Aurora is truly “The World in a City” and that global influence is reflected in our food, with more than 330 authentic, specialty restaurants and markets, dozens of food trucks and countless other small cuisine businesses to explore. This year, a unique and exciting competition is taking place from mid-July to mid-August to find the best foods in the city.
Global Flavors is an engaging contest celebrating Aurora’s diverse food scene conducted in partnership with the city’s signature international event, Global Fest. This friendly competition encourages residents to try new foods, explore a diverse set of restaurants and support local businesses, while providing exposure to small-business food establishments.
"Global Flavors will unite the local community through food, collaboration and experiences by showcasing many of the great food options across Aurora," said Ricardo Gambetta, manager of the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs. "Many of these businesses are also owned by immigrants and refugees, so this is a perfect opportunity to support our diverse population's economic and cultural contributions as acknowledged in the city's Immigrant Integration Plan; we encourage everyone to participate in this competition."
Food providers in Aurora are invited to nominate a dish, drink or dessert from their menu of their choosing. Nominations will be reviewed and a list of finalists in each category will be selected. Once the finalists are announced, the public will have the opportunity, starting in mid-July, to visit businesses, taste the items and vote for their favorites. The top three places will be recognized at Global Fest and featured on AuroraTV and the city’s social media platforms.
In order to participate in the competition, the food provider must be located in Aurora, feature a “globally inspired” dish, be in good standing with all their regulatory agencies as required and be in good standing with their respective health department. Nominations are currently being accepted and can be submitted at AuroraGov.org/GlobalFlavors.
Global Fest, the city’s signature event, is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, on the Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway. Global Fest is able to feature the international cuisines of select local establishments, but no single event can capture the broad diversity of Aurora’s food scene, so Global Flavors is intended to expand upon those offerings to showcase more great restaurants from across the city.
Learn more about Global Flavors and Global Fest at AuroraGlobalFest.org.