Marcus Samuelsson, the acclaimed chef behind Red Rooster Harlem, Ginny’s Supper Club, and Streetbird Rotisserie, has been named one of the James Beard Foundation’s 2017 Chefs & Champagne honorees.

The foundation, a non-profit organization that supports and celebrates the nation’s culinary culture, will be honoring Samuelsson at this year’s Chefs & Champagne event on July 29. The annual fundraiser and tasting party, takes place at the Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack, N.Y., and is one of the East End of Long Island’s most highly anticipated foodie events of the summer.

Samuelsson, the author of Marcus Off Duty: The Recipes I Cook at Home, The New York Times best-selling memoir Yes, Chef, and The Red Rooster Cookbook: The Story of Food and Hustle in Harlem, shared his excitement.

“I am so excited to be part of Chefs & Champagne, as it’s really one of the highlights of the summer to get to see your colleagues and friends and cook for them,” said Samuelsson. “Looking at the list of the previous recipients, I feel very humbled to be a part of such a delicious, diverse, American cooking family. When I think about the James Beard Foundation, I think about the aspirations of young chefs. I think about Mildred [Amico], Julia [Child], Jacques [Pépin], and all the times I’ve cooked at the Beard House. This organization has given me so many incredible moments and I thank you for that.”

Susan Ungaro, president of the James Beard Foundation echoed Samuelsson’s sentiments and sang his praises in becoming a welcome addition to such a prestigious award family.

“Marcus truly exemplifies the essence of our mission, which is to celebrate, nurture, and honor chefs and leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone,” said Ungaro. “What makes Marcus so special is his philanthropic endeavors; his love of learning and sharing the culinary uniqueness of different cultures.”

Over the last 26 years since the event began, past honorees have included notables such as Julia Child, Bobby Flay, Wolfgang Puck, and Martha Stewart. The James Beard Foundation will also announce the recipient of the 2017 Christian Wölffer Scholarship at the event. Established in 2006, the scholarship fund supports students in their study of food and wine.