The San Jose Culinary Experience luncheon was held yesterday, November 4, 2026, at the James Beard House in New York City, was an opportunity to introduce members of the New York media, food writers, travel journalists and lifestyle influencers to San Jose, California, as an exciting destination for culinary tourism, culture, entertainment and travel.
The luncheon was in a walkaround format reflecting the family heritage and multi-generational feeling of the chefs sharing foods from Cambodia, the Philippines, Mexico, Portugal and the Deep South. Chefs had booths positioned throughout the James Beard House and had a lovely menu prepared! In addition, there was a signature drink, the Chrome and Silk Margarita (pictured on the bottom right), which was inspired by young people in Japan who embrace Chicano culture. (This drink pairs the classic Margarita with Japanese ingredients, highlighting the natural harmony between shiso and tequila.) I think that the beef skewers prepared by Chef Channy Laux were my favorite dish served! Love that there were amazing pastel de natas available for dessert prepared by Chef Jessica Carreira.
San Jose has increasingly become an interesting destination for food lovers, offering a culinary landscape that reflects the extraordinary cultural diversity of Silicon Valley. Its restaurant scene encompasses everything from authentic Vietnamese, Mexican, Japanese and Indian cuisine to contemporary American restaurants, innovative tasting menus and internationally inspired dining experiences. The city offers visitors an opportunity to explore different culinary traditions without having to travel far beyond its downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
The luncheon at the James Beard House was an especially appropriate setting for introducing San Jose’s food culture to New York’s culinary and travel community. The James Beard name is synonymous with American culinary excellence, independent restaurants and the celebration of chefs and food professionals. I was so thrilled to go back there after more than ten years. Thirty five to 40 years ago I sold raffles at the different private dinners with the winners being selected at the annual James Beard Foundation Awards (which used to be held in NYC but now are held in Chicago). Go to sanjose.org to learn more about San Jose’s food culture as well as its great attractions for all tastes.
