Wilmington to host first James Beard benefit

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHANCERY MARKET

WILMINGTON – The city’s culinary arts scene has been steadily rising over the past decade, even earning rare nominations for James Beard Awards that are considered the Oscars of the American restaurant industry.

Now Wilmington will be showcasing those skills while giving back to the foundation that has raised its profile, hosting its first Sunday Supper benefit meal for the Friends of James Beard Benefit Series. The Sunday, April 23, dinner, hosted by The Chancery Market food hall in 1313 N. Market St., will feature a number of the city’s most-recognized and up-and-coming restaurateurs. It will also kick off Wilmington’s 18th annual Restaurant Week from April 24-28.

“We’re thrilled to see the James Beard Foundation recognizing our city and its diversity,” Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki said in a statement announcing the event. “Wilmington is increasingly growing its food scene and represents many varied cuisines and talented chefs. We are enthusiastic for this partnership to showcase what Wilmington offers to its residents and visitors alike. Wilmington is a fun and welcoming place to live, work, play and eat.”

Chef Justin Womack, owner of Oath ’84 in Wilmington, is bringing his culinary blend to The Chancery Market. | DBT PHOTO BY JACOB OWENS

A family-style dinner will follow an hourlong kick-off reception. Participating chefs include Bardea’s Antimo DiMeo, Ciro Food and Drink’s Michael DiBianca, Espresso Coffee Bar, Fuku, Kati Roll Wala, Le Cavalier’s Tyler Akin, Market Street Burger and Dog, Oath 84’s Justin Womack, Piccolina Toscana’s Dan Butler, Rooted AF’s Nikita Thomas, The Juice Joint’s Lanice Wilson and The Quoin’s Joe Delago.

The Friends of James Beard Benefits Series raises funding for foundation programs to celebrate, support, and elevate America’s food and restaurant industry, while advocating for best practices in talent, equity, and sustainability.

“We are absolutely delighted that the City of Wilmington is bringing together so many passionate and talented chefs for this event, and deeply grateful this will support the Foundation’s efforts to champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability,” Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation, said in a statement.

Tickets are $200 per person and the attire is Sunday casual.