In late 2015, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ was named the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy and in 2017, the culinary citizens of the City of Gastronomy circled the wagons and began a series of long-lasting celebrations that included assertively inserting the theme into the annual foodie homage ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Meet Yourself last October. Hotel Congress’ ninth annual Agave Heritage Festival last May took on a few more partners including ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥-Sonora Desert Museum, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Botanical Gardens and the Mexican Consulate to offer dinners, seminars and other food-centric events spread over four days.
This year’s festival April 27 through May 6. Visit for a schedule and more information.
Coming up: The 2018 Savor Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Food & Wine Festival builds on the UNESCO designation with expanded culinary events that run throughout the week prior to the main event Feb. 3 at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. It will feature more than 75 chefs, wineries, breweries, local foods and restaurants showcasing the flavors and diversity of the region’s culinary heritage. Other events in the fifth annual festival, that opens Jan. 28, include wine and dessert tastings and a Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday-themed charity event at the Rialto Theatre. For a complete schedule and tickets, visit
