Foodmark: Coca-Cola and Time Out Magazine team up to present a global travel guide inspired by iconic pop-culture snapshots

The year is 1957. The location is Battery Park, Downtown Manhattan. New York City.

All of a sudden, a smoking hot blondie gets out of a car and goes to the hot dog cart at the corner, and enjoys a hot dog and an ice-cold Coca-Cola.

The traffic stops, and a crowd immediately forms. The girl is Marylyn Monroe. And the moment was immortalized by a photo that is now in the Olympus of pop culture.

In the heart of New York City, near Union Square, where the bustling streets echo with the rhythm of life and the aroma of street food classics, a unique event is set to captivate both locals and visitors alike. "Foodmark," a collaborative venture between Coca-Cola and Time Out Magazine, is poised to celebrate an iconic moment frozen in time: Marilyn Monroe's timeless image indulging in a quintessential New York hot dog alongside an ice-cold Coca-Cola.

Coca-Cola partnered with Time Out to create a new travel guide to food destinations inspired by culture and entertainment. 

The world's leading beverage brand and the famous media company produced an interactive map of “Foodmarks,” 413 places around the world that have hosted memorable meals paired with Coke over the decades.

The campaign will continue throughout the Spring with four more Foodmarks events.

On March 1, the brand will open an ‘80s-themed restaurant and concert venue in Rio de Janeiro based on a picture of Brazilian rock musician Cazuza relaxing with pizza and Coke after a show. 

A pop-up store in Hong Kong, running from March 8 to 10, is based on the 1996 comedy “The God of Cookery,” and a March 8 event in New Delhi will use augmented reality and AI to re-create meals that ‘50s Bollywood star Raj Kapoor used to share on set.

Coca-Cola plans to add more destinations to the guide in the coming weeks, with the goal of building an extensive archive “of every Foodmark that exists in culture, movies, series or whatnot,” Coca-Cola senior global creative strategy director Islam ElDessouky said.

Scheduled to take place on February 16th and 17th, 2024, Foodmark promises to be a fusion of gastronomy and nostalgia, paying homage to the city's vibrant culinary scene while commemorating an enduring symbol of American pop culture. The event aims to transport attendees back to the glamorous era of the 1950s, evoking the spirit of Marilyn Monroe's iconic presence in the City that never sleeps.


Drawing inspiration from Monroe's famous photograph, where she is depicted stepping out of a car to savor a hot dog and a Coca-Cola, Foodmark invites guests to relive this moment through an immersive experience in the fabulous ‘50s thanks to stages, vintage cars, and dancers and performers dressed according to the distinctive styles of the time. The event will feature a curated selection of gourmet hot dogs, each offering a modern twist on this classic street food staple. From artisanal sausages to plant-based alternatives, something will tantalize every palate.

Complementing the delectable array of hot dogs will be an assortment of Coca-Cola beverages, served chilled and effervescent, to provide the perfect refreshment. Whether attendees prefer the classic Coca-Cola taste or opt for one of the brand's innovative flavors, they will be able to enjoy the iconic beverage just as Marilyn Monroe did over half a century ago.

But Foodmark is more than just a culinary experience; it's a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Throughout the event, guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in various activities and entertainment inspired by the era of Marilyn Monroe. From live music performances to vintage fashion showcases, there will be no shortage of opportunities to engage with the essence of the 1950s.

Furthermore, Foodmark will also feature a Broadway-style intermission, interactive installations and photo booths where attendees can recreate Marilyn Monroe's iconic pose with a hot dog and a Coca-Cola, capturing their own moment of timeless allure against the backdrop of the New York City skyline.

In a city renowned for its culinary diversity and cultural dynamism, Foodmark stands out as a one-of-a-kind event that bridges the gap between past and present, imagination and reality. By bringing together the flavors of the past and the innovations of the present, Foodmark promises to be a memorable celebration of food, pop-culture, and the enduring legacy of Marilyn Monroe in the heart of New York City.

For more info, visit https://cocacolafoodmarks.timeout.com/

Article and photos by Joseph Ralph Fraia