TASTE AWARDS Andrew Zimmern Discovery & Outstanding Passion Awards Announced for Sonny Side & Yo‑Yo
The TASTE AWARDS, the global mark of excellence for food, fashion, travel, health, and culture storytelling, proudly announce this year’s recipients of two prestigious honorary distinctions.
Will Sonbuchner, better known as Sonny Side, host and creator of the highly popular Best Ever Food Review Show, is the recipient of the Andrew Zimmern Discovery Award — honoring a commitment to food storytelling that bridges culture, identity, and community. Sonny Side’s digital work has introduced millions of viewers around the world to local traditions, regional cuisines, street vendors, and everyday food culture through curiosity‑driven, respectful culinary exploration.
In addition, the Awards committee is proud to name Yolanda “Yo‑Yo” Whitaker the recipient of the Outstanding Passion Award. Yo‑Yo is a Grammy‑nominated musician, television host, and culinary personality known for her series Downright Delicious With Yo‑Yo, where she blends soulful storytelling with a deep love of Southern food culture, music, and community.
This year’s 17th Anniversary TASTE AWARDS Red Carpet Awards Show, Reception, and Ceremony are on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the WGA Theater in Beverly Hills.
The TASTE AWARDS are the global mark of excellence for food, fashion, travel, health, and culture storytelling. Often described as the Oscars of Food, Fashion and Lifestyle Media. Like a Michelin Star, a Grammy, or an Emmy, the TASTE AWARDS define what the world considers worthy of taste.
Beyond its annual ceremony, the TASTE AWARDS serve as a year-round platform for recognition, visibility, and cultural influence, elevating creators and programs that move culture forward and set new standards for global taste.
Nominee & winner announcements, honoree updates, and event details are available at:
The TASTE AWARDS Honor Moby with The Harmony of Taste Award
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The TASTE AWARDS, the premier global celebration of excellence in food, fashion, lifestyle, health, travel, and cultural media, is proud to honor acclaimed musician, author, and activist Moby, who will receive the honorary Harmony of Taste Award at the 2026 TASTE AWARDS, taking place on March 7, 2026. The award recognizes cultural figures whose work reflects a meaningful balance between creativity, conscience, and culinary & lifestyle influence.
One of the most influential artists of his generation, Moby has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, with a career spanning over three decades and redefining the sound of modern electronic music. Beyond music, he has long been a vocal advocate for veganism, animal rights, and ethical living, using his platform to promote compassion, responsibility, and conscious lifestyle choices. In 2015, he opened Little Pine, his first vegan restaurant, in Los Angeles — a project rooted in his belief that food can be both deeply satisfying and ethically aligned. It became a cultural touchstone for vegan dining and hospitality. Moby was also an early investor in Crossroads Kitchen, one of Los Angeles’ most influential vegan restaurants. Through his work in music, writing, and food, Moby has helped frame food not merely as nourishment, but as a meaningful extension of culture, ethics, and personal identity.
Moby’s commitment to food and ethics extends into publishing as well. He has authored two cookbooks, including The Little Pine Cookbook, alongside several memoirs and nonfiction works exploring creativity, identity, and conscious living. The Harmony of Taste Award honors individuals who demonstrate how taste can reflect values and shape culture. “The Harmony of Taste Award recognizes those who show how creativity and conscience can come together through food,” said a TASTE AWARDS spokesperson. “Moby has helped connect music, culture, and ethics in a way that has influenced how people think about what they consume — and why it matters.”
The Harmony of Taste Award joins The TASTE AWARDS’ honorary distinctions across Food & Drink, Fashion & Design, Travel, Health & Fitness, and Lifestyle categories, recognizing individuals shaping the future of taste, style, and creative influence. (thetasteawards.com)
The TASTE AWARDS Honor Sean Kanan with The Bold Flavor Award
The TASTE AWARDS, the premier global celebration of excellence in food, fashion, lifestyle, health, travel, and cultural media, is proud to honor Emmy‑award‑winning actor, author, and culinary entrepreneur Sean Kanan with “The Bold Flavor Award.”
This honorary award recognizes Sean’s fearless creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for culinary arts — qualities that embody the adventurous and innovative ethos of The TASTE AWARDS. The 17th Annual Awards Ceremony will take place Saturday March 7, 2026, bringing together the world’s leading creators, innovators, and lifestyle influencers. (thetasteawards.com)
Sean Kanan has built a remarkable, multifaceted career — from his breakout role as “Mike Barnes” in The Karate Kid Part III and his reprisal in the hit series Cobra Kai, to his longtime role as Deacon Sharpe on the daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful. Beyond the screen, Sean channels his bold creativity into the culinary world — authoring The Modern Gentleman: Cooking and Entertaining with Sean Kanan and launching his artisan condiment line, Bad Boy Hot Sauce, featuring bold flavors like “Cobra Venom,” “Mango Madness,” and “Red Pepper Punch.” For Sean, cooking is not only a passion but a way to connect people, celebrate culture, and inspire creativity in every kitchen.
“We are thrilled to present Sean Kanan with The Bold Flavor Award,” said A.K. Crump, Chair of the TASTE AWARDS. “Sean embodies the fearless creativity and love of flavor that our Awards celebrate. From Hollywood to the kitchen, he demonstrates how passion, authenticity, and boldness can inspire communities and elevate culture.”
The Bold Flavor Award joins The TASTE AWARDS’ honorary distinctions across Food & Drink, Fashion & Design, Travel, Health & Fitness, and Lifestyle categories, recognizing individuals shaping the future of taste, style, and creative influence. (thetasteawards.com)
TASTE PHOTO AWARDS Announce New Photography Book Spotlighting Award Winners and More
The TASTE AWARDS are pleased to announce the release of the new book that spotlights winners and selected finalists from the years 2019-2025 for the TASTE PHOTO AWARDS.
www.TastePHOTOAwards.com
“The TASTE PHOTO Book is a fine art compilation that brings together some of the most captivating and imaginative images from the TASTE PHOTO AWARDS, a juried competition celebrating excellence in visual storytelling. Created by TasteTV and the TASTE AWARDS (known as “The Oscars of Food, Fashion, and Lifestyle Media”) this volume captures the spirit and brilliance of artists whose work defines current visual culture across a spectrum of lifestyle genres. From 2019 through 2025, winners and finalists have been selected for their outstanding photography in categories such as Food, Wine & Spirits, Fashion & Design, Travel, Health & Exercise, and Photo Styling. This curated collection is a tribute to the creativity and artistry that are the focus of the TASTE AWARDS.” Cover image by Bozena Garbinska.
For over a decade, the TASTE AWARDS have been the premier awards celebrating the year’s best in Food, Fashion, Health, Travel, and Lifestyle programs in Film, Television, Online & Streaming Video, Podcasts, Radio and Photography.
