OCC working with San Antonio, UNESCO City of Gastronomy, on promotion of distinctive culinary culture

30th March 2024

The Oxford Cultural Collective is working with San Antonio, Texas, to explore how its status as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy could be used to enhance its reputation internationally and boost responsible forms of culinary tourism.

One of America’s most exciting food destinations, known for its Latin-American infused culinary heritage and burgeoning independent restaurant sector, San Antonio is firmly established as the gastronomic Capital of Texas. As home to a branch of the Culinary Institute of America, the city has also become one of the country’s leading centres for chef education.

Oxford Cultural Collective Patron Andi Oliver, presenter of the BBC’s Great British Menu, hosted a San Antonio dinner at Carousel, London, on 18^th March, for around fifty invited guests, alongside her daughter, television and radio broadcaster Miquita Oliver.

Dinner was prepared by Jesse Kuykendall, known affectionately as Chef Kirk, of Ocho and Milpa restaurants in San Antonio. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and winner of the US Food Network’s ‘Chopped’ television series, Chef Kirk is known for marrying the flavours of Cuba, Mexico and Texas.

In April 2024 Andi and Miquita will visit San Antonio on behalf of OCC to learn more about its food and drink scene and to discuss opportunities for UK-based collaborations.

The dinner formed part of a programme of events in London hosted by Marc Anderson, President and CEO of  Visit San Antonio. Additional support for this project is provided by Delta Air Lines.