Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 31 and set a reminder for Friday, May 15 at 6 p.m. That’s when tickets go on sale for one of the most exciting culinary events to hit St. Augustine in years: a James Beard Foundation Dinner at the historic Peña-Peck House on St. George Street.
For one unforgettable evening, five standout chefs from across the region will come together under one roof to celebrate food, culture, history, and the culinary talent that has been steadily shaping St. Augustine’s dining scene. The dinner is being presented through a collaboration between the James Beard Foundation, the Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine, the St. Johns Cultural Council, the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, and Chef Barry Honan of Lotus Noodle Bar.
And Barry’s involvement makes the moment even more meaningful.
If you’ve ever slurped a bowl of noodles at Lotus Noodle Bar and thought, this tastes like something special, it turns out the culinary world agrees. Barry Honan, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Lotus Noodle Bar, was recently named a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: South, one of the most respected honors in American food.
For those unfamiliar with the James Beard Foundation Awards, think of them as the Oscars of the food world — except the competition is arguably fiercer, and the acceptance speech usually comes with a better meal. The Best Chef: South category recognizes chefs across the region who are shaping what and how we eat, and Barry’s inclusion places him among some of the most talented and influential culinary voices in the country.
His path to St. Augustine reads like a culinary dream sequence. Barry trained at Le Bernardin in New York City, the three-star Michelin institution helmed by Chef Eric Ripert. That kitchen is widely considered one of the most technically demanding and prestigious in the country. The skills Barry sharpened there, precision, creativity, discipline, and an almost obsessive commitment to quality, are exactly what he brought with him when he eventually landed on St. George Street and opened Lotus Noodle Bar.
At Lotus, Barry has built something that feels genuinely singular: world-class technique wrapped in a bowl that is approachable, soulful, and completely at home here in St. Augustine. It’s the kind of restaurant that earns regulars quickly and surprises first-timers every time.
Now, that same spirit is helping bring the James Beard Foundation Dinner to life in the heart of the historic district.
The chef lineup is a genuine who’s-who of the region’s best kitchens. Barry Honan of Lotus Noodle Bar will be joined by Marcel Vizcarra of Llama Restaurant, Genie McNally of The Floridian, Joshua Smith of Catch 27, and Ellie Rose of The Kitchen in Ponte Vedra Beach. Five chefs. Five distinct culinary perspectives. One unforgettable evening.
If you spend any time eating out in St. Augustine, these names probably feel like old friends. Genie’s work at The Floridian has long celebrated Florida’s agricultural roots and local sourcing. Joshua has made Catch 27 a go-to for fresh, thoughtfully prepared seafood. Marcel has brought warmth, depth, and artistry to Llama. Ellie Rose continues to add her own voice to the regional culinary scene from Ponte Vedra Beach. And Barry’s approach at Lotus Noodle Bar is the kind of cooking that makes you want to linger over every bowl.
Bringing all of them together under one roof (and one as magnificent as the Peña-Peck House, no less) is genuinely special.
The Peña-Peck House itself has been a quiet anchor of life on St. George Street for generations. Built during the Spanish Colonial era and lovingly maintained by the Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine, it carries centuries of history in its walls. It is the kind of place that makes you feel both the weight and the wonder of where you live, which makes it a fitting backdrop for a dinner rooted in celebrating this region’s rich culinary heritage.
James Beard Foundation dinners are never just meals. They are a recognition that food is culture, and that the chefs shaping what we eat are also shaping the communities we live in. Having this dinner land in St. Augustine (especially in the same year Barry Honan has earned national recognition from the James Beard Foundation) feels like an acknowledgment of something locals have known for a while: this city’s culinary scene is having a moment.
Details beyond the date, location, and chef lineup are still forthcoming, so keep an eye on penapeckhouse.com for the full picture as it develops. What we do know is that tickets go on sale at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 15 and for an event like this, you’ll want to move quickly.
Whether you’re a longtime foodie, a loyal Lotus regular, or simply someone who loves a beautiful evening with exceptional food and a little local history, this is one worth clearing your schedule for.
