Saturday, May 16
About the Event
SAVOR NEWARK 2026
Newark's Official Food Symposium
Local Empowerment.
Global Impact.
United at the Table!
As the world gathers in the New York–New Jersey region for the historic FIFA World Cup 2026™, Newark takes center stage with Savor Newark 2026: The Culinary Cup — United at the Table Symposium.
As the City of Newark’s official kickoff to the World Cup celebrations, this FREE one-day international culinary event brings together chefs, restaurateurs, and cultural leaders to showcase Newark’s dynamic food scene—shaped by generations of immigrant communities.
Newark’s cuisine is a living expression of the people who call the city home, where each culture contributes distinct traditions and flavors to create an authentic and richly diverse dining experience.
From the Portuguese, Brazilian, and Spanish influences of the Ironbound District to the vibrant African, Caribbean, and South American cuisines found throughout the city, Newark stands proudly as America’s Authentic Food Capital.
More than a food event, Savor Newark 2026 is a global culinary experience that celebrates culture, innovation, unity, and identity through the universal language of food. In recognition of its impact, it has been named #5 in “26 Reasons to Visit New Jersey in 2026” by VisitNJ.
This is a FREE event, but registration is required to attend.
SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL GUEST CHEF
DIRECTLY FROM BRAZIL
EXECUTIVE CHEF NELSON SOARES
Nelson Soares is a visionary, self-taught Brazilian chef and dynamic culinary entrepreneur redefining modern Italian-Brazilian fusion cuisine through a bold, cross-cultural lens.
He first rose to international prominence with Sult, founded in 2019 in Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro masterfully blending classical Italian technique with vibrant Brazilian flavors. Under his leadership, Sult earned a coveted Bib Gourmand distinction from the Michelin Guide, was featured on the prestigious 50 Best Discovery list, and recognized by the Louis Vuitton City Guide.
In 2024, he expanded to Portugal with Sult Cascais, elevating regional seafood and seasonal products with refined precision. In 2025, he launched B-Life Kitchen, a forward-thinking concept dedicated to clean, health-driven cuisine without sacrificing depth or flavor.
At the heart of Chef Nelson's work is a philosophy of balance, intensity, and simplicity honoring culinary heritage while pushing boundaries and shaping the future of contemporary dining.
Chef Soares’ participation will include a live cooking demonstration during the Savor Newark event, highlighting sustainability and nutrition-forward techniques that reflect the future of global cuisine. His approach emphasizes fresh ingredients, responsible sourcing, and culturally inspired flavors that nourish both community and planet.
In addition, Chef Soares will engage directly with students from the Vocational High School Culinary Academy, providing mentorship, culinary insight, and real-world industry guidance to inspire the next generation of chefs.
His presence strengthens our commitment to education, innovation, and international collaboration—truly embodying the spirit of United at the Table.
Program
Saturday, May 16, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Morning Program
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Registration & Networking Breakfast
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM
Welcome Remarks
10:10 AM – 10:30 AM
Opening Keynote
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Flavor as Capital – How Food Fuels Economic Power
Food is more than cultural expression—it is a dynamic economic force. This conversation explores how culinary identity drives business growth, shapes urban economies, and creates pathways to wealth creation. From scaling restaurant concepts to building global food brands, speakers examine how flavor translates into opportunity—and who has access to participate in and benefit from that growth.
11:15 AM – 11:25 AM
Coffee Break
11:25 AM – 12:10 PM
Diaspora on the Plate – Identity, Memory & Migration Through Food
In a city shaped by migration, food becomes a living archive of identity, memory, and belonging. This panel explores how Newark’s diverse communities preserve heritage through cuisine while continually redefining it across generations. From family kitchens to neighborhood businesses, speakers reflect on how food carries stories of movement, resilience, and cultural evolution—shaping both personal identity and the city’s collective narrative.
12:10 PM – 12:50 PM
Live Culinary Experience
Featuring Executive Chef Nelson Soares, of Sult, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil & Sult, Cascais, Portugal
A dynamic live cooking experience that brings global flavor to the stage. Blending technique, storytelling, and cultural influence, Chef Soares showcases dishes that reflect his culinary journey across Brazil—paired with curated tastings for attendees.
12:50 PM – 1:40 PM
Curated Diaspora Networking Lunch
Afternoon Program
1:40 PM – 2:00 PM
Bridging Cities Through Flavor
The Official Savor Newark Mentorship Signing
This ceremonial signing marks a new chapter of collaboration between the Municipality of Cascais, Newark Vocational High School, the Board of Education, and the City of Newark. Through mentorship, cultural exchange, and culinary innovation, this partnership empowers the next generation of food leaders while strengthening global connections rooted in shared heritage and opportunity.
2:00 PM – 2:25 PM
Featured Fireside Chat – World Cup, Policy & Economic Opportunity
World Cup, Policy & Economic Opportunity
Moderator: Carissa Lawson, CBS News
A high-level conversation on how New Jersey can harness the World Cup to drive economic growth while shaping policies that support and strengthen the food industry.
2:25 PM – 3:10 PM
Hosting the World – Food, Culture & Newark's Global Stage
As Newark prepares to welcome a global audience, food will play a central role in defining the city’s identity. This panel explores how culinary storytelling, diaspora communities, and hospitality innovation can shape Newark’s international image—and how the World Cup can become a lasting platform for cultural pride and economic growth.
3:10 PM – 3:20 PM
Afternoon Break
3:20 PM – 4:00 PM
Who Feeds the City? – Equity, Access & Urban Food Systems
Food systems shape health, opportunity, and economic mobility. This session examines who has access to fresh, affordable food—and who does not—while exploring how Newark can build a more just, resilient, and community-centered food system.
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Training the Table – Building Newark's Culinary Talent Pipeline
Behind every thriving food city is a strong pipeline of talent. This conversation explores how Newark can cultivate, train, and retain the next generation of culinary professionals—from classrooms to kitchens—creating clear pathways into hospitality careers and long-term economic opportunity.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Closing Remarks + Call to Action
Taste the World. Celebrate Newark.
Discover why Newark is celebrated as America’s Authentic Food Capital. Join us for an extraordinary gathering of global flavors, vibrant culture, and genuine community at Savor Newark 2026 — uniting food lovers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and cultural tastemakers for one unforgettable experience.
Reserve Your Seat Today.
What to Expect
Nutrition & Wellness Panel
Expert discussions on wellness, the future of food, and nutrition-forward approaches.
Live Culinary Demo
Experience authentic Brazilian flavors as Nelson Soares presents a curated live cooking demonstration, complete with tasting samples inspired by Brazil’s rich culinary tradition.
Hospitality & Leadership
Conversations on hospitality
leadership, cultural exchange, and industry evolution.
Curated Tastings
Global Food Sampling. Taste signature dishes from six restaurants representing World Cup nations reflected in Newark’s vibrant culinary community. Six Restaurants. Six Nations. One Global Celebration.
Event Venue
The Cherry Blossom Welcome Center at Branch Brook Park
Essex County’s Cherry Blossom Welcome Center at Branch Brook Park
Parking
Best Address for GPS: 5 Franklin Avenue, Belleville, NJ 07109
Public Transport to the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center
The Cherry Blossom Welcome Center is located inside Branch Brook Park in Newark. It’s the hub for discovering the park’s famous cherry trees and information during the bloom season (typically early-mid April).
By Train
NJ Transit:
Newark Broad Street Station (on the Montclair-Boonton and Morris & Essex lines) is the closest major rail stop. From there it’s about a 15–20 min walk or short rideshare/ride to the park entrance.
Newark Penn Station also connects you via NJ Transit and PATH trains; from there you can transfer or take a local bus/taxi/rideshare toward Branch Brook Park.
By Bus
Local NJ Transit buses (like routes 11, 28, 25, 72) stop near Branch Brook Park — check real-time schedules and stops closest to Park Avenue/Lake Street. Buses drop off within a short walking distance of the Welcome Center. (Best to use the NJ Transit trip planner online/mobile app for exact routing.)
Support
Savor Newark 2026 Partners
Institutional SUPPORT
Savor Newark 2026 brings together chefs, entrepreneurs, and food lovers from across the region with international. Partner with us to amplify local talent and strengthen our city’s food ecosystem. Contact us at [email protected] to explore partnership opportunities.
Partners
Media Partners
Investing in the Future
Savor Newark Scholarship & Mentorship Program
Following the success of Savor Newark 2025, we proudly launched the Savor Newark Mentorship Program a groundbreaking initiative that sends Newark Vocational High School culinary students to train internationally with world-class chefs.
In 2026, two seniors and a chef-instructor will participate in a six-week culinary training experience under Michelin-Starred Chef Gil Fernandes at the world-renowned Fortaleza do Guincho in Cascais, Portugal.
This program represents the bridge between education and opportunity — giving Newark's emerging culinary talent access to international kitchens, professional mentorship, and life-changing cultural exchange.
Mentorship Goals
Foster International Partnerships
Strengthen global connections through cultural exchange and collaborative culinary education.
Career Development
Provide practical skills, professional exposure, and pathways to success in the culinary industry.
Connect with World-Class Chefs
Pair Newark students with internationally recognized culinary leaders for hands-on training.
Encourage Entrepreneurship
Inspire the next generation to build their own culinary ventures and lead with innovation.
Newark is a gateway city for authentic global culinary culture, international collaboration, and the next generation of food innovation.
Through education and opportunity, the Savor Newark Scholarship & Mentorship Program invests in Newark's future while celebrating its rich cultural heritage.
The Culinary Cup — United at the Table.
An authentic global culinary celebration in Newark, New Jersey, launching the Summer the world gathers for the beautiful game - and provinha why Newark is America's Authentic Food Capital.