James Beard Foundation – Taste America Los Angeles Event

Taking place in downtown Los Angeles's Vibiana, the 2016 James Beard Taste America event boasted some of the nation's most renowned chefs and vendors. Hosted by chef Neal Fraser of Redbird restaurant, the event celebrated both food and philanthropy.

Two of the hors d'oeuvres were particularly impressive. The first dish was Josef Centeno's "Breakfast in a Shell." A coddled egg yolk with cream of wheat, bacon, chives, and maple. Any fan of egg yolk would have been mesmerized by this unctuous dish. One was simply not enough to satiate this writer. I went back four times, even though I knew that dinner was still waiting for me. Rich, creamy, salty and sweet. Simply mind-blowing. Chef Centeno's "Breakfast in a Shell" changed my life.

The other star of the reception was Nyesha Arrington's clever take on the French classic "Coq Au Vin." Three cuts of meat: chicken, duck, and bacon, pressed overnight into one uniform piece. Crisped and served with togarashi, maldon salt, pickled Hon Shimeji mushrooms, and a wine reduction. Unreal. This dish was not just a challenge to prepare, but it was also a tremendous undertaking to cook this dish to order. Arrington took a huge risk and succeeded in knocking it out of the park; her dish was simply brilliant.

Caffé, NY), Curtis Stone (Gwen,Hollywood), and Hedy Goldsmith (Sweet Hedy, Los Angeles). It was the pasta dish from Scott Conant that stood out from the rest of the entrées. Torchio with cured egg, truffle, and smoked butter. It was like macaroni and cheese made exclusively for adults... It was triumphant.

Everything, from beginning to end, was jaw-dropping. The sponsors, vendors, food, and drinks dazzled guests all evening. As James Beard once said, "Food is our common ground," and the evening was a beautiful opportunity for people to come together, celebrate the flavors of life, and help the James Beard Foundation nurture and honor the America's diverse culinary heritage, through programs that educate and inspire the community. It was truly a night to remember.