Instead of the flags of the UN countries near the Rockefeller Center, banners with the image of food were put up

For the fourth year in a row, flags depicting New York's most iconic things will fly over Rockefeller Center. Time-out. This year, the flags will feature the city's iconic dishes.

From April 3 until the end of the month, The Flag Project, a free art exhibit open to the public, graces the square outside the iconic New York building. It was dedicated to the New York restaurants Pebble Bar, Samea, Lodi and Jupiter's, as well as the delicious dishes served in each of them.

The project first launched during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to celebrate New York City's resilience and support the restaurant industry, which has been suffering from the effects of the global shutdown.

All 193 pillars, traditionally adorned with the flags of the UN member states, will be occupied by banners with images on the theme: “Global Cuisine and International Cultures of New York”.

“Participants and artists of all skill levels presented works inspired by their most unforgettable memories of eating in the city. From a surprise dinner at a diner to an unforgettable dinner at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants in the city,” reads the official description of the project.

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Eric Ripert, Tom Colicchio and Jeffrey Zakarian, well-known in restaurant circles, as well as fashion designer Jenna Lyons and illustrator Julia Rothman, also presented their projects. Some of the selected entries will float with images paying homage to the many new restaurants that have recently opened near Rockefeller Center.

“Food brings families together. And food brings our city together,” said Jilly Stevens, CEO of co-organizer City Harvest. “We are honored to partner with Rockefeller Center and the best chefs in the city. And also with New Yorkers to highlight the food that makes our city a diverse and delicious place.”