The James Beard Foundation®, the organization behind the prestigious James Beard Awards®, announces that its celebrated Taste America culinary series returns to Chicago with an exciting pop-up dinner on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 5:30pm at Bar Sótano. 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.
The intimate evening will feature TasteTwenty chef Jaqueline Hernandez of Bar Sótano—one of the Foundation’s 2025–2026 “ones to watch”—collaborating with chef Stephen Gillanders of S.K.Y., Apolonia and Valhalla on a multi-course menu celebrating contemporary Mexican cuisine, paired with wines and cocktails. James Beard Award winner Rick Bayless will serve as Honorary Chair for the Chicago dinner, underscoring the event’s deep connection to Mexican culinary tradition and Chicago’s dining legacy.
Details:
• Tuesday, March 10, 2026
• Tickets can be purchased HERE
• Bar Sótano, 443 N. Clark St.