Friends of James Beard Unleashes Hunterdon County’s (NJ) Ultimate Culinary Showcase

Presented by Explore Hunterdon, this high-profile event brings the County’s farm-to-table excellence to life with bold, imaginative dishes created by celebrated local chefs

FLEMINGTON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Explore Hunterdon is proud to present Friends of James Beard: A Taste of Hunterdon, a curated culinary event celebrating the region’s chefs, as well as local wineries and breweries. The evening event takes place at The Silo at the Farmhouse on Tuesday, September 16, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Love Flemington also partnered with the County to help promote and support the event.

Guests will enjoy signature tasting stations featuring dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients that highlight the rich agricultural heritage of Hunterdon County. Artisanal ciders, beers, and wines from local producers will be served throughout the event, complementing each prepared dish. Live music will be showcased, and guests will have the opportunity to mingle with chefs and farmers from across the County.

“Every dish at A Taste of Hunterdon spotlights our local farmers, chefs, and artisans,” says Marc Saluk, Economic Development & Tourism Director. “For attendees, this is a one-of-a-kind immersive evening where flavor meets purpose, offering not just a taste of Hunterdon’s culinary excellence, but a chance to support the future of good food through the James Beard Foundation.”

The event is limited in capacity and expected to sell out. Securing reservations early is encouraged, and tickets can be purchased through the event’s website for $125 General Admission, and for $150 for VIP Admission. Both admissions include small plates from chef stations and beverages from Hunterdon County’s acclaimed wineries, breweries, and cideries. Non-alcoholic options will also be available.

VIP guests will begin the evening at 5:30 p.m. with a welcome cocktail and a regenerative farm tour at Ironbound Farm and Ciderhouse (located 7 minutes from The Silo Farmhouse). This immersive experience will highlight the relationships between local farmers and chefs and offer a firsthand look at how local restaurants source their ingredients directly from the field.

A portion of the proceeds from the Friends of James Beard: A Taste of Hunterdon event will benefit the James Beard Foundation in support of its Good Food for Good^® mission, furthering its work to champion culinary talent, equity, and sustainability programs across the country.

The Culinary Talent

Guests will enjoy inspired bites from some of Hunterdon County’s top chefs, including:

• Chef Christopher Hirsheimer & Chef Melissa Hamilton – Canal House Station (James Beard Award Semifinalists^®)
• Chef Andrew Mercado & Chef Shannon Mercado – D'Serve and FED Hospitality
• Chef Cal Peternell – Finnbar
• Chef Alec Gioseffi – Ironbound Farm
• Mark Drabich, President – Metropolitan Seafood & Gourmet
• Chef Dan Brunina – Ryland Inn
• Chef Sean Gray – Sergeantsville Inn (James Beard Award Nominee^®)
• Chef Bob Truitt – Stockton Inn (James Beard Award Semifinalist^®)
• Chef Melissa Murphy Rafano – Sweet Melissa Pâtisserie
• Chef Lance Knowling – Woolverton Inn

This event is part of the Friends of James Beard Benefit Series, a national program where local hosts raise funds to support the Foundation’s efforts to celebrate and nurture the people behind America’s food culture. These efforts include scholarships, leadership programs, and sustainability initiatives.

About Explore Hunterdon

Explore Hunterdon serves to present a showcase of all that its 26 municipalities of Hunterdon County have to offer. Highlights of the region include a collection of historic sites, abundant natural beauty, diverse cultural profiles, outdoor recreational opportunities, scenic landscapes, manicured parks and walkways, preserved farmlands, fine dining options, bustling downtown areas, and year-round programming for residents and visitors alike. The organization is presented by the Hunterdon County’s Board of County Commissioners and managed by Hunterdon County’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

About the James Beard Foundation

The James Beard Foundation® (JBF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to leading chefs and the broader culinary industry towards a new standard of excellence. Our guiding principle, Good Food for Good®, informs our vision of a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable independent restaurant industry that stands as a cornerstone of American culture, community, and economy, and drives towards a better food system. For nearly 40 years, JBF has been instrumental in recognizing, amplifying, educating, and training the individuals who shape American food culture. Today, our mission comes to life through the prestigious James Beard Awards, industry and community-focused programming, advocacy and policy initiatives, and exciting culinary events and partnerships around the country—including at our new Platform by JBF® event space in New York City. Learn more at jamesbeard.org, sign up for our emails, and follow @beardfoundation on social media.