User:Junesix/James Beard Foundation

The James Beard Foundation is a New York-based national professional organization named in honor of James Beard that serves to promote the culinary arts by honoring chefs, wine professionals, journals, and cookbook authors at annual award ceremonies and providing scholarships and educational opportunities to cooking hopefuls.

The Foundation was started in 1986 by Peter Kump, a former student of James Beard and founder of the Institute of Culinary Education. At Julia Child's suggestion, Kump purchased Beard's New York brownstone at 167 West 12th Street in Greenwich Village and preserved it as a gathering place where the general public and press can appreciate the talents of established and emerging chefs.

The James Beard House hosts frequent dinners featuring selected chefs working the Beard kitchen in the company of Foundation members and industry professionals. Past chefs have included Daniel Boulud, Emeril Lagasse, Nobu Matsuhisa, Jacques Pépin, and Charlie Trotter.

The James Beard Foundation Awards, considered the "Oscars of the food world," are held annually to honor exceptional chefs and journalists. The main Awards Gala are held on the first Monday in May and feature and awards ceremony and a winning chefs' tasting reception afterwards. The Journalism awards are held on a separate day.

Publications

 * Monthly Calendar - culinary news
 * Quarterly Beard House - compendium of food journalism
 * Annual Restaurant Directory guide - directory of chefs who have presented a meal at the Beard House or participated in fundraising events
 * Directory of Fine Food and Beverage Professionals - industry directory