The Houston stop, taking place Oct. 8 at the Post Oak Hotel, is being hosted by ChòpnBlọk chef and James Beard Award semifinalist Ope Amosu. (Courtesy James Beard Foundation)
Like most Houstonians my age, getting the chance or funds to splurge on a seasonal, chef-driven meal is pretty rare. (Not in this economy, am I right?)
But the upcoming Taste of America event, which aims to showcase some of the city’s expansive culinary scene, might just be worth the spend.
Put on in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, the event is making stops around the country and will be hosted by chefs from this year’s TasteTwenty, a cohort of those deemed “ones to watch” by the foundation.
The Houston stop, taking place Oct. 8 at the Post Oak Hotel, is being hosted by ChòpnBlọk chef and James Beard Award semifinalist Ope Amosu. ChòpnBlọk, a West African cuisine eatery, was recently named a New York Times Best Restaurant in America 2025. Those in attendance will get access to food tastings and drink pairings throughout the evening, as well activations from local and national sponsors. General tickets are available for $175.
“Southwest Houston raised me since I was 3 years old and I am ready to play my part and show out for ‘us!’” Amosu said in a press release. “I’m proud to showcase the dynamic flavors, my West African heritage and the community influences that fuel ChopnBlok while shining a spotlight on the city that shaped me.”
Other chefs who will be present at the Houston event include James Beard Award Nominee and TasteTwenty Alum Emmanuel Chavez; TasteTwenty Alum Michelle Wallace; Chef Bootcamp Alum and James Beard Award Semifinalist Evelyn Garcia; and James Beard Award Semifinalist and “Top Chef” winner Tristen Epps-Long.
If you’re still on the fence about the price point, check out this perspective: Most of these restaurants don’t even have prices listed on their website, or only do tasting menus. Talk about a steal.
