‘The Toast’ Hosts the James Beard Foundation

The Southern Arizona culinary scene and the region’s creative chefs will get a national spotlight when the famed James Beard Foundation comes to Tucson on December 16, 2023, to highlight locally nominated and winning chefs in a progressive holiday brunch experience.

All proceeds from this collaborative chef-driven event will provide critical program support for both the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance’s youth education and artist support programs, as well as help the James Beard Foundation achieve its Good Food for Good® mission, rooted in advocacy, racial equity, sustainability, and women’s leadership.

Raising a glass to honor Southern Arizona culinary traditions, leaders, and flavors, ‘The Toast’ will highlight local chefs who are past semifinalists, nominees, and winners. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023.

VENTANA CANYON CLUB & LODGE
6200 N. Club House Lane, Tucson, AZ 85750
10:30am-1:30pm

TICKETS $100

PURCHASE TICKETS HERETickets will include over 10 menu courses from featured chefs, unique arts experiences, and local libation pairings, as well as chef meet-and-greet opportunities. All monies raised will go directly to support local chefs, the James Beard Foundation and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance. Tickets are limited.

Attendees will move through indoor and outdoor garden spaces, experiencing traditional and seasonal flavors from an array of Tucson’s best chefs and discovering the stories behind their culinary inspirations. Participating James Beard Award nominees, semifinalists and winners include:
– JBF Award Winner Janos Wilder, Best Chef: Southwest 2000
– JBF Award Winner El Guero Canelo, America’s Classics 2018
– JBF Award Winner Don Guerra, Barrio Bread, Outstanding Baker 2019
– JBF Award Nominee El Charro Café, Outstanding Restaurant 2019
– JBF Award Semifinalist Maria Mazon, BOCA, Best Chef: Southwest 2022
– JBF Award Semifinalist John Martinez, Tito & Pep, Best Chef: Southwest 2022
– JBF Award Semifinalist Wendy Garcia, Tumerico and La Chateria, Best Chef: Southwest 2023The James Beard Awards are among the country’s most prestigious honors, recognizing outstanding achievement in the culinary and food media industries. Acknowledging these prestigious honors indicates industry excellence and a candidate’s positive impact within their community.

The mission of the James Beard Awards is to recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

 THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION
The James Beard Foundation (JBF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that celebrates and supports the people behind America’s food culture, while pushing for new standards in the restaurant industry to create a future where all have the opportunity to thrive. Established over 30 years ago, the Foundation has highlighted the centrality of food culture in our daily lives and is committed to supporting a resilient and flourishing industry that honors its diverse communities. By amplifying new voices, celebrating those leading the way, and supporting those on the path to do so, the Foundation is working to create a more equitable and sustainable future—what we call Good Food for Good®. JBF brings its mission to life through the annual Awards, industry and community-focused programs, advocacy, partnerships, and events across the country. For the first time in the Foundation’s history, exceptional culinary talent, industry leaders, and visitors from NYC and beyond can experience unforgettable dining and educational programming at PLATFORM by JBF—and be the first to try new food concepts at the Good To Go by JBF kiosk—inspiring food and beverage devotees for decades to come. Learn more at jamesbeard.org, sign up for our newsletter, and follow @beardfoundation on social media.

VISIT TUCSON
Visit Tucson’s mission is welcoming the world to Tucson to strengthen our vibrant community. Visit Tucson is financially supported by the City of Tucson, Pima County, the Town of Oro Valley and more than 500 individual and business partners.

PIMA COUNTY ATTRACTIONS & TOURISM
The Department of Attractions and Tourism act as primary liaison with the business, academic and tourism community to enhance the economic well being of the region. It provides business development, marketing, training and revenue enhancement programs to Pima County’s managed properties

SOUTHERN ARIZONA ARTS & CULTURAL ALLIANCE
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating, preserving, and advancing the arts. SAACA strengthens the bonds between people, place, and purpose through collaborative, arts-driven experiences. The organization strengthens the bonds between people, place, and purpose through collaborative, arts-driven experiences. Most importantly, it creates opportunities for the creative sector to thrive and grow. SAACA accomplishes its mission through self-presented events and service-based programs, and advocacy delivered in partnership with Towns, Cities, Non-Profit Collaborators, and Businesses. The heart of SAACA’s work is cultivating programming that spotlights the creative community, celebrates the region’s unique culture, and provides direct opportunities for artists to make and sell their work.