Coachella Valley Chef Pedro Barroso to Showcase Desert Flavors at James Beard House

A prestigious culinary honor is shining a national spotlight on the Coachella Valley.

Chef Pedro Barroso of the Parker Palm Springs is one of just four local chefs selected to bring the flavors of the desert to the iconic James Beard House in New York.

Chef Barroso will present a special dinner at the James Beard House on Tuesday, an event that also serves as the official kickoff to Palm Desert Food and Wine. The popular festival, hosted by Palm Springs Life, runs March 19 through March 22 along El Paseo in Palm Desert.

The dinner will feature a six-course, set menu highlighting dishes Chef Barroso has refined over the past four to five years. He says the goal is to showcase the culinary identity of the Parker’s restaurants while presenting his best work to a national audience.

Chef Barroso told NBC Palm Springs that there will be two seatings for the dinner, allowing more guests to experience the menu without altering the core concept of his cuisine.

Palm Desert Food and Wine continues later in the week with a lineup of tastings, chef-driven events, and special appearances, including an Iron Chef event scheduled for March 21.

NBC Palm Springs reporter Mary Strong spoke with Chef Barroso ahead of the New York dinner, where he shared his excitement about representing the Coachella Valley on one of the country’s most respected culinary stages.

Tickets and event packages for Palm Desert Food and Wine are available at PalmDesertFoodAndWine.com.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.