What does a City of Gastronomy Designation Mean?

The City of Tucson became the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy designated in the United States in December 2015, joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Since the designation, a culinary revolution hit Tucson and has continued to make waves nationwide.

The question is, what does it take to be designated a City of Gastronomy? The Answer? A LOT. First off, a City must apply for a CoG Designation which are reviewed every four years. The application requires applicants to show they’re a well-developed gastronomy community that cultivates local authenticity through using indigenous ingredients with a focus on local sustainability- to start. Cities are also expected to be home to traditional restaurants and innovative chefs.

In 2017 El Paso, Texas became the second city in the United States to get a CoG Designation leaving both Cities a destination for foodies, inspiring chefs and entrepreneurs.