Jesse Tyler Ferguson Returns to Host the 2019 James Beard Awards

We're excited to announce that Jesse Tyler Ferguson will return to host the 2019 James Beard Awards! Ferguson previously hosted the Awards to rave reviews in 2017, and will return to this year’s ceremony and gala, taking place on Monday, May 6, at Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Ferguson is a five-time Emmy nominee for his work on Modern Family which will be entering its 11th and final season next year, making it one of television’s longest-running and most-awarded comedies. When not on set or stage, Ferguson continues to explore his love of food and cooking on his recipe-driven food blog, Julie + Jesse, in partnership with former Saveur magazine staffer Julie Tanous. A longstanding advocate for marriage equality, Ferguson co-founded Tie The Knot in 2012 with his husband, Justin Mikita, where they design limited-edition bow ties with all the proceeds going to various organizations that fight for civil rights for LGBTQ Americans.

To commemorate his return to the James Beard Awards, Ferguson’s Tie The Knot will be re-releasing a limited-edition James Beard bowtie, previously available for his 2017 turn as the event’s emcee. Proceeds of this year’s sales will support LGBTQ and broader diversity programs amongst various non-profits within the culinary community. The James Beard bowties will be available on April 20, 2019 at TieTheKnot.com and retail for $25. 

This year’s theme, Good Food For Good™, is synonymous with the James Beard Foundation’s mission. It is the simple summation of what the organization stands for, from unique and delicious dining experiences at the James Beard House and around the country, to scholarships, mentorships, and a variety of industry programs that educate and empower leaders in the food community. The Foundation has built a platform for chefs and asserted the power of gastronomy to drive behavior, culture, and policy change around food. With this theme, the annual Awards aim to bring attention not only to its deserving winners but to the Foundation’s overall mission as well.  

Read the full press release.

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