Spotlight on Detroit Chef

The James Beard Foundation has announced its 2026–27 TasteTwenty cohort, an annual list of rising culinary stars selected to represent their cities’ independent restaurant communities during the national Taste America series, which begins in September. Through the TasteTwenty program, the Foundation recognizes chefs who exemplify its “Good Food for Good” mission. Honorees are selected not only for their culinary excellence but also for their leadership and impact beyond the kitchen, including support for sustainable agriculture, investment in employee development, advocacy for a more resilient food system, and a commitment to high-quality ingredients. Of local interest, Detroit chef Doug Hewitt, co-owner and executive chef of Freya and Chartreuse, has been named to the 2026–27 TasteTwenty lineup. Hewitt is the only Michigan chef selected this year and joins a national group of honorees representing restaurant communities in cities including Houston, New York, Washington, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Miami, Phoenix, Los Angeles and New Orleans. At press time, a date for the Detroit Taste America dinner had not been announced. Updated event information is available at jamesbeard.org/events/tastetwenty-chefs-2026-2027.