Celebrate garlic mustard with top local chefs at the Nature Center's Pestival
Without a doubt, Cleveland has made its mark on the culinary map. And while we may have an opportunity to occasionally dine at the most celebrated independent local restaurants; it's a rare treat when we can enjoy cuisine from more than 7 prominent chefs – all in one evening, at one event!
If you haven’t yet heard of the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes' annual Pestival, no it's not a typo, it really begins with the letter P. Now in its fifth year, the Pestival is a cocktail-style reception that features delectable foods made with garlic mustard, an edible, invasive plant species pulled from the Nature Center’s grounds each year.
The 5th Annual Pestival takes place Friday, April 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Center, located at 2600 South Park Boulevard in Shaker Heights.
The event features tasty appetizer fare and desserts created by some of the most popular local chefs and independent restaurants, including Sergio Abramof of Sarava; Ben Bebenroth of Spice of Life Caterers; Dante Boccuzzi of Dante; Brit Culey of Coquette Patisserie; Doug Katz of Fire; Scott Kim of SaSa Matsu, John Pistone of J. Pistone; and more!
Tickets are $40 for Nature Center members and $50 for nonmembers. Tickets to this event sell out quickly due to its wide appeal to “foodies” and stewards of the local environment. Make your reservations early by calling the Nature Center at (216) 321-5935. Reservations are required, so be sure to call before April 12.
Pestival serves as a reminder for us to strive for a sustainable lifestyle. Thus the phrase to remember when it comes to edible invasive plants should be, “If you can’t beat it, eat it!”
Andrea C. Turner is a Cleveland Heights resident and a member of the center's board of directors.