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 2026 global soccer championship, Newark takes center stage with Savor Newark 2026: The Culinary Cup — United at the Table Symposium — a one-day international culinary experience celebrating culture, innovation, and unity through food.
Fueled by generativas of immigrnt communities, Newark's food scene is a living expresso of the people who call the city home. Each culture contributes its distinct traditions and flavors, creating an authentic and diverse dining experience. From the Portuguese, Brazilian, and Spanish influences that define the Ironbound District to the growing presence of African, Caribbean, and South American cuisines across the city, Newark stands as a true culinary crossroads.
This dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation not only honors Newark's past but also shapes its future - positioning the city as one of America's most authentic and exciting food destinations.
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
Agenda
The full symposium agenda is currently being finalized.
Detailed session times, speakers, and program highlights will be announced shortly.
Stay tuned — full schedule details coming soon!
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
TED-Style Talks
Thought-provoking talks on food
innovation, sustainability, and the
future of global cuisine.
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.
Networking
Meaningful connections with chefs, entrepreneurs, students, and cultural leaders.
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.)
Nearby Hotel Recommendations
Please refer to https://www.newarkhappening.com/hotels/ for excellent hotels to base your visit around Newark (many offer easy access to public transport).
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
Connect with World-Class Chefs
Pair Newark students with internationally recognized culinary leaders for hands-on training.
Career Development
Provide practical skills, professional exposure, and pathways to success in the culinary industry.
Encourage Entrepreneurship
Inspire the next generation to build their own culinary ventures and lead with innovation.
Foster International Partnerships
Strengthen global connections through cultural exchange and collaborative culinary education.
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.