Local James Beard Semifinalists Featured at The Platform by JBF in New York
Four Newport area chefs participated in a “Cooking on the Classic Coast” event with the James Beard Foundation.
Kevin O’Donnell, Owner/Chef Giusto / Andy Teixeira, Executive Chef Newport Vineyards / Ty Gonzalez, Sous Chef Newport Vineyards, Cody Daniels, Co-owner Yagi Noodles / Basil Yu, Chef/Owner Yagi Noodles / William Rietzel, Executive Chef Giusto. Courtesy of Discover Newport
The Platform by JBF at Market 57 in NYC. Courtesy of Discover Newport
The James Beard Foundation’s newest concept, The Platform by JBF, boasts a show kitchen and event space perfect for seasoned cooks. Four of the Newport area’s most esteemed chefs — and 2024 James Beard Foundation semifinalists — took to the Big Apple for a night of “Cooking on the Classic Coast.” These culinary experts included Andy Teixeira of Newport Vineyards, Basil Yu of Yagi Noodles, Kevin O’Donnell and William Reitzel of Giusto and Peter Carvelli of Folgia.
The sold-out event, hosted by Discover Newport, took place on July 18th and served delicious canapes to start, as prepared in collaboration by the featured chefs. A five-course meal followed, made with local ingredients. Dishes included ‘Beet Roses’ by Folgia, Green Crab Laska with Whole Wheat Ramen by Yagi Noodles, Blackbird Farm Heritage Pig and Vineyard Garden Succotash by Newport Vineyards and Yellowfin Tuna, Sweet Corn Semifreddo and Kenyon’s Grist Mill Beignet by Giusto. Plus, there were wine pairings that included options from Newport Vineyards.
Cody Daniels, Co-owner Yagi Noodles / Basil Yu, Chef/Owner Yagi Noodles / Ty Gonzalez, Sous Chef Newport Vineyards / Andy Teixeira, Executive Chef Newport Vineyards / William Rietzel, Executive Chef Giusto / Kevin O’Donnell, Owner/Chef Giusto / Hailey Peters, Sous Chef Foglia / Peter Carvelli, Chef/Owner Foglia. Courtesy of Discover Newport
“A culinary evolution has been taking place in our region thanks to a growing collective of chefs who are bringing eclectic, creative and innovative culinary experiences to The Classic Coast. This was an opportunity to celebrate that, and to showcase these four chefs who were named James Beard Foundation semifinalists this year. A first for our region to have so many recognized, and a testament to the evolution that has been taking place,” says Cassandra Earle, the communications director at Discover Newport.
While the state’s capital of Providence is usually held in high esteem for its culinary excellence,the Newport area is not to be missed for award-worthy fine dining. For more information on these featured restaurants, as well as other food news on The Classic Coast, check out the Discover Newport website.
