As a part of their Taste America series, the James Beard Foundation, the ultimate arbiter of where to find the best food and drink in the country, is hosting a new cocktail event called Raising the Bar on Thursday, October 30 at Porta Philadelphia at 6:30 PM. The event will also take place in cities like Seattle and Chicago throughout October.

James Beard has shown Philly some serious love over the past several years; the city's restaurants and chefs have been staples of both the long and short list for the James Beard Awards, and a few have even won. In 2019, Zahav notably took home the foundation's top prize for Outstanding Restaurant, and K'Far's Camille Cogswell won the Rising Star Award in 2018.

This new event, which will be followed by the organization's gala on November 1, will feature several well-known bartenders from throughout the city, putting their skills on display alongside light bites in a lively, engaging atmosphere. Guests will have the opportunity to speak to the bartenders and chefs about sustainability, home mixology and cooking, and more, providing a unique opportunity to get advice from the city's best industry professionals.

Participating bartenders include esteemed names like Paul MacDonald (Friday Saturday Sunday), Resa Mueller (R&D, Lalo), Maria Polise (ITV), Colleen Nealon (Porta), and Aaron Deary (Suraya, R&D). There will also be specially curated snacks made by Philly favorites like Michael Strauss (Mike's BBQ), Caroline Hough (Porta), Judy Ni and Andy Tessier (Baology), and Mike Cher (Lalo).

Tickets for this incredible event are just $75, which includes all food and drink at the reception, so don't wait — snag your tickets today and attend a brand new event from the minds at James Beard that highlights some of the best cocktails and bites Philly has to offer.

Photo via Cashman & Associates

Event Date: 10/30
Event Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Porta Philadelphia
Price: $75 per person
Website: https://www.jamesbeard.org/events/taste-america-philadelphia-raising-the-bar-reception