Taste of the NFL Scoops Up GENYOUth Support

Taste of the NFL presented by PepsiCo rolled into San Franciso in a dynamic way on Feb. 7 to raise funds and awareness for a wonderful cause. 

The premier culinary philanthropic event of Super Bowl LX benefitted national non-profit GENYOUth and supported efforts to tackle child food insecurity nationwide. Held at The Hibernia in San Francisco the incredible event featured cuisine from over 20 national and local chefs alongside NFL players and celebrity guests.

Hosted by chefs Andrew Zimmern, Carla Hall, Lasheeda Perry, and Mark Bucher, the event featured 20+ chefs and 30 plus NFL legends, including Doug Flutie.

San Francisco’s reputation as a global food capital took center stage with a showcase of the region’s extraordinary culinary diversity. Featured restaurants included Abacá, Al Pastor Papi, Café Sebastian, Cocobreeze, Dalida, Doppio Zero, Eylan, Maria Isabel, Meski, Miller & Lux, Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement, Nopa, Parche, Shoji, 7 Adams, Reem’s California, Señor Sisig, Stateline Road Smokehouse, Tarts de Feybesse, and Willi’s Seafood. The Sonoma County Winegrowers uncorked the locally sourced flavors of nearby wine country.

“We are so proud to partner with GENYOUth, said Culinary Institute of America President Michiel Bakker. “Today’s chefs are called on to do much more than cook. They are called to be conscious culinary leaders – to lead with empathy and to care for their communities. CIA faculty, students, and alumni embody those qualities both in and outside the kitchen, and we are honored to have several of them participate in Taste of the NFL and help further stem the tide of food insecurity in children.”

PepsiCo elevated additional culinary firepower with Chef Steven Dominguez, Associate Research Chef and Culinary Lead, and Chef Wiley E. Bates III, PepsiCo Culinary Senior Principal Scientist, alongside celebrated talents including Chef Eric Adjepong – the Ghanaian-American culinary trailblazer and PepsiCo Foods Culinary Advisory Board member known for championing West African cuisine’s profound influence on American food culture.

Showcasing the distinct flavors and vibrant diversity of the Bay Area’s own culinary community, Chef Antonio Inguscio of Doppio Zero, and Chef Miguel Escobedo of Al Pastor Papi, as well as Founder/CEO Evan Kidera and Gil Payumo of Señor Sisig, presented their signature dishes.

Additional culinary artisans from partners included Doritos, Frito-Lay, Quaker Oats Tostitos, Hellmann’s, Peet’s Coffee, Lifeway, and See’s Candies will round out this spectacular gastronomic lineup.

More than 30 NFL Legends also brought gridiron star power to the evening, including Doug Flutie, Kyle Rudolph, Bryant Young, and Mark “Mighty Mouse” McMillian (pulling double duty as both NFL great and chef representing Grillin’ McMillian).

Beyond the culinary experience, guests also enjoyed exclusive autograph sessions with NFL legends and greats, plus thrilling auction opportunities featuring Super Bowl LX tickets and coveted sports memorabilia.