Newark is gearing up for one of its most ambitious culinary events yet. Savor Newark 2026: The Culinary Cup — United at the Table is a full-day food celebration taking place Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center at Branch Brook Park, 5 Franklin Avenue in Newark.

Timed to coincide with the FIFA World Cup coming to the New York/New Jersey region, the event brings together chefs, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and food lovers for a day of panels, tastings, and conversation centered on Newark’s identity as a culinary city.

The day kicks off with a networking breakfast and welcome remarks from Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, followed by a packed lineup of discussions covering topics like food as an economic driver, the role of diaspora communities in shaping culinary culture, urban food equity, and how the World Cup can put Newark on the global stage. A fireside chat on World Cup policy and economic opportunity will be moderated by CBS News anchor Carissa Lawson.

One of the day’s highlights is a live culinary demo featuring Executive Chef Nelson Soares of Sult, Rio de Janeiro and Sult, Cascais, Portugal, who will prepare dishes with tasting samples for attendees. A curated Diaspora Networking Lunch will also showcase dishes from six restaurants representing World Cup nations, reflecting Newark’s diverse culinary community.

The afternoon closes with a ceremonial mentorship signing between the Newark Board of Education, Newark Vocational High School, and partners in Cascais, Portugal, aimed at building pathways for the next generation of culinary talent.

To register, visit savornewark.com.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​