A Culinary Journey in New York: My Experience at the James Beard Foundation’s Beard by the Books Event

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As I mentioned in an earlier blog post, I was thrilled to be selected to attend and photograph the Beard by the Books event, an exclusive culinary celebration hosted by the James Beard Foundation. Held in James Beard’s own historic New York City home, this event was a true feast for food lovers, bringing together renowned chefs and dedicated food enthusiasts for a two-night dining experience like no other. The Foundation organized the gathering as part of their ongoing mission to honor and promote the culinary arts, with each dish showcasing innovative flavors and techniques that made this event unforgettable.

The setting in James Beard’s personal residence created an intimate atmosphere, adding a unique layer of history and charm. Guests entered the main event space through a cozy kitchen, where the chefs worked seamlessly, plating each of the 12 courses in an impressive assembly line that I was lucky to capture. Watching them execute every course with such precision was one of the highlights of my role. Each dish, though small, was rich with flavors I had never tasted before, showing the immense skill and creativity of these culinary artists.

The event unfolded over two unique evenings, each with its own distinct vibe. The first night gathered sponsors and business owners, bringing a lively, upscale energy. Maddy and I arrived dressed to impress in heels but quickly discovered that a nine-hour shift on our feet called for sneakers by night two! The second evening offered a more intimate celebration, filled with the chefs’ friends and family, creating a warm, close-knit atmosphere that added a personal and heartfelt touch.

Beyond the event, Maddy and I also enjoyed exploring NYC, with highlights like Chelsea Market and an epic three-level Nordstrom Rack. After arriving on Thursday, we had a chance to rest Friday morning and on Saturday morning we wrapped up our trip with a final brunch with the chefs.

From my first time in New York City to photographing dishes in James Beard’s home, the entire experience was one I’ll never forget. I’m so grateful to the James Beard Foundation for making this possible and for giving me the chance to be part of such an incredible celebration of food, creativity and community.

As always, GO BEARS!


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