The James Beard Foundation—the organization behind the prestigious James Beard Awards— announces that its celebrated Taste America culinary series returns to Nashville with a pop-up dinner on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. 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.”
Hosted at Noko, the Nashville dinner is an opportunity for guests to experience the work of James Beard Foundation-curated talent in a rare and intimate setting.
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 TasteTwentychefs—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, $165 per person, are on sale now here.
“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.”
Guests will enjoy a 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.