Bon Appétit America! is a year-long culinary diplomacy initiative by The Food Capitals Network, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States through gastronomy, cultural exchange, and storytelling. Bringing together chefs, institutions, and communities on both sides of the Atlantic, the program highlights the enduring friendship between France and the United States and showcases food as a powerful tool for connection and diplomacy.
Today, four U.S. cities (Chicago, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, and Tucson) are members of The Food Capitals, creating strong people-to-people and institutional ties between France and the United States.
Through chef collaborations, special events, media outreach, and culinary storytelling, Bon Appétit America! demonstrates how gastronomy can strengthen cultural understanding and international relationships.
June-July 2026: Tucson x Lyon
In this special year (2026), as the current President of the network, Visit Tucson is partnering with The Food Capitals' headquarters and leading Lyon-based institutions to celebrate American culinary heritage and 250 years of Franco-American friendship.
At the heart of this initiative is Chef Mateo Cancio, Executive Chef of NEX on 4th Avenue and Chef Ambassador for Tucson, Arizona – UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Chef Cancio will travel to Lyon to collaborate with some of the city's most iconic culinary institutions. Through these exchanges, Chef Cancio will showcase the flavors, ingredients, and stories of the Sonoran Desert, offering French audiences a richer understanding of the diversity, heritage, and creativity that define contemporary American gastronomy.
Bon Appétit, America! x La Fabuleuse Cantine
Chef Cancio will collaborate with the team at La Fabuleuse Cantine, a socially responsible catering company committed to local, seasonal, and low-waste food systems, to create a signature Franco-American dish for a special reception organized by the U.S. Consulate General in Lyon.
Bon Appétit, America! x Maisons Bocuse
For one night only, on July 1st, Chef Cancio will join forces with Chef Dumas of Maisons Bocuse at Fond Rose - Bocuse for a special culinary collaboration celebrating the shared traditions, creativity, and innovation of French and American gastronomy. The menu invites regular clientele and new curious foodies to discover a creative blend of Tucson flavors with local favorites.
More info here or reserve your table right away.
Bon Appétit, America! x InterContinental Lyon – Hôtel Dieu
From July 1st to July 8th, from 3 pm to 6 pm, in collaboration with the pastry team at InterContinental Lyon, Chef Cancio will help create a special Tea Time experience under the iconic Dôme, inspired by the America250 celebrations.
More info coming soon.
By bringing together chefs, institutions, and communities around the table, Bon Appétit America! celebrates 250 years of shared history while fostering new connections for the future. Throughout 2026, the initiative honors the enduring friendship between France and the United States and demonstrates the role gastronomy can play in building stronger international relationships.
The project has been awarded the official Freedom250 France label by the U.S. Embassy in France, recognizing initiatives that celebrate the shared history, values, and people-to-people connections between the United States and France during the America250 commemorations.
Photo credits: ©Mateo Cancio ©Maisons Bocuse
