One of us. Photo: Jeff Schear/Getty Images for James Beard Foundation
Sayonara, Chicago! The James Beard Foundation is officially on the hunt for a new host city for its prestigious annual awards show.
The latest: While the Windy City is set to host until 2028, the foundation put out a nationwide "request for information" last month, inviting cities to make their case for hosting the awards from 2029 through 2033.
Putting aside the fact that James Beard is literally from Portland, here's why Rose City deserves a shot:
🎭 We have comparable large-capacity venues to the Lyric Opera between the Keller and the Schnitz. Check.
🥗 Our reputation for good food relies less on large restaurant groups and luxury tasting menus and more on independent, chef-owned food carts, bakeries, bars and pop-ups — making it super accessible.
🦞 Portland's proximity to farms, fisheries, ranches and wineries across the Pacific Northwest would give attendees a direct connection to the people and places behind our region's food.
🤩 Moving the awards west (they've been in Chicago since 2015) would broaden its national footprint and expose more people to a major culinary region that is often underrepresented.
🌇 Plus: Hosting the awards alongside the forthcoming James Beard Public Market could further frame Portland as a city that takes food-driven economic development seriously.
