One of the area’s foremost experts on healthy eating, Cleveland Clinic Executive Chef Jim Perko, will be giving a lecture and demonstration on “lifestyle medicine” at Tri-C’s eastern campus tomorrow (Nov. 13), starting at 12:30.
Perko has occupied his prestigious slot at the Clinic since 1998. You might also recognize him as Drs. Oz & Roizen’s YouBeauty.com’s culinary expert columnist and the innovative creator of hundreds of delicious, healthy recipes.
Perko developed a love of the culinary arts early, cooking and gardening with his parents. His launched his professional career 36 years ago, when as a student at the Culinary Institute of America, he was chosen to be one of four apprentices to the 1976 US Culinary Olympic Team.
After graduating, Perko secured a position with the 1977/78 US Antarctic Expedition, cooking for scientists doing research at the South Pole. Upon returning home, he married his high school sweetheart and took an important career step, becoming executive sous chef for Marriott Hotelsat the age of 26. His first executive chef position was at the 489-room Bond Court Hotel in downtown Cleveland.
Perko’s shift into health care began in 1985, when he became Executive Chef at Cleveland Clinic’s Lakewood Hospital. In 1988, he founded the national award-winning “Food is Knowledge” program (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/Documents/Wellness/5togo/5toGo-Food-Knowledge-Fact-Sheet.pdf ), now a signature part of Cleveland Clinic’s community outreach wellness efforts. This fall, Food is Knowledge is scheduled to make its way into Cleveland Municipal Schools District classrooms.
As Executive Chef for the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Center, Perko is able to combine his culinary expertise with his passion for healthy living and cooking. Tomorrow afternoon you will be able to learn some of his trade secrets. The event is free and will be held in the dining room of Cafe 4250 (EEC Building - Room 180F).
For more information, check www.tri-c.edu
