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Albany Food Festival Kicks Off Amid Culinary Excitement

1/25/2026

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Chefs Showcase Festival

The Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival began January 22, 2026, with over 100 local chefs and restaurants.
Chef Michelle Montini showcased dishes such as scallops and crème brûlée.
CBS announced its competition series, America's Culinary Cup, which will premiere March 4 and be hosted by Padma Lakshmi.
The James Beard Foundation announced its 2026 semifinalists, including nominations from Knoxville and North Carolina for Joseph Lenn and Cheetie Kumar.

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Chefs Infuse Cannabis

A Chicago deli and a local dispensary offered cannabis-infused mustard with free pastrami for National Hot Pastrami Day.
Event reflects a trend of chefs using cannabis to enhance meals, despite infusion challenges.
Chef James Loud emphasizes cannabis flavor rather than masking it.
The James Beard Awards announced their 2026 semifinalists, recognizing culinary excellence in Arizona, with Charleen Badman and Roberto Centeno among the nominees.
Winners will be revealed in June.

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Chefs Showcase Festival

The Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival began January 22, 2026, with over 100 local chefs and restaurants.
Chef Michelle Montini showcased dishes such as scallops and crème brûlée.
CBS announced its competition series, America's Culinary Cup, which will premiere March 4 and be hosted by Padma Lakshmi.
The James Beard Foundation announced its 2026 semifinalists, including nominations from Knoxville and North Carolina for Joseph Lenn and Cheetie Kumar.

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