Savor Newark

05/20/2026

A defining moment of Savor Newark 2026 was the official signing of the 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 — a transformational initiative designed to create life-changing opportunities for Newark’s next generation of culinary talent.

Each year, two students and one teacher from the 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗩𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆 will travel to Cascais, Portugal, for a six-week culinary internship with Michelin-starred Chef .vieira.fernandes at — gaining global exposure, hands-on mentorship, and world-class culinary training.

This program represents more than education. It is an investment in young people, cultural exchange, and the belief that Newark talent belongs on the global stage.

This mentorship program is the result of a partnership made possible through the leadership, collaboration, and shared vision of Mayor Ras J. Baraka , the Municipality of Cascais , Food Lab Cascais Director Claudia Silva Mataloto, Fortaleza do Guincho , Michelin-starred Chef Gil Fernandes .vieira.fernandes, Newark Board of Education Superintendent Roger León, Newark Vocational High School Principal Karisa Neis-Lopez, Councilman Michael Silva , CEO Marcus Randolph, Ironbound Business Improvement District Executive Director Vince Baglivo and Plusable CEO Isabelle Coelho-Marques and COO Carlos Ferreira.

Together, we are creating pathways to opportunity and proving what is possible when communities invest in the future of their young people.

From 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗸, 𝗡𝗝 — 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮’𝘀 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 — 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱. Where local talent meets global opportunity.

05/18/2026

Here is to another amazing in the books !

05/15/2026

🌍⚽️🍽️ 𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗥 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝘂𝗽 — 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺
𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 @𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗨𝗘𝗭
𝗔 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁

𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

Welcome 𝗞𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗹 𝗔𝗖 𝗡𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗿𝘂𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻
Chief Strategy Officer, The Ridgeland Group (TRG)
to
𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 – 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱, 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 & 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗸’𝘀 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲

Khalil AC Nassiruddin is a strategist, organizational architect, and trusted advisor working at the intersection of community development, public policy, and strategic communications. As Chief Strategy Officer of The Ridgeland Group (TRG), he advises corporate, nonprofit, and public sector leaders on stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, community-centered initiatives, and government relations.

A proud Newark resident, Khalil is widely recognized for his ability to convene diverse stakeholders, navigate complex civic and institutional environments, and develop collaborative solutions that create lasting impact.

Prior to TRG, he served in senior municipal leadership roles focused on legislative strategy, economic development, and community engagement — helping shape initiatives that continue to influence Newark’s civic and economic landscape.

Khalil also serves on several nonprofit and civic boards dedicated to education, equity, leadership development, and community empowerment across New Jersey.

📍 May 16, 2026 | 9:00AM – 6:00PM
📍 Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Branch Brook Park

05/13/2026

🌍 🇧🇷🇵🇹🇺🇸 𝗥𝗜𝗢 𝗗𝗘 𝗝𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗥𝗢, 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗭𝗜𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗦 𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗜𝗦, 𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗞, 𝗡𝗝 🇺🇸🇵🇹🇧🇷🌍

✈️🌎 ⚽️🍽️ The global flavors, conversations, and collaborations behind 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, presented by and produced by , have officially landed!

From Rio de Janeiro to Cascais to Newark — this is what international cultural exchange looks like through food, storytelling, tourism, and community.

The entire Savor Newark team is looking forward to welcoming everyone this Saturday at the beautiful Cherry Blossom Welcome Center in Branch Brook Park.

Thank you to everyone traveling from near and far to be part of this incredible moment for Newark as we officially kick off the city’s World Cup celebrations.

We can’t wait to see you all. ❤️

📍 May 16, 2026 | 9:00AM – 6:00PM
📍 Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Branch Brook Park
🎟️ 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 — registration required
👉 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐄𝗪𝐀𝐑𝗞.𝐂𝐎𝗠

In partnership with • • cascais_oficial • • • • • .restaurante • .cascais

Made possible by • • • • • • • • • • • •

𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗸’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗱 — 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗶𝘁.

05/13/2026

05/13/2026

🌍⚽️🍽️ 𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗥 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝘂𝗽 — 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺
𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗕𝗬
𝗔 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧

𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

Newark’s food story is being told by voices who live it, document it, and amplify it every single day.

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗳𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗼
Founder

to
“𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 – 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱, 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 & 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗸’𝘀 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲“

As the founder of Brick City Bite, Rafael Antonio has become one of Newark’s leading voices in food, culture, and community storytelling. Through digital media, local coverage, and authentic engagement, he has helped spotlight the restaurants, entrepreneurs, and immigrant stories that make Newark one of America’s most dynamic culinary cities.

His work highlights the power of local storytelling in shaping how cities are perceived, experienced, and celebrated — especially as Newark prepares to welcome the world during the FIFA World Cup 2026 era.

At Savor Newark 2026, Rafael joins a conversation exploring how food, hospitality, and cultural identity position Newark on the global stage.

📍 May 16, 2026 | 9:00AM – 6:00PM
📍 Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Branch Brook Park
🎟️ 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 — registration required
👉 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐄𝗪𝐀𝐑𝗞.𝐂𝐎𝗠

In partnership with • • • • • • • .restaurante • .cascais

Made possible by • • • • • • • • • • •

𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗸’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗱 — 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗶𝘁.

.

05/13/2026

🌍⚽️🍽️ 𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗥 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝘂𝗽 — 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺
𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗕𝗬
𝗔 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧

𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

Food, policy, and economic development are deeply interconnected — especially in cities shaped by culture, entrepreneurship, and global communities.

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗶 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿
Chief Community Development Officer
𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘆 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 )𝗡𝗝𝗘𝗗𝗔)
to
“𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆? 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 & 𝗨𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀”

As Chief Community Development Officer at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), Tai Cooper leads communications and community engagement strategies focused on advancing equitable and inclusive economic development across New Jersey. Her work centers on strengthening partnerships between government, communities, and stakeholders to drive innovation, opportunity, and social impact.

Prior to joining NJEDA in 2019, Tai served as Deputy Chief Policy Advisor to Governor Phil Murphy and previously as Chief Policy Advisor to Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, where she focused on public safety, community engagement, and government innovation. She also served as Senior Aide to U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg and as Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Orange, New Jersey.

A Newark resident, Tai holds degrees in urban planning from Rutgers University and New York University and remains deeply committed to community-centered development and public service.

📍 May 16, 2026 | 9:00AM – 6:00PM
📍 Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Branch Brook Park
🎟️ 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 — registration required
👉 SAVORNEWARK.COM

Made possible by • • • • • • •

In partnership with • • • • • .restaurante • .cascais

𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗸’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗱 — 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗶𝘁.

05/13/2026

🌍⚽️🍽️ 𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗥 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝘂𝗽 — 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺
𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗕𝗬
𝗔 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧

𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

The next generation of culinary leadership is already making an impact in Newark.

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮
Lead Sous Chef
Newark Vocational High School Breakfast Club
to
𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 – 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗸’𝘀 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲

Brandon Urena is a passionate and dedicated culinary student with strong leadership skills and hands-on kitchen experience. As Lead Sous Chef for Newark Vocational High School’s Breakfast Club, he helps lead daily food preparation, organize kitchen operations, and work closely with his team to serve breakfast to students every morning.

This experience has helped Brandon strengthen his leadership, communication, teamwork, and ability to perform under pressure in fast-paced kitchen environments.

For Brandon, cooking is more than preparing food — it is a way to express creativity and emotion while bringing people together through meaningful experiences. He takes pride in his work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to continuing to learn and grow within the culinary industry.

📍 May 16, 2026 | 9:00AM – 6:00PM
📍 Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Branch Brook Park
🎟️ 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 — registration required
👉 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐄𝗪𝐀𝐑𝗞.𝐂𝐎𝗠

In partnership with • • • • • • • .restaurante • .cascais

Made possible by • • • • • • • • • • •

𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗸’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗱 — 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗶𝘁.

05/12/2026

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/newark/articles/savor-newark-kicks-off-the-fifa-world-cup?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwRwU8lleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeSyvt5pzIo12-BJQ_kn2ZQPDHjfaAfuAr4HE61SuIdlKvOKUN17UqJCNoSJ4_aem_UWoAcyc2YbvqTDz7mMJ-EA

Savor Newark, an annual culinary symposium, will serve as the citys official kickoff to the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Saturday, May 16.