Platform by JBF at Pier 57

The James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57 is the clearest sign yet of how the organization wants its public programming to function after years centered on the townhouse at 167 West 12th Street. Edible Brooklyn reported on May 14 that the foundation is emphasizing accessibility at the newer Manhattan venue, where programming extends beyond seated dinners to classes, talks, screenings and cooking demonstrations. The foundation’s own materials describe Platform as a state-of-the-art show kitchen, event space and educational hub inside Market 57 at Pier 57. The venue is open now at 25 11th Avenue in Hudson River Park. ### Why is Pier 57 different from the old James Beard House? Edible Brooklyn said the shift is partly about the building itself. The report contrasted Pier 57’s industrial-scale site with the more constrained townhouse at 167 West 12th Street, where, before the pandemic, the foundation’s programming was shaped by what could fit inside the older property. (ediblebrooklyn.com) The James Beard Foundation still maintains the historic James Beard House as part of its operations. The foundation says the townhouse remains integral to its mission and history, including for select events, fundraising and donor engagement, while Platform serves as its central venue for public-facing culinary activity. ### What exactly is Platform at Pier 57? (ediblebrooklyn.com) Platform is located inside the Market 57 food hall at Pier 57 in Manhattan, according to the James Beard Foundation. The foundation says the space is designed for culinary arts programming and hosts classes, demos, panels, brunches, lunches and dinners featuring James Beard Award winners, nominees, semifinalists and emerging talent. The foundation’s FAQ page describes Platform as an “innovative culinary stage” with a rotating lineup of chefs from around the country. (jamesbeard.org) Ticketed events vary by format, and the organization says most are 21 and older because of alcohol service, though it also offers some family-friendly programming. ### Where is it, and how do visitors get there? Platform is at 25 11th Avenue in Hudson River Park, between Little Island and Chelsea Piers, according to the foundation’s visitor information. (jamesbeard.org) The FAQ directs visitors to Pier 57’s South Entrance, between City Winery and Google, then through Market 57 to the Platform dining room. The James Beard Foundation says the venue is reachable by the A, C, E and L subway lines at 14th Street and by the M11, M14 and M20 buses. (jamesbeard.org) Paid parking is also available in the garage beneath Pier 57 at 29 11th Avenue, the foundation says. ### What does “accessibility” appear to mean here? Edible Brooklyn tied accessibility to both the physical space and the range of programming. (jamesbeard.org) The report said Platform can host free events, classes, talks, screenings and cooking demos in addition to seated dinners, a broader mix than the foundation had been able to mount at the townhouse. The foundation’s own event pages support that broader public-facing model. JBF says Platform is fully public-facing and presents weekly chef dinners, wine tastings, cooking demos and hands-on classes as part of its Good Food for Good mission. ### Is the James Beard House gone? The James Beard House is still active, according to the foundation, but its role is more selective than Platform’s. (ediblebrooklyn.com) Current foundation pages say the house is used for private rentals and certain patron or fundraising events, while Platform handles a larger share of regular public programming. The 167 West 12th Street address remains central to the foundation’s history. (jamesbeard.org) The James Beard House page describes it as the former home of James Beard, and the foundation says patrons continue to receive access to some events there. ### What comes next for people who want to go? The James Beard Foundation’s Platform page lists upcoming events and sells tickets directly through its site. (jamesbeard.org) Recent listings included one-night dinners such as a May 2026 event with Buddha Lo, and the foundation says pricing varies by event type and seating selection. For visitors planning a trip, the next step is the foundation’s Platform page and FAQ, which provide the current calendar, directions, age policy and contact information for Platform by JBF at Pier 57. (jamesbeard.org 1) (jamesbeard.org 2) (jamesbeard.org 3)