San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
S.A. invited into exclusive culinary network
San Antonio’s lively food scene has earned the city yet another exclusive culinary accolade.
The Alamo City has been admitted as a member of the Délice Network, joining 24 cities outside the U.S. and only two others in the U.S. that are recognized for viewing gastronomy as a tool for economic development.
“Being accepted into this international professional network is a tremendous honor for our city,” San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in a news release. “It recognizes the dedication of our chefs, the vibrancy of our local food scene and our commitment to fostering a sustainable city and thriving culinary culture.”
Acceptance into the network is the result of collaboration between the San Antonio World Heritage Office and the San Antonio Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association. Colleen Swain, director of the city’s World Heritage Office, said in the news release that the membership further positions San Antonio as a “global culinary capital.”
In 2017, the city became one of two nationwide to receive the distinction of a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. This latest recognition earns it access to an even smaller club.
Created by the city of Lyon, France, in 2007, the Délice Network currently includes 27 cities across three continents, according to its website. The only other
U.S. cities that have been invited into the network are Chicago and Tucson, Ariz., the latter of which is also a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
The network is described as a tool for cities that believe their heritage and strong gastronomic culture can help improve their city attractiveness, economic development, employment and
general well-being, its website says.
According to a news release, member cities help to strengthen the network by offering unique concepts and approaches related to one of the four fields of action: food culture as a part of city identity, food sector as a boost for economic development, food scene as a tool for global recognition
and attractiveness, and food policies to enhance urban livability.
In a statement provided on the news release, Délice Network Executive Director Elisabetta Bernardini said San Antonio’s vibrant, rich and diverse food scene will bring a valuable contribution to the group’s work.
“Our members all over the world are looking forward to exchanging ideas, inspiration and best practices with San Antonio,” she said. “We are ready to boost cultural exchanges and common projects and to create interesting networking opportunities.”