Experience Columbus Partners with Platform by the James Beard Foundation®

COLUMBUS, Ohio—From being named one of America’s Next Great Food Cities by Food & Wine to outlets like USA TODAY, Bon Appétit and Condé Nast Traveler recognizing the city’s restaurants, bars and chefs, Columbus is home to a nationally recognized culinary scene that continues to gain recognition. Experience Columbus, the destination marketing organization for the Columbus region, is thrilled to announce two initiatives aimed at drawing even more attention to Central Ohio.  

Earlier this week and for the fourth consecutive year, Experience Columbus launched a citywide campaign to encourage the public to recommend their favorite local chefs, restaurants, beverage professionals, bars, bakeries and more for the prestigious 2027 James Beard Awards®. Twenty-five Columbus spots are recommended as examples of some of the many establishments deserving recognition.  
 
Then, in early December, Experience Columbus will bring some of its best culinary talent to New York for two events in partnership with Platform by the James Beard Foundation®. Supported in part by Cameron Mitchell Restaurants and Downtown Columbus Inc., the public event, Next Great Food City: An All-Star Columbus Collaboration, takes place Dec. 2, 2026. Participating chefs will create a menu that represents the Columbus story and the legacy of their concepts. A private event will also take place during the week for members of the media. In the kitchen and behind the bar will be:  

• Avishar Barua, Chef/Owner, Agni and Joya’s and a two-times James Beard Award semifinalist®          

• Richard Blondin, Executive Chef, The Refectory Restaurant and a James Beard Award nominee® 

• Joshua Dalton, Owner/Founder/Chef, Amara, Speck and Veritas   

• BJ Lieberman, Chef/Owner, Metsi’s: Wood-Fired Italian and Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge and a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist® 

• Ian Rough, Vice President, Executive Corporate Chef for Cameron Mitchell Restaurants 

• Annie Williams Pierce, Co-owner and Mixologist, Law Bird, a James Beard Awards Outstanding Bar semifinalist 

Jeni Britton, Founder of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Floura, and a James Beard Award®-winning author, will attend the media event and share how Columbus shaped her career and creativity and became the backdrop for her legendary ice cream brand, which is celebrating 25 years in 2027.  

"Part of our work at Experience Columbus is finding meaningful ways to bring the people, talent and culture that make our city special to audiences beyond our city and region," said Sarah Townes, ECI, chief marketing and innovation officer at Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. "Food is an essential part of Columbus' identity. It tells a story of innovation, diversity and comfort, and the creativity of our culinary community is something we're incredibly proud to share. We can't wait to give New York City, and the world a taste of Columbus." 

Located at Pier 57 along Manhattan's Hudson River, Platform by the James Beard Foundation® is a culinary destination that brings together acclaimed chefs, emerging talent and food enthusiasts for unique dining experiences. Operated by the organization behind the prestigious James Beard Awards®, widely regarded as among the highest honors in American food and hospitality, Platform offers Columbus an opportunity to showcase its culinary talent on one of the nation's most respected stages for culinary excellence. 
 
This is not the first time Columbus' culinary community has taken the spotlight in New York. The destination previously showcased its talent at the historic James Beard House in September 2015, with a six-course dinner. More than a decade later, the upcoming event offers another opportunity to introduce national audiences to the city's evolving food scene. 
 
For 40 years, the James Beard Foundation has been instrumental in recognizing, amplifying, educating and training the individuals who shape American food culture. Today, their mission comes to life through the prestigious James Beard Awards®, industry and community-focused programming, advocacy and policy initiatives, and culinary events and partnerships nationwide—including at Platform by JBF® and the James Beard House in New York City. 
 
Tickets to the Dec. 2, 2026 New York public dinner are now available. For 10% off, use code dec2026. Learn more and purchase tickets here.  

About Experience Columbus 
Celebrating 85 years in 2026, Experience Columbus is the destination marketing organization for the Columbus region dedicated to growing visitor spending and enhancing the visitor experience. Annually, visitors make 54.9 million trips to Greater Columbus for conventions, trade shows, sporting events and leisure visits, spending $8.6 billion and supporting 83,306 jobs. For more information, visit ExperienceColumbus.com.  

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