Plate Talks

Plate Talks This page is for foodies: people that have an ardent or refined interest in food and beverages. Not out of hunger, but for joy and deliciousness of it all.

PlateTalks. What is this page about? Well, it's several things. It's definitely a soft place to land for "foodies": those of us who find sheer joy in the discovery of foods and beverages that bring a smile to our faces and our tummies. Those of us that can watch hours of Food Network and the Cooking Channel and never be bored. Those of us that revel in food magazines like 'Gourmet'. Those of us th

at enjoy the joy of discovery of food at neighborhood farmers markets as well as in the aisles of Whole Foods, Balducci's or Trader Joe's. Those of us that know how to sniff out great food emporiums when we're away from home. It's also a resource: where to find delicious food and drinks, how to cook certain dishes, where to find public events that celebrate the deliciousness of good food and drinks. So, welcome to PlateTalks. Enjoy your stay.

Did you know? Today is National Martini Day!! Any Lemon Drop fans out there?
06/19/2026

Did you know? Today is National Martini Day!! Any Lemon Drop fans out there?

Aldi is giving away FREE “blind boxes” of groceries. Read more below.
06/18/2026

Aldi is giving away FREE “blind boxes” of groceries. Read more below.

It’s offering four themed boxes, and each is filled with a variety of mystery products from the retailer.

https://www.foodandwine.com/taco-bell-debuts-fajita-street-chalupas-and-chicken-fajita-nacho-fries-11998896?hid=45a1bc96...
06/18/2026

https://www.foodandwine.com/taco-bell-debuts-fajita-street-chalupas-and-chicken-fajita-nacho-fries-11998896?hid=45a1bc96ec9b7be138cb9fcc7e10ef71e40d8ab5&did=24216844-20260617&utm_campaign=faw-top10_newsletter&utm_source=faw&utm_medium=email&utm_content=061726&lctg=45a1bc96ec9b7be138cb9fcc7e10ef71e40d8ab5&lr_input=611fc3951784a41190381caa99f02be03be32fdda11c7d57f79e33bea4d64897

Taco Bell is giving two fan-favorite menu items a fajita-inspired makeover this summer. Beginning June 18, the chain will offer new Fajita Street Chalupas and Chicken Fajita Nacho Fries at participating locations nationwide. The launch also includes a limited-edition Taco Bell x Ian Charms necklace....

They’re bringing them back….for a short amount of time.
06/17/2026

They’re bringing them back….for a short amount of time.

Today is…..
06/17/2026

Today is…..

06/16/2026

The 2026 James Beard Awards winners were announced in Chicago recently. Congratulations to them all 🎉🎉🎉

Emerging Chef
Adrian Torres, Maximo, West University Place, TX

Outstanding Restaurateur
Dana Street (Fore Street, Scales, Standard Baking Co., and others), Portland, ME

Outstanding Chef
Michael Tusk, Quince, San Francisco, CA

Outstanding Restaurant
Kalaya, Philadelphia, PA

Best New Restaurant
Lei, New York, NY

Outstanding Bakery
Wild Crumb, Bozeman, MT

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit, Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Hospitality
Providence, Los Angeles, CA

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Kato, Los Angeles, CA

Outstanding Bar
Scotch Lodge, Portland, OR

Best New Bar
Loma, Providence, RI

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service
Lee Campbell, Borgo, New York, NY

Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
Kevin Diedrich, Pacific Cocktail Haven, San Francisco, CA

Best Chefs
Best Chef: California
Dave Beran, Seline, Santa Monica, CA

Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH)
Jacob Potashnick, Feld, Chicago, IL

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA)
Jesse Ito, Royal Sushi & Izakaya, Philadelphia, PA

Best Chef: Midwest (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI)
Loryn Nalic, Balkan Treat Box, Webster Groves, MO

Best Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY)
Penelope Wong, Yuan Wonton, Denver, CO

Best Chef: New York State
Hooni Kim, Meju, Queens, NY

Best Chef: Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)
Evan Hennessey, Stages, Dover, NH

Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA)
Ryan Roadhouse, Nodoguro, Portland, OR

Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR)
Serigne Mbaye, Dakar NOLA, New Orleans, LA

Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV)
Taylor Montgomery, Montgomery Sky Farm, Leicester, NC

Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK)
Sarah Thompson, Casa Playa, Las Vegas, NV

Best Chef: Texas
Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu, JŪN, Houston, TX

Humanitarian of the Year
No Us Without You LA, Damián Diaz and Othon Nolasco
Lifetime Achievement
Nancy Silverton
Impact Award Honorees
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen
Senator Ben Ray Luján
ReFED
Southern Smoke Foundation

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