It’s gonna be a big fall for Nashville foodies. In fact, within a few weeks between late October and late November, Nashville will play host to the big regional Michelin Awards announcements on Oct. 21 and welcome the James Beard Foundation to town for a gala Taste America event recognizing even more of our talented rising chefs at a dine-around on Nov. 29. In between those two events, there’s another huge happening that you’ll just have to wait a few more days for me to tell you about!
One of James Beard’s initiatives is the TasteTwenty recognitions, a kind of "ones to watch" list that shines a spotlight on a score of talented young chefs across the country. For 2026, they have selected Mathew Meeker of Fancypants for his creative work at the Dickerson Pike restaurant. Meeker will serve as the host chef for a tasting event at Saint Elle on Nov. 19 starting at 6 p.m. He’ll be joined by a host of local culinary talent, including:
Josh Cook and Ana Aguilar of Tantísimo
Nick Guidry of Deacon’s New South
Hal Holden-Bache of James Beard Award semifinalist Lockeland Table
Kamal Kalokoh of Riddim N' Spice
Bill Laviolette of Shotgun Willie’s BBQ
James Beard Award Semifinalist® Vivek Surti of the James Beard Award semifinalist Tailor
They’ll be announcing even more chefs later, but don’t wait to make your reservations, or you might miss out on being a part of this glorious walk-around tasting event! Get your tickets at the James Beard website.
You don’t have to wait nearly as long for the second event I’m recommending this week — in fact, you’d better jump on it, because the upcoming wine dinner at The Mockingbird is this Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 5:30 p.m. Winemakers and managers from esteemed California estates Lombardi, Somnium and Almacerro will alight at the Mockingbird for tastings and conversations as part of a multicourse wine dinner. Winemaker Tony Lombardi and general managers Tracy Smith and Lindsay Dale will share the story, inspiration and craftsmanship behind each bottle, and chef Brian Riggenbach will pair the wines with delightful and delicious plates.
A percentage of proceeds will be donated to the Nashville Wine Auction to support their efforts in the fight against cancer.
Gratuity is included in $195 ticket price. Please note any dietary restrictions when you purchase your ticket at The Mockingbird’s website.
