James Beard dinner May 31 St Augustine

The James Beard Foundation’s Florida event on May 31 is a one-night benefit dinner in downtown St. Augustine, not an awards ceremony or a restaurant opening. The dinner, billed as “Dinner in the Oldest City,” is scheduled for the Peña-Peck House at 143 St. George Street, with cocktails beginning at 5 p.m. and dinner following at 6 p.m. (staugustine.com) Organizers say the event is part of the foundation’s Friends of James Beard Benefit series, which raises money through independently hosted dinners and similar gatherings. (jamesbeard.org) The setting is part of the draw. The Peña-Peck House is one of St. Augustine’s best-known historic properties, and the event listings describe the meal as being held in its gardens. (jamesbeard.org) Local tourism and venue pages say tickets are on sale now. ### So what exactly is happening on May 31? Sunday, May 31, 2026, is the date listed by the James Beard Foundation, Visit St. Augustine and the Peña-Peck House for the dinner. The foundation’s event page describes it as a multi-course dinner and says it is part of the Friends of James Beard Benefit program. The St. Augustine Record reported on May 20 that the dinner will support charities through food. (staugustine.com) The James Beard Foundation says benefit events in this series provide funding for its programs, while the local tourism listing also names the Women’s Exchange Program at the Peña-Peck House, which provides scholarships to women over 25 in St. Augustine, as a beneficiary. (jamesbeard.org) ### Which chefs are involved? Five chefs are named across the official listings. The James Beard Foundation names Barry Honan of Lotus Noodle Bar, Joshua Smith of Catch 27, Genie McNally of The Floridian, Ellie Rose of The Kitchen in Ponte Vedra Beach, and Marcel Vizcarra of Llama Restaurant. (jamesbeard.org) The foundation says the dinner will bring together chefs from St. Augustine for a collaborative menu centered on North Florida ingredients and the region’s culinary heritage. Visit St. Augustine similarly says the chefs will prepare specialties and work together on a menu highlighting local foods and products. (staugustine.com) ### How much do tickets cost, and where are they sold? The James Beard Foundation lists general admission at $325 on its event page. The Peña-Peck House site says tickets are on sale now, and the foundation page says more information is available through its event listing. Visit St. Augustine’s event page says tickets went on sale on May 15 at 6 p.m. (jamesbeard.org) Its listing does not include a price, but it directs readers to buy tickets online. ### Why is the James Beard Foundation attached to a local St. Augustine dinner? The James Beard Foundation says the event is part of its Friends of James Beard Benefit series, which consists of dinners and events hosted outside the foundation that help fund its broader programs. (jamesbeard.org) The organization says those programs are tied to its “Good Food for Good” mission focused on talent, equity and sustainability. The St. Augustine event also has local partners. (jamesbeard.org) The foundation names The Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine, the St. Johns Cultural Council and the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council as partners in the dinner. (visitstaugustine.com) ### What should readers watch next? May 31 is the next concrete date. The James Beard Foundation says the dinner begins at 5 p.m. at the Peña-Peck House, and its event page says menu updates are still to come. The official event pages remain the clearest place to track any changes in chef lineup, menu details or ticket availability before the dinner. (jamesbeard.org)