Official James Beard Foundation event returning to Tampa

Beard by the Bay, an event created to celebrate the culinary greatness of the Tampa Bay region’s finest chefs, sommeliers and mixologists, is returning to Tampa, in October, for the first time since 2019.

The official James Beard Foundation Event, organized by RSBP Events+PR, will be a multi-course tasting event on Sunday, October 29, at Willa’s, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. A full list of participants is below.

“This year, Beard by the Bay brings a touch of retro glamour with the theme of Disco Supper Club,” says Brooke Palmer Kuhl, owner of RSBP Events+PR. “Picture yourself grooving to the sounds of George Benson on vintage vinyl, sipping on your favorite libations and savoring the most delectable dishes.”

A portion of the evening’s proceeds directly benefit the James Beard Foundation via Bespoke Collective Charities, a newly established Tampa nonprofit that supports charities in the culinary arts, pediatric cancer and animal welfare.

Participating experts include:

●          Birchwood Inn – Lee Aquino

●          Boulon – Hab Hamde, Sophie Moss and Heather Rivas

●          Brick & Mortar/ Seaworthy – Jason Ruhe and Dylan Ruhe

●          Cena – Michael Buttacavoli

●          Cellar Masters- Ryan Ruggs

●          Chef & the Baker – Ricardo Rivera and Rosana Rivera

●          Cru Hospitality Group – Ricardo Nava and Jennifer Bingham

●          Epicurean Hotel – Jon Atanacio

●          Little Lamb – James Renew

●          Grace – Jason Lutzk

●          Hellion Hospitality – Adam Polisei

●          II Ritorno – David Benstock

●          Jamison B. Breadhouse Bakes- Jason Laukhuf

●          Koya – Eric Fralick

●          Lilac /The Edition – Josh Werksman, Tural Husanov and Amber Carregal

●          Mise en Place, Marty Blitz

●          Meat Market – Sean Brasel

●          Next Level Brands – Summer Bailey

●          Oak & Ola – Anne Kearney

●          Parkshore Grill – Tyson Grant

●          Ponte – Chris Ponte and Paul Morrison

●          Proper House Group – Ferrell Alvarez

●          Restaurant BT- BT Nguyen

●          Rocca – Bryce Bonsack

●          Sacred Pepper – James Maita

●          Seminole Hard Rock Tampa – Matthew Zappoli

●          Social Roost – Susan Burdian

●          Sonata – Ted Dorsey

●          Supernatural – Wesley Roderick

●          The Big Easy, Daniel Bareswit

●          Wild Child – Rob Reinsmith

●          Webster Barnes- Eric Renaud

●          Willa’s – Gabe Lopez and Matt Veronesi

Further details, including ticket information and sponsorship opportunities, can be found on the official event website, www.beardbythebay.com.

You May Also Like
HEW Parlor & Chophouse brings glamour to Dunedin (PHOTOS)

Standing majestically along the waters of St. Joseph Sound, The Fenway Hotel is a captivating icon of Dunedin. Steeped in history, dating back to 1927, the hotel has been revitalized

Read More
The Revival of Don the Beachcomber (PHOTOS)

Although a tiki bar typically wouldn’t be included in a story on fine dining, the legendary Don the Beachcomber defies categorization. This isn’t your average kitschy cocktail haven. It’s a

Read More
The Revival of Don the Beachcomber
Michelin Guide adds Tampa restaurant to Bib Gourmand list

Michelin Guide inspectors added four Florida restaurants to its Bib Gourmand list as part of the 2024 Michelin Guide, including Streetlight Taco, in Tampa. Bib Gourmand restaurants are described as

Read More
Exploring the Culinary Legacy of the Rooster & the Till (PHOTOS)

The journey of Rooster & the Till began modestly, with its origins as a 37-seat restaurant nestled in the burgeoning neighborhood of Seminole Heights, a stone’s throw from downtown Tampa. 

Read More
Other Posts
UPDATES from FEMA: Federal, state and local efforts focus on disaster response in Florida

As Florida grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, federal, state and local agencies are coordinating recovery efforts alongside nonprofit and faith-based organizations. Florida, along with several other Southeastern states,

Read More
Call for Donations: 11 Tampa police officers displaced by Hurricane Helene

The Tampa Police Benevolent Association is seeking community support after 11 Tampa police officers, and their families, were displaced by Hurricane Helene. PBA President Brandon Barclay reported that the officers’

Read More
Scenes from TBBW’s CEO Connect with Rob Elder (PHOTOS)

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held its September CEO Connect with Rob Elder, president of Elder Automotive Group. BankUnited and Nperspetive were presenting sponsors for the event. The event was hosted

Read More
USF releases updated on-campus stadium rendering

The University of South Florida has unveiled a new rendering of its on-campus stadium, set to open in 2027. One notable feature is that the entire west side of the

Read More