In this special episode of Cities at the Table, we turn to New York City with one of the world’s leading voices in urban food policy. Recorded during the Food Capitals Annual General Meeting in Lyon, the conversation brings us together with Kate MacKenzie, Executive Director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy.

From the city’s ambitious 10-year strategy Food Forward NYC to school meals, food education, plant-based initiatives, and cross-department collaboration, this episode dives into how New York is reimagining plates, offering valuable insights for cities shaping the future of their food systems.

Note: This episode was recorded in June 2025; the program “Plant-Powered Fridays” mentioned in the podcast has since become “Plant-Powered On the Move.”

Whether you’re a city leader or a food lover, pull up a chair and join us at the table !

Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform and leave us a review to let us know what you think of Cities at the Table 🎧

About the Food Capitals by Délice Network

The Food Capitals is the international network of cities committed to using food and gastronomy as powerful tools for economic and sustainable urban development, cultural identity, urban well-being, and city attractiveness.

Founded by Lyon in 2007, this non-profit organisation gathers cities, working together on food culture, food sector, food policies, and food scene development. Through annual gatherings, study tours, collaborative projects and year-round dialogue, the network fosters a global community dedicated to learning, sharing, and connecting through food.

www.thefoodcapitals.com

Photo credit: © NYC Food Policy

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we head to Montreal, one of North America’s most dynamic food capitals. Joined by Marie-Dominique Boucher, Interim Director – Destination Development and Financial Assistance Programs at Tourisme Montréal, we explore how gastronomy has become a cornerstone of the city’s tourism and identity.

From iconic comfort foods and world-class festivals to rooftop farms, urban agriculture, and international recognition from Michelin and the 50 Best lists, Montreal shows how food can connect cultures, animate public space, and shape a city’s future — all year round.

Whether you’re a city leader or a food lover, pull up a chair, listen in and discover what makes Montréal a Food Capital!

Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform and leave us a review to let us know what you think of Cities at the Table 🎧

About the Food Capitals by Délice Network

The Food Capitals is the international network of cities committed to using food and gastronomy as powerful tools for economic and sustainable urban development, cultural identity, urban well-being, and city attractiveness.

Founded by Lyon in 2007, this non-profit organisation gathers cities, working together on food culture, food sector, food policies, and food scene development. Through annual gatherings, study tours, collaborative projects and year-round dialogue, the network fosters a global community dedicated to learning, sharing, and connecting through food.

www.thefoodcapitals.com

Photo © Alison Slattery Two Food Photographers - Tourisme Montréal.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we travel to Castelldefels, a coastal city just outside Barcelona that is using gastronomy as a powerful tool for identity, social cohesion, and tourism. We’re joined by Guillermo Massana, Councillor for Tourism and Hospitality, to hear how a city of 70 000 inhabitants and over 500 restaurants has built a shared culinary vision: from its multicultural food scene to a signature rice dish, Arròs de Castelldefels, that brings chefs, local producers, and public institutions together. At the crossroads of sea, mountains, and farmland, Castelldefels shows how food can unite a city around a shared table.

Whether you're a city leader or a food lover, join us at the table🍴

Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform and leave us a review to let us know what you think of Cities at the Table 🎧

About the Food Capitals by Délice Network

The Food Capitals is the international network of cities committed to using food and gastronomy as powerful tools for economic and sustainable urban development, cultural identity, urban well-being, and city attractiveness.

Founded by Lyon in 2007, this non-profit organisation gathers cities, working together on food culture, food sector, food policies, and food scene development. Through annual gatherings, study tours, collaborative projects and year-round dialogue, the network fosters a global community dedicated to learning, sharing, and connecting through food.

www.thefoodcapitals.com

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.