The James Beard Foundation is headed back to Orlando for another of its Taste America Series dinners and this year’s host chef is none other than two-time James Beard Award semifinalist, Henry Moso of Kabooki Sushi.
Working alongside featured guest chef, Taylor Thornhill of Bateau Seattle, the dinner will be one in a series that spans the nation, with proceeds from each going toward the Foundation’s efforts to rebuild a more sustainable and equitable industry while supporting local, independent restaurants.
The 90-seat event will be hosted at Kabooki’s East Colonial Drive Orlando location at 6:30 p.m. July 12. Cost is $350 per couple and includes a unique, multi-course meal with beverage pairings (no single tickets are available). Desserts to take home are planned as a fun add, says Moso.
More than half of each ticket sold goes directly to local participating restaurants to support their business; the remainder is allocated for James Beard Foundation programming, including the Open For Good campaign — a commitment to help independent restaurants survive the pandemic and rebuild better for longevity.
“This is a really great opportunity for me to showcase what Kabooki is and what I am doing at my own concept,” says Moso, who will be looking to represent the Japanese culture and contemporary flavor combinations for which his restaurants are known. Though the menu is not yet planned, the wheels are already turning, he says, for the first course — a cold tasting if things go in the direction he’s thinking.
It’s exciting, he says, to be in the mix as Orlando continues to earn its place on the culinary map.
“Just being associated with the James Beard Foundation and to be able to work with rising-star chefs like Taylor is so exciting. I don’t even know him yet but I’m already stalking him online,” jokes Moso. “I think we will be a good fit and will create something amazing together for the guests to enjoy.”
Tickets are now available for the dinner and can be purchased at: squadup.com/events/taste-america-orlando-presented-by-capital-one-1.
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