2019 James Beard Media Awards Bites the Big Apple at NYC’s Chelsea Piers

Visit Philly’s presence as presenter tops the list!

“Through food we express love. We bring comfort and hope. We forge new relationships and strengthen old bonds. Food reaffirms not only our humanity but the joy of being alive.” – Marcus Samuelsson

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

I can’t cook for beans. Let me amend that: I choose not to cook because I haven’t yet arrived at a stage in my life where cooking takes precedence over other activities. However and albeit slowly, my evolving self is beginning to understand the bigger picture, to conceptualize the larger significance of the roles that food and cooking play in one’s lifetime. It’s as if I’m woke about all things culinary and ready to go the distance, to move beyond tossing two or three ingredients into a slow-cooker and proclaiming myself a master chef simply because a tantalizing aroma permeates my home.

Growing up, the proverbial bulbs that just might have turned me onto cooking had been planted but lacking cultivation, nothing germinated. Back in the day, I never missed an article by food writer Amanda Hesser when her work regularly appeared in the New York Times Magazine. As a child, I would page through my mother’s cookbooks, fascinated by the drawings, photographs and recipes. Later in life, I would purchase scores of cookbooks just because they were such fun to peruse. Reading about cooking fascinated me, making me an ideal media candidate (and one lucky gal!) to cover the 2019 James Beard Media Awards on Friday, April 26th at New York City’s Chelsea Piers, specifically Pier Sixty. Said awards annually showcase the crème de la creme in areas such as culinary writing, broadcasting and journalism.

None other than model, Emmy Award-winning television personality and business mogul (there are more “hats,” I’m sure) Tyra Banks would take the reins as host. Questions about the why behind Banks as host choice emerged, particularly because limiting and eliminating calories along with a strict emphasis on weight and rigid obsession with body image are synonymous with the career of a fashion model. Thankfully, such negative attitudes and tendencies are reversing. ‘Bout time, right? In her opening comments, Tyra Banks basically “shut the front door” on any questions related to her hosting duties. After copping to eating out some 21 times per week while living in New York City, she shared her determination with becoming her “son’s chef,” for not wanting him to grow up thinking that food was “an app” or something unassociated with home. The warm and exceedingly down-to-earth speaker explained, “I did something about it. Three years ago, I enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, a serious ‘boot camp,’ … and America’s Next Top Model boot camp ain’t got nothing on the boot camp at the ‘CIA’!” That, along with an anecdote about her experience as a model vis-à-vis food, pretty much silenced any further questions about a woman who exemplifies “earthy” and “gal next door” regarding emcee qualifications. Ms. Banks presence, words and self-possession were all on formidable display.

VISIT PHILADELPHIA, the organization responsible for promoting city tourism, had partnered with the James Beard Foundation to present the awards. Seven of Philly’s uber-talented chefs were sent to the awards’ ceremony to unleash their culinary expertise by preparing dinner and more for some 500-plus media guests. This was a big deal. Huge! My Philly pride was as off the charts as is the city’s continually expanding and influential presence on the restaurant and culinary scene. Always a contender, with each passing year, said presence grows and gathers more the steam of recognition, expertise and industry respect.

According to Visit Philadelphia’s President and CEO Jeff Guaracino, the partnership developed between Philadelphia’s tourism organization and the James Beard Foundation is a perfect pairing. “VISIT PHILADELPHIA is a proud partner of the James Beard Media Awards,” said Guaracino. “The James Beard Foundation does so much to elevate the food scene, including the great restaurants, chefs and authors here in Philadelphia, and we’re proud to help them further their mission.”

My drive into New York City was surprisingly easy-peasy; I arrived early but not too-too. Stepping from my Uber lift, I noticed the red carpet had been unfurled, and I walked it with excitement and anticipation of what the evening would bring. Guests arrived and began to greet fellow media colleagues. The party had begun in earnest. Lines formed at the bar, hors d’oeuvres prepared by Pier Sixty host chef Matthew Tiscornia were passed, and deejay Hesta Prynn‘s bangin’ chunes amped up the party atmosphere. I’ve been to many parties, galas and events; however, the buzz and energy in and around the reception room were memorably and palpably charged. This was Visit Philly’s night to knock it out of the Pier, which is exactly what transpired.

The seven chefs chosen to display their culinary skills included Ange Branca of Sate Kampar, Diana Widjojo and Maylia Widjojo of Hardena, Andrew Farley of High Street on Market (owned by Fork‘s Ellen Yin, a finalist in the running for outstanding restauranteur in this year’s Beard Awards that would be held in Chicago just days later on May 6th). Pastry chefs Robert Toland of Terrain, Tova du Plessis of Essen Bakery and Kate Jacoby of Vedge provided the perfect sweet-treat endings to the sumptuous meal. The feast was absolutely top-rate! Don’t miss my photographs below, where you can find more specific details in the snaps’ captions about the savory and flavorful delicacies we enjoyed while simultaneously watching the presented awards and listening to thrilled winners acceptance speeches. Posthumous award recipients were Anthony Bourdain, food writer Jonathan Gold and Fatima Ali. Chef Ali died this year, having battled a rare form of bone cancer. Also below, find more photos of presenters, award winners and others representing the James Beard Foundation and Visit Philly.

I was asked about the 2019 theme of “Good Food For GoodTM,” which was emblazoned across the stage’s backdrop. Turns out it’s the thirty-year old Foundation’s succinctly abbreviated mission statement with the awards’ (established in 1990) goal being that of recognizing “culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields and further the Foundation’s mission to celebrate, nurture, and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone.” It’s a mouthful, yet each year they achieve exactly that.

I came away from my photojournalist role that night with a renewed interest in elevating the art of cooking to a higher priority in my life. I’m woke, indeed and am now ready for that boiling water recipe. Check me in a few months, and I may very well be prepared to host a dinner party for guests other than my beloved cats, Kaiaulait (Kai-Kai) and Belle du Joule. Put a fork in that!

Here’s a taster of the surroundings at NYC’s Chelsea Piers.

Pier Sixty is red-carpet ready to receive the Awards’ attendees.

Guests in merry-making mingle mode.

The ol’ scouting motto of “Be Prepared” on display and then some here.

It’s all too “cuke” for words!

Elixirs reppin’ courtesy of Glenfiddich.

Imagine how smoothly this liquid golden amber elixir does down.

From Left, Chief Strategy Officer James Beard Foundation Mitchell Davis, Chef Pati Jinich and James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach pose.

Louisa Brimble, can that be you at left? Looking stunning, Ladies!

Red wine for the gentleman, and perhaps red as well for the lady in red.

From Left, Sharon Kozden with Philly’s own (and 2019 Outstanding Restaurateur nominee) Ellen Yin.

A pair of whites from Sonoma County tempt.

If you cheese, please! Host chef Matthew Tiscornia unveils Cauliflower Pizzetta with artichokes, fontina, kale and lemon.

The Scarlett scene-setter.

This is one talented and stylin’ deejay. Hesta’s bangin’ tunes were spot on.

Candles afloat add more golden warmth to the festive atmosphere.

From Left, People Magazine’s Entertainment Reporter Jen Su and Sharon Kozden meet.

These incredible edibles (prepared by host chef Matthew Tiscornia) are crab cakes with sweet potato dust and avocad0-cilantro sauce.

Again from chef Matthew Tiscornia … sushi with pickled beet with butternut squash and cucumber with sesame-quinoa rice.

From Left, Sharon Kozden aligns with Visit Philly’s Director of Media Relations Cara Schneider.

No introductions necessary … the Man in his medallion is proudly worn.

My table setting: inviting, warm and elegant.

There’s much to view through the “lens” of a splash of red in a wine glass.

Herewith, Prime Lamb Riblette with pickles, horseradish, rye and mustard from chef Andrew Farley of Philly’s High Street on Market.

Diana Widjojo and Maylia Widjojo of Philadelphia’s Hardena present Udang Balado … shrimp with sweet-and-savory red pepper sauce, coconut-milk rice and spiced coconut salad.

The Philadelphia chefs who prepared our meals were in top form. Cue serious Philly pride!

Pastry chef Robert Toland of Terrain Cafe created sweet-treat magic for some 500 media guests.

Floral fantasy surrounds desserts.

Find these exquisite Chocolate Terrariums at Terrain Café in Glen Mills.

Essen Bakery’s “Not everything is black and white” cookies make their inaugural introduction at the dinner. Essen’s Tova du Plessis was an Outstanding Baker nominee.

Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation kick starts the Awards’ ceremony.

Emmy Award-winner Tyra Banks hosted the event.

Ms. Banks was a breath of fresh air, totally captivating the audience with her winning personality and presence.

Visit Philadelphia’s President and CEO Jeff Guaracino strikes a commanding figure at the podium.

Jessica B. Harris receives an enthusiastic hug from Tyra Banks.

Jessica B. Harris was inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s Cookbook Hall of Fame.

James Beard Foundation’s Board of Trustees Chair Fred Seegal addresses the crowd.

The New York Times wins “Publication of the Year” Award. Its food editor Sam Sifton reacts.

Sams Sifton’s shooze did not win an award, alas, but they surely caught my camera’s eye.

The incomparable Ruth Reichl pays tribute to Jonathan Gold, introducing the first of its kind “Jonathan Gold Local Voice Award.”

Each speaker had something special to offer to the attentive crowd.

I rather sure a takeaway order is NOT being placed here.

Mari Uyehara takes home an award in the journalism category for three of her columns.

Presenter speaks as Steven Hoffman stands by to receive the “M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award” for “What is Northern Food?”

Corby Kummer accepts his award as winner in the Wine, Spirits, and Other Beverages category.

Cathy Erway wins award in the journalism category for her “The Subtle Thrills of Cold Chicken Salad.”

American Cookbook Award winners Veronica Chambers, Alexander Smalls, and JJ Johnson react to their win for Between Harlem and Heaven: Afro-Asian-American Cooking for Big Nights, Weeknights, and Every Day.