We are so proud of our Taste of the NFL team members who will be honored as part of the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards. Taking place Monday, May 7, 2012 in New York City, the annual awards represent the best of the best in the food and beverage industries. Taste of the NFL is proud of its many chefs who have been recognized over the years as well as our founder Wayne Kostroski who was the 2010 James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year.

This year Chef Tory McPhail, Commander’s Palace in New Orleans and Taste of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints’ chef representative, is up for Best Chef: South. McPhail has served as executive chef of Commander’s Palace since 2002 and has been instrumental in rebuilding the dining scene in New Orleans.

Another member of the Taste of the NFL team, Chef Sanford D’Amato of Sanford in Milwaukee and the Green Bay Packers’ chef representative, has a tie to this year’s awards. His colleague, Chef Justin Aprahamian, is nominated for Best Chef: Midwest.

In addition, Taste of the NFL’s 2012 Culinary Host Ted Allen is nominated in the categories of Media Personality/Host and Television Program as host of Chopped on Food Network.

Congratulations and good luck to all!