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.