Join us at this annual James Beard luncheon, which kicks off the Palm Desert Food & Wine presented by Agua Caliente Casinos. Emcees Zac Young and Jamie Gwen will ensure a lively banter, while guest chefs will demonstrate their tantalizing courses.

This annual James Beard Luncheon at Palm Desert Food & Wine is part of the Friends of James Beard Benefit series; events hosted by generous people, businesses, and organizations outside of JBF that provide critical funding for our programs. Each event supports our mission to champion a standard of Good Food for Good© anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability.

Featured Chefs

Emcee Zac Young

Food Network Pastry Pundit, President of PieCaken Bakeshop and Sprinkletown

Emcee Jamie Gwen

Certified Sommelier, Nationally Syndicated Radio Host, and Cookbook Author

Stephanie Boswell

Pastry Chef, and Food Network Judge and Host

Antonia Lofaso

Chef/Restaurateur, Television Personality and Cookbook Author

Aarti Sequeira 

Journalist, Television Personality, Cookbook Author, and California Date Ambassador

Brooke Williamson

Chef/Restaurateur, Television Personality, and Philanthropist