On December 12, Lita—an Iberian restaurant in Aberdeen Twp—will host a Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner with the goal of raising money to celebrate the people who run America’s vibrant food culture. The dinner is part of the Friends of James Beard Benefit series, featuring events hosted by individuals, businesses, and organizations outside of JBF that provide vital funding for its programs.
The event is made possible by Pat La Frieda and Marques de Caceres Vineyard.
Lita was named one of the best new restaurants in America in 2023 by Esquire. Esquire also named its sister bar La Otra, which is located next door, one of the best bars in the US. At New Jersey Digest, we deemed Lita a top restaurant in the state last year.
Partners Neilly Robinson and the James Beard-nominated Chef David Viana opened Lita as a restaurant dedicated to unraveling the tightly knit fabric of Iberian cuisine. From Spanish Patatas Bravas and Paella cooked over a wood fire, to Piri Piri chicken and Portuguese shrimp turnovers called Rissóis de Camarão, Lita taps into Viana’s childhood growing up in Elizabeth, NJ as a first-generation Portuguese-American.
For drinks, Lita and La Otra tap into the celebrated drinking culture of the Iberian peninsula with a cocktail program spearheaded by Ricardo Rodriguez. Think lots of sherry, vermouth, sangria and an irresistible Spanish Martini flavored with pippara brine. Robinson has also crafted a wine list focused on Iberian wines—with an emphasis on ethically produced wines with minimal intervention. There will be an included wine pairing for the meal curated by Lita Wine Director Nicole Castro, featuring producers like Lopez de Heredia and Luis Pato. Additionally, guests will be given a bottle of Marques de Caceres Reserva Rioja DOC 2018 to take home.
The event itself will feature a Five-course tasting menu, including items like Madeira-braised short ribs with chorizo and pomme puree, scallops served with leeks, and a cocktail to kick off the evening in neighboring La Otra.
Lita’s Advocacy For a Better Industry
The James Beard Foundation runs a program called Chef Bootcamp For Policy And Change which aims to mobilize chefs around the nation to advocate for policy changes that can benefit our food system. Viana attended the bootcamp and credits it for changing his perspective on many parts of the industry. “Attending the Chef Bootcamp was inspirational and educational. It was a cool opportunity to spend time with passionate chefs and peers. Listening to their stories has made me a better person and more equipped to talk about issues involving all of the hospitality industry. I learned the power and the unique perspective that Chefs have. We are in touch with all aspects of the food chain, from farmers to purveyors, and have the ear of the guests and are especially qualified to help make change happen for the better.”
In 2024, Robinson was named a James Beard Foundation Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Fellow. “This benefit dinner is raising funds to continue support of these incredibly important programs that are curated and created by the James Beard Foundation that help us push the needle forward, open up our networks in the most unique way, and has given me tools I use daily in my life as a woman and an entrepreneur,” Robinson told me. “I’m grateful to call myself a Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership cohort.”
Tickets for the event are available now on Resy. The dinner will take place on Thursday, December 12, at 6 p.m. inside Lita.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
