On the opening night of the festival, the Traverse City Open Space transforms into an extraordinary al fresco dining destination for a multi-course James Beard Foundation Dinner — a celebration of Michigan's remarkable culinary moment, brought to life by an unparalleled gathering of the state's most celebrated chefs, sommeliers, and restaurateurs.
The evening brings together an exceptional roster of Michigan talent recognized by James Beard within the Best Chef Great Lakes category:
These James Beard recognized chefs will be joined by other distinguished local chefs.
Guiding the evening's beverage experience are two of Michigan's most distinguished voices in wine. Madeline Triffon — the first American woman to achieve the title of Master Sommelier — joins Amanda Danielson, Advanced Sommelier and co-proprietor of Trattoria Stella, whose wine program has been called one of the finest in the region. Together, they have curated specially selected wine pairings and beverages for each course, drawing on the extraordinary depth of regional wines to complement every dish.
A portion of the proceeds from the evening will benefit the James Beard Foundation. The foundation’s mission to celebrate and support the people, places, and practices that are defining the future of American food makes it a natural partner for an evening as extraordinary as this.
This is a dinner that will not be forgotten — the kind of evening that defines a festival, a season, and a city's place on the culinary map.
Co-Owner of Modern Bird | Alum of BOKA, GT Fish & Oyster, and Ria | James Beard Nominated Chef
Pastry Chef and Co-Owner of Modern Bird | Former Pastry Lead at Bang Bang Pie | Alum of BOKA and Blackbird | James Beard Nominated Chef
James Beard Nominee | Executive Chef & Owner of Trattoria Stella
Two-time James Beard Semifinalist | Hour Detroit Restaurant of the Year
Co-Chef/Owner of The Cooks’ House, Traverse City | Michelin-Starred Chef | James Beard Finalist
Top Chef | James Beard Nominee | Co-Founder and Partner at Marrow, Mink in Detroit | Owner of Umbo in Traverse City
James Beard Nominee | Hour Detroit Best Chef | Executive Chef at Selden Standard
Co-Chef/Owner of The Cooks’ House, Traverse City | James Beard Finalist | Michelin-Starred Chef