Kelowna, UNESCO 'City of Gastronomy' has a nice ring to it.
And it could be a reality soon because the City of Kelowna, in conjunction with Tourism Kelowna and Okanagan College, is submitting a bid to become a UNESCO 'City of Gastronomy'.
If chosen, Kelowna will become part of an exclusive group that already includes 56 cities in 34 countries, including culinary hotspots such as Parma, Italy (the home of Parmesan cheese); Phuket, Thailand; Thessaloniki, Greece; Rouen, France; San Antonio, Texas; and Tucson, Arizona.
By the way, UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Anything affiliated with the United Nations has clout.
After all, the UN is the largest international organization in the world with a mandate to preserve peace, security and culture around the globe.
And, by the way, gastronomy is the fancy word prefered by the French that encompasses the art and knowledge involved in growing, choosing, cooking and eating good food and the relationship between food and culture.
Kelowna already has a well-developed foodie scene that includes orchards and agriculture, vineyards and wineries, craft beer, cider and spirits producers, excellent casual and fine-dining restaurants and culinary programs and research at Okanagan College and UBC Okanagan.
Our gastronomy, therefore, delights locals and visitors alike.
Wine and culinary is one of Kelowna's four tourism cornerstones along with lakes-beaches-and-watersports, golf and skiing.
But, a designation of UNESCO City of Gastronomy would shine a global spotlight on Kelowna and lead to more tourism, economic growth, community pride and cultural exchange with other Cities of Gastronomy.
"Kelowna's culinary scene is a testament to the passion and creativity of our local chefs, farmers, wineries and food producers," said Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas.
"Applying for this designation is a step towards recognizing the vital role that food plays in our community and enhancing Kelowna's reputation as a global culinary destination."
The Canadian Commission for UNESCO can nominate up to two Canadian cities every two years to be considered under the UN's 'Creative Cities Network' -- the collective that celebrates the importance of culture around the world in seven fields (folk art, design, film, gastronomy, media arts and music).
This year, the Canadian commission nominated Kelowna in the gastronomy category and the city was invited by UNESCO to apply to become Canada's first 'City of Gastronomy'.
Currently, there are four other Canadian cities in the 'Creative Cities Network' -- London, Ontario for music, Toronto in media arts, Montreal for design and Quebec City for literature.
But, there isn't a Canadian 'City of Gastronomy' yet, a slot Kelowna definitely wants to fill.
"Being invited to apply is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate all the ways food and beverages bring us together in Kelowna -- through story and traditions, community-based initiatives, world-class restaurants and culinary experiences, agriculture and so much more," said Lisanne Ballantyne, CEO of Tourism Kelowna.
The application process is extensive and is being worked on right now ahead of the submission deadline at the end of February.
UNESCO's decision on whether or not Kelowna will become a 'City of Gastronomy' will be made sometime later this year.
The public is invited to find out more about the application process and give input at a free session Wednesday, Jan. 29, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, at Infusions Restaurant at Okanagan College.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/share-your-feedback-tickets-1141583901179
"The process of being invited to apply and gathering the required information is in itself inspiring," added Mayor Dyas.
"There is a spirit of collaboration in Kelowna and throughout the region that we celebrate when we come together over food and when we are motivated to sustain for generations to come. It's one of the things that make our community here special."
Thumbnail photo credit: Tourism Kelowna (patio table with a view, and, of course, wine at Home Block restaurant at CedarCreek Winery)
