For those who are interested, I wanted to pass on notice of a special opportunity coming our way.

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The James Beard Foundation is celebrating their world-renowned culinary organization’s 20th anniversary and the legacy of James Beard in 20 cities across the United States. Washington, DC will play host to a weekend of delicious and educational events.

Friday’s benefit dinner will be hosted by Vidalia’s Executive Chef RJ Cooper, named 2007 James Beard Mid-Atlantic Chef of the Year. Joining Cooper in the kitchen for the evening will be past winners Roberto Donna of Bebo, Ann Cashion of Johnny’s Half Shell, Jeff Buben of Vidalia and Bistro Bis, Bob Kinkead of Kinkead’s, Ris Lacoste, as well as pastry chef Ann Amernick of Palena. Dinner will include exceptional wine pairings from around the world.

On Saturday, the James Beard Foundation and Williams-Sonoma will host a free event open to the public in each participating city. The event will offer a range of interactive educational opportunities within the Williams-Sonoma store including, cooking demonstrations with RJ Cooper, cookbook signings with Bob Kinkead and his aptly named “Kinkead’s Cookbook” (Ten Speed Press), children’s activity stations, and a festival marketplace featuring local purveyors and artisanal cheese makers. Purveyors include the Vermont Cheese & Butter Company, Sweet Grass Dairy, Rogue Creamery and more!

Friday, September 28
Benefit Dinner
Reception-6pm
Dinner-7pm
$250/person

Vidalia, 1990 M Street NW, Washington, DC

Saturday, September 29
Culinary Martketplace
11am-4pm
Free

Williams-Sonoma, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC

For more information or to make a reservation for the dinner, click here.

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The James Beard Foundation is a national not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in New York City dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and nurturing America's culinary heritage and diversity in order to elevate the appreciation of our culinary excellence.