James Beard Foundation

In the 1980s, a former student of James Beard purchased the late chef's home to turn it into the headquarters for the James Beard Foundation, an organization that aims to educate chefs and laymen alike about the culinary world. The annual James Beard awards are considered the most esteemed in the industry, and are announced each May following intense deliberation and voting by the food and wine world's tastemakers. The Beard House also hosts regular events open to the public, ranging from tastings to book signings and formal dinners.