Friends of James Beard Benefit: Naples, FL

The Listening Sessions: Hi-fi cocktail reception followed by a five-course seated dinner featuring natural wines, artisanal vermouths, and a vinyl soundtrack curated by the kitchen.

The Wild Table: Immersive Everglades excursion beginning with a sunset cruise through the Thousand Islands, followed by a collaborative open-fire dinner inspired by Florida’s waterways and wild landscape. Round-trip transportation from Heyday Cookshop included.

Featured Participants

Chef/Owner
2025 James Beard Award Semifinalist®, JBF Chef Bootcamp Alum, and Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Alum
Kayla Pfeiffer
Bicyclette Cookshop | Heyday Cookshop | Thank You Kindly Cookshop
Naples, FL

Additional participating culinary talent to be announced.

Join chef Kayla Pfeiffer and friends for The Florida Sessions, a two-night culinary adventure celebrating the wild ingredients, farms, waterways, and people that make the Sunshine State so special. The experience begins at Heyday Cookshop with The Listening Sessions, where guests will settle into Heyday’s hi-fi world for a vinyl-driven cocktail reception followed by a playful five-course dinner inspired by Florida’s agricultural landscape and global flavors.

On night two, The Wild Table takes the celebration beyond the restaurant and into the Everglades, beginning with a sunset cruise through the Thousand Islands before an unforgettable open-fire dinner inspired by the history, waterways, and natural bounty of the region. At the center of both experiences is chef Kayla Pfeiffer, a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist® for Emerging Chef whose cooking brings together Florida’s pantry, global influences, and a creative New American perspective.

• Thursday 5:30 PM | Friday 5:00 PM, Heyday Cookshop, 4691 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, FL 34103
• Thursday – The Listening Sessions $250
• Friday – The Wild Table $500

The Florida Sessions is part of the Friends of James Beard Benefit® series; events hosted by generous people, businesses, and organizations outside of JBF that provide critical funding for our programs. Each event supports our mission to champion a standard of Good Food for Good® anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability.