Taste America Pop-Up Dinner Returns to Nashville in 2026
The following is a press release:
The James Beard Foundation, the organization behind the prestigious James Beard Awards, announces that its celebrated Taste America culinary series returns to Nashville with an exciting pop-up dinner on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 at 6:30 PM at Noko. Presented by Capital One, the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America series celebrates culinary excellence and the local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities—bringing together chefs and food lovers for unique dining experiences across 20 U.S. cities.
“Our Taste America series showcases the independent restaurants and visionary chefs who are leading American food culture forward through excellence and through the kind of positive leadership our industry needs,” said Clare Reichenbach, Chief Executive Officer, James Beard Foundation. “We’re thrilled that Nashville diners will experience our Good Food for Good mission and the cooking of these incredible chefs, who are shaping the future of American dining, at this special event.”
Guests will experience the culinary excellence that has established the James Beard Foundation as a leading voice in American dining. The Nashville dinner will feature Chef Dung “Junior” Vo from Noko, recognized as one of the industry’s finest culinary talents and changemakers as part of the Foundation’s annual class of TasteTwenty chefs—who will present an exceptional menu in collaboration with Chef Chris Baird of S.S. Gai while championing the James Beard Foundation’s mission of Good Food for Good. Tickets for the Taste America Nashville dinner are on sale now at jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica for eligible Capital One cardholders and will be on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Nov. 14.
“What sets TasteTwenty chef Vo apart is not just his incredible approach to Asian wood-fired cuisine, but his commitment to making a difference beyond the kitchen through community engagement and exceptional care for his team,” said Siobhan Flaherty Haber, Vice President of Events, James Beard Foundation. “This combination of outstanding craft and leadership is exactly what our TasteTwenty program celebrates, and we are so excited to highlight both of our incredible chefs at this special event.”
Hosted at Noko, the Nashville dinner is an unparalleled opportunity for guests to experience the outstanding and delicious work of James Beard Foundation-curated talent in a rare and intimate setting. Guests will enjoy a delectable one-of-a-kind multi-course menu, in addition to wine pairings and cocktails. The four-course menu will feature collaborative dishes and signature flavors from both chefs.
The event will also feature local partners, including Leiper’s Fork Distillery, Music City Food & Wine Festival, and Tennessee Department of Tourism Development.
Across 20 U.S. cities, the Taste America series offers food enthusiasts a firsthand experience of the flavors, regional specialties, and innovations shaping American dining. By attending this Taste America event, guests not only enjoy an unforgettable evening of delicious cuisine but also become part of the Foundation’s vibrant and growing national culinary community. Proceeds from Taste America events benefit the James Beard Foundation’s mission to champion a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving future for independent restaurants and the broader food system.
Editor’s note: We covered this event in 2025, and it was one of the year’s standouts. Read about our experience here.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Wiseman