WASHINGTON, DC—On Friday, June 5, 2026, the National Archives Foundation, in partnership with the National Restaurant Association and Drink Company, presents Taste of America, a ticketed event celebrating culinary traditions and specialty drinks from all corners of the nation. Taste of America is featured as part of the Spirit of Independence Festival, a three-day festival taking place from June 4-6, 2026, in the heart of Washington, D.C., to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

For one night only, four award-winning chefs will come together to present their specialties, which embody the stories of their respective regions of America. From seafood to soul food, nationally and internationally acclaimed chefs will highlight the flavors, traditions, and cultural influences that define American cuisine. The curated tasting experience and specialty cocktails—both with and without alcohol—will be accompanied by DJ music in a tent under the stars. The event will be emceed by LP O’Brien, DC-based beverage entrepreneur and the first winner of Netflix’s Drink Masters.

“The story of 250 years of food in America is the story of our nation’s communities,” said Patrick Madden, Chief Executive Officer of the National Archives Foundation. “Taste of America is a tasty celebration of our shared culinary traditions from the vast breadth of the people and cultures from sea to shining sea.”

Taste of America tickets are available for individual purchase or as part of a membership or sponsorship package granting access to all three Spirit of Independence benefit events—An Evening with Garth Brooks (June 4), Taste of America (June 5), and the One Nation, Many Stories Gala (June 6)—with proceeds supporting the National Archives Foundation’s mission to connect Americans to their shared history.

The event is presented in partnership with the National Restaurant Association and Drink Company.

“Our nation’s cuisine is a melting pot of more than 250 years of shared history, shaped by traditions and flavors that span geography, cultures, and generations,” said Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “At Taste of America, four restaurant chefs will represent their respective American regions through their menus, underscoring the power of restaurants as cornerstones that reflect the history and identities of the communities they serve.” 

“Great drinks have been part of the conversation that founded our republic and continue to add a dimension to our civil life 250 years after its birth,” said Derek Brown, Founder of the Mindful Drinking Fest and Co-Founder of the Drink Company. “The National Archives has been the repository of not just the sacred knowledge of our governing charters but also the social and political life of Americans who wrote them. We’re proud to see that tradition continue with some of the best mixologists from across the nation joining the National Archives in celebration.”

Participating chefs and mixologists include (see full biographies below): 

Mixologist Lauren Paylor “LP” O’Brien, Beverage Entrepreneur and Event Co-Emcee

Chef Erin Miller, Urban Hearth
Mixologist Lynnette Marrero, Co-Founder of Speed Rack and MasterClass host

Billie Jo Edmonds, Mo’s Seafood and Chowder
Mixologist Jeffrey Morgenthaler, Co-owner of Pacific Standard

Chef Claudia Sandoval, Founder of Claudia Sandoval Productions, Winner of MasterChef U.S. (Season 6), and Event Co-Emcee

Chef Ricky Moore, Saltbox Seafood Joint
Mixologist Tiffanie Barriere, Founder of the Barriere Collective

Chef Christopher Hutchinson, La Posta De La Mesilla and Hacienda de Mesilla Grille, Inn & Cantina
Mixologist Robert Bjorn, Beverage Consultant and Hospitality Leader

Mixologist Charles Joly, Founder of Crafthouse Cocktails & Crafthouse by Fortessa Barware

For questions about sponsorship packages, please email giving@nationalarcstg.wpenginepowered.com. 

For media inquiries, please contact Mattie Gainer, Marketing and Communications Director, at mattie.gainer@nationalarcstg.wpenginepowered.com.  

The Spirit of Independence Festival is generously sponsored by The Boeing Company, Comcast Corporation, Microsoft, P&G, and TikTok. Additional support provided by Ancestry, John Hancock, Mars, Incorporated, National Restaurant Association, and Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA).

About the National Archives Foundation
The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit foundation that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world. Learn more at www.nationalarcstg.wpenginepowered.com. 

About the National Restaurant Association
Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises more than 1 million restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of 15.7 million employees. Together with 52 State Associations, we are a network of professional organizations dedicated to serving every restaurant through advocacy, education, and food safety. We sponsor the industry’s largest trade show (National Restaurant Association Show); leading food safety training and certification program (ServSafe); unique career-building high school program (the NRAEF’s ProStart). For more information, visit Restaurant.org and find @WeRRestaurants on X, Facebook and YouTube.

About Drink Company
Drink Company is a boutique hospitality consulting and event company co-founded by industry veterans Derek Brown and Maria Bastasch. With a goal to educate and entertain through beverage experiences that capture attention, inspire conversation, and embody excellence, we believe that every drink tells a story. We bring that story to life. For more information, visit drinkcompany.com. 

Mixologist Lauren Paylor “LP” O’Brien, Beverage Entrepreneur and Event Emcee
LP O’Brien is an Afro-Boricua trailblazer in the world of mixology, research and development, renowned for her innovative approach and expertise in crafting exceptional beverages. She gained widespread recognition as the inaugural winner of the Netflix competition series “Drink Master,” where her creativity and skill set her apart from a field of talented competitors. Her ability to blend flavors and create memorable drink experiences has also earned her a reputation as a top-tier celebrity mixologist.

Chef Erin Miller, Urban Hearth
Classically trained at the French Culinary Institute of New York, Chef Erin Miller draws from her professional training under the mentorship of Blue Hill’s Dan Barber, her entrepreneurial skills running a culinary event company and her extensive instructional experience to create a unique dining experience. Urban Hearth opened its doors in 2016 and through Erin’s stewardship quickly established itself as one of Boston’s best-kept secrets with a loyal following. ​

Mixologist Lynnette Marrero, Co-Founder of Speed Rack and MasterClass host
Lynnette Marrero is an American bartender, mixologist, and philanthropist known for co-creating the world’s first all-female speed bartending competition, “Speed Rack.” She is widely regarded as one of the pioneer female cocktail-specific bartenders in the industry, and is based in New York City. In April 2023, Lynnette launched Delola, a line of ready-to-enjoy world-class crafted spritzes, she created in partnership with Jennifer Lopez.

Billie Jo Edmonds, Mo’s Seafood and Chowder
For over 80 years, Mo’s Seafood & Chowder has been a staple of the Oregon coast, known for its iconic clam chowder and welcoming hospitality. Today, President Billie Jo Edmonds leads the brand into its next chapter, honoring its legacy while working alongside the founding family to preserve the traditions and values that continue to define Mo’s across all locations. Billie Jo’s leadership is grounded in a commitment to people, community, and quality—ensuring Mo’s continues to create meaningful experiences for generations to come.

Mixologist Jeffrey Morgenthaler, Co-owner of Pacific Standard
Jeffrey Morgenthaler is an award-winning bartender, author, and industry innovator based in Portland, Oregon. Since beginning his bartending career in 1996, Jeffrey has worked across the spectrum of bars, from humble neighborhood taverns and bustling college nightclubs to fine dining establishments and upscale cocktail lounges. His expertise and passion for the craft have led him to manage and co-own some of the most celebrated bar programs in the country.

Chef Ricky Moore, Saltbox Seafood Joint
Ricky Moore is the founder, owner, and chef of Saltbox Seafood Joint, which he created in Durham, North Carolina in 2012. He is a James Beard Foundation award-winning chef, entrepreneur, speaker and author with decades of restaurant and hospitality experience. He served as a cook in the US Army for seven years before graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 1994 and working in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens.

Mixologist Tiffanie Barriere, Founder of the Barriere Collective
Tiffanie Barriere is a celebrated bartender, educator, author, and industry innovator known globally as “The Drinking Coach.” A Louisiana–Texas native with a deep reverence for culture and storytelling, she is known for weaving history, hospitality, and heart into every pour. Tiffanie currently serves as the U.S. Co-Chair of the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards and has received some of the industry’s highest honors, including Women of Whiskey’s Bartender of the Year and the Visionary Award from Tales of the Cocktail. She is also the founder of Barriere Collective, a creative hospitality agency dedicated to strategic storytelling, cultural curation, brand consulting, and industry education.

Chef Christopher Hutchinson, La Posta De La Mesilla and Hacienda de Mesilla Grille, Inn & Cantina
Christopher Hutchinson is a third-generation restaurateur and graduate of Texas Tech University who carries forward the legacy of La Posta de Mesilla, famed for Mexican Food, Steaks & Margaritas since 1939 residing in a 1840’s adobe structure on the National Historic Registry. Christopher serves as General Manager overseeing one of New Mexico’s most iconic and treasured dining establishments. In 2018, he re-established Hacienda de Mesilla Grille, Inn, & Cantina, and now oversees operations across the family’s restaurants and salsa production company.

Mixologist Robert Bjorn, Beverage Consultant and Hospitality Leader
Robert Björn Taylor is an Austin-based beverage consultant, hospitality leader, and creative bartender whose work has helped shape the evolution of Texas cocktail culture over the last two decades. Raised in Houston with West African roots, Taylor’s approach to hospitality is deeply informed by his rich cultural background, shaping a palate and creative perspective grounded in flavor, community, and storytelling. A respected voice in the no and low alcohol movement, Taylor is a dedicated advocate for mindful drinking, wellness, and inclusion within hospitality.

Mixologist Charles Joly, Founder of Crafthouse Cocktails & Crafthouse by Fortessa Barware
Charles Joly is a global bartending champion, James Beard Award winning beverage designer, content contributor, speaker and philanthropic enthusiast. With over 25 years in the hospitality industry, he has helped to usher in the modern age of the cocktail. As first and only American to achieve a win at World Class sponsored by Diageo, Charles is dedicated to cultivating and educating today’s bartenders and dedicates his time globally to participate in spirited competitions. Charles’ talents have also earned him “Top 10 Most Influential Bartenders” by Bon Appétit.