Taste of America, I Chatted with Mr Edison ‘s Jeffrey Chodorow

Last night at the Bellevue Hotel, Philadelphia’s culinary scene took center stage at the James Beard Foundation Taste America®: Philadelphia, presented by Capital One, an evening that celebrated the chefs and independent restaurants shaping the future of American cuisine.

Local chefs as well as visiting chefs participated in the evenings festivities, including Justin Shwetzer
In Between Days St. Petersburg, FL
Presented by Visit St.Pete-Clearwater

Taste Twenty Chef Alum and fan favorite on Top Chef season 21 Michelle Wallace (above)
b’tween sandwich co.
Houston, TX

The walk-around tasting brought together a dynamic mix of chefs, restaurateurs, and food lovers for an immersive culinary experience. At the heart of the event was TasteTwenty chef Yun Fuentes,

along with the impressive lineup of Philadelphia’s top culinary talent, each presenting dishes that reflected their signature style and the unique identity of their restaurants.

Although Geno Vento is best known for running the iconic South Philly cheese steak spot Geno’s Steaks, he’s also a formally trained chef, having graduated from culinary school just a few years ago. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing his cooking firsthand, and it’s nothing short of exceptional.

Congrats to Dr. Ashwin Gupta honored by the City as one of the Prevention Pioneers 2025, recognized for excellence in HIV prevention.

George and Josh of Eats Philly were raving about Oddbird’s zero-proof “wine,” which was also just served at the Academy Awards on Sunday night.

It was a pleasure meeting the legendary Jeffrey Chodorow, CEO and founder of China Grill Management, which operates more than 22 restaurants worldwide. He is opening Mr. Edison at the iconic Bellevue Hotel, a story I first reported in 2024.

When I began covering the Bellevue’s transformation back in 2019, I knew the project would result in something special, but I never imagined it would reach this level. As I’ve previously noted, the hotel’s lobby has been relocated from the 19th floor to the first floor, restoring the space to the character and elegance of its earlier years.

Mr. Edison is named in tribute to Thomas Edison, who designed the Bellevue’s lighting for its 1904 opening. There’s even an original lighting circuit box in the grand ballroom.

Open seven days a week, with late-night dining on weekends, the restaurant is designed to feel like a true destination, part dinner, part experience. The menu is international in scope, with select dishes inspired by Mr Chowdory’s time living in Philadelphia (he graduated magna cum laude from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1972) and the places he and his wife Linda, a Philadelphia native, loved most.

Expect subtle nods to iconic spots like Astral Plane, The Fish Market, Frog, The Commissary, Black Banana, Le Bec-Fin, and one of my personal favorites, Knave of Hearts, woven thoughtfully into a modern dining format.

At Mr Edison, it’s not just about the dinner club atmosphere, though that alone is a draw. It’s also about rediscovery: nostalgic dishes re-imagined and brought back to life in a way that feels both familiar and entirely new, the kind of menu that surprises you with flavors you didn’t realize you’d been missing.

Look for the opening before the first ball is kicked at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26 in Philadelphia.

Another fun event in Philadelphia. The James Beard Foundation mission is to celebrate, nurture, and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone.

Socially yours, xoxo HughE