In Cleveland, Ohio, the prestigious biennial food festival known as Five Star Sensation is set to take place in June. This grand event not only delights taste buds but also raises funds for a noble cause—the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center. Returning this year with an impressive lineup of chefs and vintners from around the globe, the festival aims to raise $1.5 million to support patient care, nursing, research, technology, and immunotherapy. Hosted under expansive tents at Cuyahoga Community College's Eastern campus in Highland Hills, the evening promises exquisite appetizers and new features like pastry-tasting stations and a late-night DJ area.

A Night of Culinary Excellence Under the Stars

On the evening of Saturday, June 28th, from 7 to 11 p.m., culinary enthusiasts will gather in the picturesque setting of Cuyahoga Community College’s Eastern campus in Highland Hills. The Five Star Sensation, a charitable gastronomic extravaganza initiated in 1987, has consistently raised over $23 million for the UH Seidman Cancer Center. This year’s event brings together fifty acclaimed chefs and vintners from across the world. Vinnie Cimino, celebrated chef and partner of Cordelia, who has been nominated for the James Beard Award, returns as the host chef. Attendees can expect to indulge in a variety of sumptuous appetizers served under massive tents. Additionally, themed French Quarter tents introduce pastry-tasting stations and a vibrant late-night area featuring a DJ, dancing, and VIP cabanas. Notable local figures such as Brandon Chrostowski from Edwins, Doug Katz, and Jeremy and Allie Umansky from Larder are among those participating alongside chefs from across the country.

Tickets priced at $350 are available online at support.uhgiving.org, where sponsorship opportunities can also be explored. With tickets selling out quickly, early purchase is recommended. The event is chaired by Ida Haber, Lisa and Kevin Chernikoff, and Margaret Singerman, with honorary chairs Jane and Lee Seidman and Dr. Theodoros Teknos, president and scientific director of UH Seidman Cancer Center.

The festival's location, Tri-C’s Eastern campus, is situated at 4250 Richmond Road, Highland Hills, providing a scenic backdrop for an unforgettable evening.

This year’s event builds on past successes, having raised $1.4 million in its most recent iteration.

For updates and insights into Cleveland’s dining scene, follow @DineDrinkCLE on Instagram or explore marcbona.net for more stories and books by Marc Bona.

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From a journalistic perspective, the Five Star Sensation exemplifies how passion for food can unite communities for charitable causes. It highlights the power of collaboration between renowned chefs and generous sponsors to create impactful change. For readers, it serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting initiatives that improve healthcare and enhance lives through innovative treatments and compassionate care. Such events inspire us to contribute positively to our communities, whether through participation or patronage, fostering a spirit of generosity and solidarity.