#United States #New York #New York City #Mediterranean Diet #Culinary Institute

Tomorrow Tastes Mediterranean Conference to Celebrate in New York

The inaugural Tomorrow Tastes Mediterranean International Conference is set to take place in New York City from November 16 to November 17, 2026. This three-day event marks a significant occasion, as it coincides with the first-ever United Nations' International Day of the Mediterranean Diet. Bringing together prominent chefs, nutrition scientists, and cultural experts, this conference will explore the Mediterranean diet's impact on health and global culinary trends.

Presented by the Torribera Mediterranean Center, an initiative from the University of Barcelona and the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), this conference aspires to foster dialogue and innovative ideas around the Mediterranean diet, leveraging its core principles of health and sustainability. The Mediterranean diet, known for its emphasis on olive oil, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and a moderate intake of animal products, is acclaimed globally for its health benefits.

A Gathering of Experts

Greg Drescher, a senior advisor at the CIA and co-author of various studies on the Mediterranean diet, emphasizes the gathering's importance, stating, "This year's program is a collaboration of leading scientists and professionals who have significantly influenced the nutritional landscape and public health guidance over the last few decades."

Featured speakers include illustrious figures such as:

• - Rosa M. Lamuela-Raventós, a professor from the University of Barcelona, recognized for her extensive scientific contributions to food safety and nutrition.
• - Miguel Ángel Martínez-González, a leading medical researcher focusing on public health.
• - Barton Seaver, a chef and advocate for sustainable seafood.
• - Ana Sortun, a James Beard award-winning chef known for her innovative Mediterranean cuisine.
• - Costas Spiliadis, who has played a pivotal role in redefining Greek culinary culture.
• - Frank Hu from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, a noted authority on nutrition.

These speakers, among others, will cover a range of topics at the conference, from the Mediterranean diet as a sustainable food model in the age of artificial intelligence to the role of chefs in enacting food systems change.

Schedule of Events

The conference will commence on November 16 at New York City, followed by daylong sessions on November 17 at the CIA's main campus in Hyde Park, New York. The final sessions will take place on November 23 at the University of Barcelona, focusing on the Mediterranean diet's cultural significance and its future trajectory.

In addition to insightful presentations, the event will feature culinary demonstrations and workshops, allowing attendees to engage directly with the subject matter. Attendees will delve into real-world applications of the Mediterranean approach to cooking, as noted in the CIA's Menus of Change and Healthy Kids Collaborative initiatives. Participants will explore plant-based proteins and attend culinary workshops that illustrate how Mediterranean cooking can inspire healthier eating habits.

Supporting Organizations and Sponsorship

The success of the Tomorrow Tastes Mediterranean Conference is underpinned by support from numerous sponsors, including the Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación (MAPA) and leading olive oil producers from Spain and Crete, who share a commitment to promoting healthy dietary patterns. Such collaborations underscore the event's mission to merge scientific research with practical culinary applications.

Join the Celebration

This unique gathering is tailored for professionals in the food and hospitality sectors, and seating is limited for the New York events. For more information about registration and participation, visit tomorrowtastesmediterranean.org.

The widening understanding of the Mediterranean diet's benefits reveals its potential to influence not just personal health but also broader public health and policy initiatives. As the conference unfolds, it aims to inspire a renewed commitment to healthy eating practices that are rooted in Mediterranean traditions and innovative culinary advancements.