News

Wahoo's Fish Tacos making James Beard House debut

October 3, 2018

It's not common for a fast casual brand to host dinner at the James Beard House in New York, but California's Wahoo's Fish Tacos has earned a seat at the table and will serve its sustainable seafood there on Oct. 10.

"When I first started Wahoo's 30 years ago, all I wanted to do was create a fun and casual place for fellow surfers to hang out and eat great food," said Wing Lam, who co-founded Wahoo's Fish Tacos in 1988, with his brothers, Ed and Renato "Mingo" Lee. "Fast forward to today, it's an honor and a privilege to present on behalf of Wahoo's at the James Beard House. To be chosen and invited to New York with my brothers is beyond what we could've ever imagined."

In order to host dinner at the James Beard House, a chef must receive an invitation from Izabela Wojcik, director of House Programming.

"We are positively thrilled to welcome Wing, Ed and Mingo, and the entire Wahoo family to the Beard House," Wojcik said in a company press release. "The Beard House has a longstanding history of hosting memorable and refined meals and chefs, but as we progress through our third decade, we have expanded our commitment to highlighting sustainable seafood practices as a core of our mission, and Wahoo's certainly stood out in that arena. We know their sense of fun and adventure will ensure the dinner is enjoyable, not just important, and the winemakers they have invited will pour fabulous Sonoma boutique wines to match."

It's an honor that Lam isn't taking for granted.

"Hosting dinner at the James Beard House is a testament to our hard work, and we can't wait to show a brand-new audience what Wahoo's Fish Taco is all about," he said.

The evening's menu will feature hors-d'oeuvres, two main entrées featuring Wahoo's fish tacos and elevated versions of fan favorites like the Maui bowl and enchiladas, paired with wines by Lombardi Wines from Petaluma, California and Coursey Graves from Santa Rosa, California. 

Wahoo's has 60 locations across the U.S. and Japan.