The James Beard Foundation is bringing back its Taste America culinary series to Miami with a special pop-up dinner at Maty’s on Thursday, Oct. 17, with dinner seatings at 6:15 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. Sponsored by Capital One, the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® series celebrates culinary excellence and local independent restaurants, uniting chefs and food lovers for unique dining experiences across 20 U.S. cities. The Miami pop-up dinner will showcase recent James Beard Award-winning chef Valerie Chang from Maty’s, acclaimed as one of the industry’s finest culinary talents and changemakers, as part of the Foundation’s annual class of TasteTwenty chefs. She will present an exceptional menu and promote the James Beard Foundation’s mission of Good Food for Good® at this special event.
The Miami dinner at Maty’s offers a unique opportunity for guests to savor the exceptional culinary creations of James Beard Foundation-selected chefs. Attendees can delight in a special multi-course menu, expertly paired with wines and cocktails, crafted by chef Valerie Chang from TasteTwenty and the Maty’s team in partnership with chef Tam Pham of Tâm Tâm. Chef Valerie Chang is renowned for putting a modern twist on classic dishes while honoring the authentic flavors of her Peruvian heritage.
In September 2023, a mere six months after its opening, Maty’s was recognized as one of Bon Appetit’s “24 Best New Restaurants” and was featured in the New York Times’ “Restaurant List.” Furthermore, Chef Chang received the 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef: South and is an alumna of the James Beard Foundation’s Chef Boot Camp for Policy and Change. Her contributions were also acknowledged with a StarChefs Miami Rising Stars Game Changer Award in 2021.
“We are thrilled to host Taste America in Miami and celebrate the city’s distinct and vibrant local food culture through the work of our phenomenal TasteTwenty chef Valerie Chang from Maty’s,” says Siobhan Flaherty Haber, Vice President of Events at the James Beard Foundation. “We’re excited to spotlight Valerie’s work in driving the industry forward through her dedication to excellence and commitment to community. Valerie’s inclusion in the 2024-2025 TasteTwenty class of chefs is well-deserved, and we are excited to share her vision and talent with guests of this special event.
Taste America events celebrate the diversity of America’s local food culture and shine a spotlight on chefs at the forefront of the industry. Each event offers a delightful menu and supports the Foundation’s mission and programs. Throughout the series, Taste America will showcase over 100 leading chefs, providing participants with insights into the evolving tastes and traditions of American food. Joining the Taste America Miami event is a unique chance to join the Foundation’s dynamic national culinary community, uniting food enthusiasts and industry professionals.
The funds raised from Taste America events support the James Beard Foundation’s national impact programming, championing equity, sustainability, women’s leadership, and a future where all can thrive in the culinary industry and beyond.
Tickets for the Taste America Miami event are now on sale. For more information visit, jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica.
