CW Partners with James Beard Foundation to Celebrate Food

By Amber Lester Kennedy Wednesday, October 26, 2011

It’s a partnership that could make mouths water. Colonial Williamsburg announced Tuesday it will partner with the James Beard Foundation to celebrate both organization’s culinary traditions and innovations.

The name James Beard is synonymous with culinary excellence. Named for cookbook author James Beard, the foundation educates and mentors professional chefs and food enthusiasts. The foundation’s food industry awards are among the most coveted in the food world. The home of Beard, who died in 1985, is maintained as a performance space for visiting chefs.

The partnership will begin with a dinner Nov. 5 at the James Beard House in New York City, featuring a menu developed by Williamsburg Lodge Executive Chef Rhys Lewis. Next fall, the James Beard Foundation will mark its 25th anniversary in Williamsburg.

Lewis’ menu for the Nov. 5 dinner is inspired by the Williamsburg region. Hors d’oeuvres will include crispy Chincoteague Island oysters, toasted brie with truffled Virginia honey and house-smoked pulled pork. The six-course dinner menu includes butternut squash risotto with duck confit, Chesapeake rockfish, braised beef and more. Each course will be paired with a Virginia wine or beer.

Tickets to the dinner in New York can be purchased here. Reservations can also be made through OpenTable or by calling (212) 627-2308. Tickets are $130 for James Beard Foundation members and $170 for the general public.