent in Tampa for one unforgettable evening.

The cost is $200.00 for the general public and $175 for James Beard Foundation members* (inclusive of tax and gratuity).
This is a ticketless event.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

Chefs include:

Marty Blitz, Mise en Place (Past Beard Rising Star Nominee)
B.T. Nguyen, Restaurant BT
Zack Gross, Z Grille (Past Beard Best Chef South: Nominee)
Tyson Grant, Parkshore Grill
Greg Baker, The Refinery (Past Beard Best new restaurant nominee, and Beard Best Chef: South Semifinalist)
Habteab Hamde, Bern's Steak House (Past Beard nominee, Best Restaurant)
Kim Yelvington, Harry Waugh Dessert Room, Bern's Steak House (Past Beard nominee, Best Restaurant)

Honorary Hosts:

David Laxer, Bern's Steak House (Beard Semi-finalist, Best Restaurant) and Richard Gonzmart, The Columbia (Beard Semi-finalist- Restauranteur)

Menu to include:

Reception --

Zack Gross

Z Grille Deviled Egg –lobster, smoked caviar & Foie Gras Slider –jalapeno jam

Tyson Grant

Parkshore Grill Pacific Oyster–uni emulsion, watermelon radish pickle & Parmesan Panna Cotta –wagyu carpaccio, arugula, smoked sea salt

Seated --

BT Nguyen

Restaurant BT Tuna Tai Chanh–hawaiian hearts of palm, micro arugula, passionfruit champagne vinaigrette

Greg Baker

The Refinery Sturgeon Confit - anson mills grits, clam & benton’s smoked ham broth, roasted watermelon radish, red mizuna, whey, sorrel

Chad Johnson

SideBern's Duck ‘Ballotine‘– goat camembert, root vegetables, truffle, vadouvan granola

Habteab Hamde

Bern's Steak House 75 Day Dry Aged Delmonico– bone marrow & black trumpet flan, fingerling potato, asparagus, black trumpet cabernet reduction

Marty Blitz

Mise en Place Buffalo Short Rib– wild boar bacon kabocha squash trumpet royal mushroom posole, celery root orange pepita salad, ancho black garlic sage jus