Awards

Mario Batali and Ted Allen Headlining This Year’s James Beard Foundation Awards

Allen has won two Beard awards, while Batali has been honored with several.
Allen has won two Beard awards, while Batali has been honored with several. Photo: D Dipasupil/Getty Images; Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images

Big news: The two food luminaries above are helming this year’s big event, which has a “Sounds of the City” theme that will explore connections between the intersecting worlds of cooking and music. Matt and Ted Lee are hosting the foundation’s media awards, taking over for Allen, who clearly has a full plate as Master of Ceremonies. As Gala Chef Chair, Batali is set to preside over a selection of chefs charged with creating “dishes inspired by their favorite sounds,” but we’re also hoping he’ll take the stage before dinner to belt out a tune or two. The Beard Foundation’s Awards Ceremony and Gala Reception will take place on Monday, May 5 at Lincoln Center, while the nonprofit’s Books, Broadcast and Journalism Awards goes down on Friday, May 2. Nominees for all categories are set to be announced at Chicago restaurant The Publican on Tuesday, March 18. [Earlier, Related]

Mario Batali and Ted Allen Headlining This Year’s James Beard Foundation