James Beard Makes Trip Home

The James Beard Foundation (JBF) has selected Portland as the site where it will announce the nominees of the 2011 James Beard Foundation Awards, the highest honor for food and beverage professionals working in North America. 

The celebration will begin on Sunday, March 20, 2011, with a benefit fundraiser dinner at the Multnomah Athletic Club, featuring past and present JBF award winners and nominees. The 2011 nominees will be revealed at a press conference the following morning, March 21. 

Often hailed as “The Father of American Cooking,” Beard, born and raised in Portland, was the champion and the embodiment of American food. From his best-selling books to his pioneering work in television to his famous cooking school, Beard’s efforts provided a strong foundation for a country just becoming aware of its own culinary heritage.

The awards are presented each spring in New York City.