Chefs
Meet other local Chefs to exchange ideas, talk about job searching, suppliers, new produce, etc.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out chefs events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the chefs events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find chefs events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Chefs Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
IN PERSON! StarRocks x Apache Kafka®: Real-Time Analytics for the AI Agent Era
Hello everyone!
We're very excited to be hosting an **IN-PERSON** meetup in Jakarta. We look forward to seeing you there!
The address, agenda, and speaker information can be found below. See you there!
**📍 Venue:**
WeWork Revenue Tower
Scbd, Jl. Jend. Sudirman No.52-53, Senayan, Kebayoran Baru
Jakarta, JK 12190
Room 25A
**Important:**
* To obtain an elevator pass, all visitors are required to exchange their ID/driver's license/passport in the building lobby's reception area.
\*\*\*
**🗓 Agenda:**
* 7pm: Doors open
* 7pm - 7:30pm: Pizza, Drinks, and Networking
* 7:30pm - 8:00pm: Shark Liang, StarRocks Active Contributor
* 8:00pm - 8:30pm: Additional Q&A & Networking
\*\*\*
**💡 Speaker:**
Shark Liang, StarRocks Active Contributor
**Talk:**
StarRocks x Kafka: Real-Time Analytics for the AI Agent Era
**Abstract:**
The talk will mainly cover how AI Agents are reshaping real-time analytics workloads, why StarRocks is well suited for intelligent workloads. We’ll also include some real-time Kafka streaming scenarios in the session.
\*\*\*
***DISCLAIMER***
BY ATTENDING THIS EVENT IN PERSON, you acknowledge that risk includes possible exposure to and illness from infectious diseases including COVID-19, and accept responsibility for this, if it occurs.
NOTE: We are unable to cater for any attendees under the age of 18.
\*\*\*
If you would like to speak or host our next event please let us know! community@[confluent.io](http://confluent.io/)
SATÉ NIGHT! 🍢🥜🌶️ Street food, cafés, and bars in Sarinah
Hey, friend in Jakarta! Now that you joined JakFri... **are you a member of [Jakarta Writers](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers) yet?** Want to see **pictures** of past events? **[Take a look here!](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/photos/)** And feel free to upload a few pictures you might take at the event 😊
JakFri and JakCre is **the** biggest, first, most active, and most inclusive MeetUp community in Jakarta… and we invite you to join us for this **SATÉ NIGHT 🍢🥜🌶️ with street food, café and bars strolling around Jalan H. Agus Salim in Menteng!**
Everyone is always welcome to join our events. Our community is all about creating authentic in-person connections in this urban jungle. Come as you are... it’s the best version of yourself.
**ABOUT THE EVENT**
Just a casual Friday night **strolling around Jalan H Agus Salim**. They have **delicious and affordable saté** (chicken, beef, goat, pedas pedas), many café (amongst the oldest in town!), bars, street food.
Come and leave anytime. We meet at 8 PM at the corner of Jl. H. Agus Salim & Jl. K.H. Wahid Hasyim and have the first Saté bite of the night. Then we will stroll around and find together places to sit, chill, enjoy the start of the weekend.
We will move around throughout the night or find the best spot and sit down there like lazy pandas. We can stay in one big group or split up into sevaral smaller ones, and regroup at any time again.
Arrive and leave at any time for this event. To find everyone, post a comment in the event page or chat in this dedicated WhatsApp group (the WA group will be open for attendees a few hours ahead of the event to avoid trolls and spammers from joining):
[https://chat.whatsapp.com/BXhNl0fPp0c6XSpLxPmcTF](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BXhNl0fPp0c6XSpLxPmcTF)
**Important note:** Only attendees who registered for the event will be able to join us. This is to make sure that we keep this community safe and accountable. If anyone notices or experiences an unpleasant behaviour from a member, please report to the group admins. Thank you!
We have organised this event several times before! Take a look below to this past event and browse all past events of Jakarta Friends!
* [SATÉ NIGHT with Jakarta Friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/313806911/) (April 2026)
* [SATÉ NIGHT with Jakarta Friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/312032012) (December 2025)
* [SATÉ NIGHT with Jakarta Friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/311365948/) (October 2025)
* [SATÉ NIGHT with Jakarta Friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/307748538/) (July 2025)
* [SATÉ NIGHT with Jakarta Friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/305713301/) (February 2025)
* [SATÉ NIGHT with Jakarta Friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/304624384/) (December 2024)
* ...or [browse all past event of JakFri here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/?type=past)!
**ABOUT THE VENUE**
Jalan H Agus Salim is very lively on a Friday night. There's plenty of delishious street food, old cafés, bars and restaurant. Many side alleys guarantees that there's plenty of spots to choose from!
**HOW TO REGISTER TO THE EVENT?**
To register, just click “Attend”! There are a few simple rules
* We kindly ask attendees who cannot manage to join to **update RSVP at least 24 h before the event** as a courtesy to other attendees and event organisers.
* Come and leave at any time for this event
* Meeting time is at 7.30 PM at the corner of Jl. H. Agus Salim & Jl. K.H. Wahid Hasyim, they have delish and affordable Saté there
* To find everyone if you arrive later, please text a comment in the event page, or in the dedicated WhatsApp group (open for everyone to join a few hours ahead of the event): [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BXhNl0fPp0c6XSpLxPmcTF](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BXhNl0fPp0c6XSpLxPmcTF)
* Repeated no-show (3X) without updating RSVP will be removed from the group
* Cancellations a few hours before the event are unfriendly for the organiser and other attendees and unless caused by force major count as a no-show
* No possiblity to register with a +1 for this event. If you'd like to come qith a guest, please contact the organiser (subject to place availability)
* Attendees who brings a +1 will need to make sure the guest understands and agrees about our rule of mutual respect and inclusivity
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
**WE HAVE A MEMBERSHIP FEE. HOW DOES IT WORK?**
Our community has a **membership fee** that make sure we can keep organising plenty of events as we did over the past 4 years.
Membership can be paid as a **yearly membership** of 340k IDR valid for 365 days after payment. Pay online **ahead** of the event to get **10% off**! Membership gives **access to all events** plus exclusive perks\*\*(\*)\*\* available only to paying members.
As a first-timer, you have several options:
* **Option A**: Join with a *promo discount* for first-timers for 250k IDR/year. Get 10% if you pay online ahead of the event!
* **Option B**: Not sure if you want to join for a year? Join with a 50k IDR *sneak peek option* & pay the remaining 290k IDR at the next event
* **Option C**: *Bundle offer* to join both Jakarta Friends **and** **[Jakarta Writers](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers)** for 390k IDR instead of 680k IDR. First-timers only.
All three options can be redeemed with an additional **10% discount** when paid online **ahead** of an event.
In the past 3,5 years we have organised **\~2-3 events per week** (browse past event [of JakFri here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/?type=past) and [of JakWri here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/events/?type=past)). That is, with your membership you can attend up to 5-10 events/month!
\*\*(\*)\*\*This is a non-exhaustive list of *special events* we have had for paying members only. A [Give Away Birthday Celebrations with lucky draw](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/300470498), a [Free pasta cooking (and eating 😉) workshop](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/304253623/) or a [Museum visits with free guided tours](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/301738408/).
We **guarantee** to keep organizing plenty of events. You will receive a **full refund** if the group closes down, or if there’s no event happening in three months.
Yearly membership can be paid beforehand (bank transfer/Gopay) or at an event (cash/bank transfer/Gopay). Text Corrado (+62 8211 489 3580) if you have any questions about membership. It's easy!
**THE RULES OF OUR COMMUNITY**
Our communities are:
* **Jakarta Friends**: [https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends)
* **Jakarta Writers** (former Creatives): [https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/)
Members often participate in events of both groups. Over the past two years, we held over 250 events with over 2,000 attendees.
Attendees rate our events **very positively** and give wonderful feedback, with an average of **4.8**⭐ (out of 5⭐) from around 600 reviews ([take a look at our reviews here!](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/feedback-overview/))
We value diversity, inclusivity, respect, and authenticity. We **do not tolerate** harassment or discrimination of any kinds.
* You are invited to join our WhatsApp group where we announce our events regularly: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BR0sC0BrPbc9xTqvj1qLfx](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BR0sC0BrPbc9xTqvj1qLfx)
* Feel free to tag us on Instagram, and we will repost! [www.intagram.com/jakarta.friends.creatives](http://www.intagram.com/jakarta.friends.creatives)
* For questions about the event, please post a comment on the event page, or DM the event organisers
Jakarta Social Event at Paulaner Bräuhaus - Join Us!
Join us for a fun and relaxed **night out at Paulaner Bräuhaus Jakarta** on **Saturday, May 30th at 7:00 PM**. Located in the heart of the city at **East Mall, Grand Indonesia**, The event is **split bill**, which means each person orders and pays for their own food and drinks.
We will have space for **40 people** seated on **one large table near the band**, giving us the perfect setup to enjoy the music while still keeping the evening social and easy to mingle.
Paulaner is a great setting for an evening of good food, drinks, live music, and conversation. Known for its Bavarian menu, freshly brewed beer, and lively atmosphere, it is the perfect place to bring people together for a social night out.
Come spend the evening with **Jakarta Social** as we gather for a relaxed and enjoyable meetup focused on meeting new people, catching up with familiar faces, and enjoying a great night together.
This event is all about enjoying the atmosphere. Arrive from **7:00 PM**, settle in, order some food and drinks, and enjoy a lively evening with good company and live music in one of Jakarta’s most popular social venues.
Whether you are coming on your own or with a friend, this is a great chance to connect with others in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Later in the evening, for those who want to stay on, the venue will also be showing **PSG vs Arsenal in the Champions League**, so the night can continue with a bit of football after the main social part of the evening.
Please note that this is a **booking-based event**, so **everyone must reconfirm using our link 3-4 days before the event**. This is important so we can finalize the reservation with the venue.
If you are looking for a good night out with live music, a lively crowd, great conversation, and a chance to get to know new people, this should be a really enjoyable evening.
**📢 IMPORTANT: Attendance Reconfirmation Required**
To ensure accurate headcounts and reduce no-shows, we're implementing an updated reconfirmation system for all events.
**Here's how it works:**
* All events start with unlimited RSVPs.
* 4 days before each event, a reconfirmation form will be posted in the event comments and shared in the WhatsApp group.
* You must reconfirm ASAP by submitting the form. Your spot is guaranteed only after you reconfirm.
* The form closes once we reach the target attendance number.
* Anyone who hasn’t reconfirmed when the form closes will be removed from the attendee list.
* If you can’t attend, change your status to Not Going.
**Two‑strike rule: If you don’t reconfirm and don’t change to Not Going two times, you will be removed from the group.**
Thanks for helping us keep things running smoothly. Looking forward to seeing you all there.
If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know here or join our friendly and active WhatsApp Group Chat:
[https://chat.whatsapp.com/FBQsf4Cv4yWACNs9gbiYNH](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FBQsf4Cv4yWACNs9gbiYNH)
Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/jakartasocialgroup](https://www.instagram.com/jakartasocialgroup)
Work • Play • Connect
**What to Expect**
*A relaxed, productive weekday environment
- High-speed WiFi & comfortable co-working space
*Flexible padel play throughout the session
- Meaningful networking with professionals & entrepreneurs
*Opportunity to exchange ideas, collaborations & contacts
- Short, insightful talks (TED-style) from inspiring speakers
*Great coffee, food & social atmosphere
**Work, play, connect—and grow, all in one place.**
Padel&Connect with Veroza x BMW Tunas (Free BMW Test Drive)
@verozapadel proudly present an exclusive collaboration event between VEROZA.CO x BMW TUNAS 🚙🎾
Join us for a fun padel session, networking, and exclusive BMW premium experience.
📍 Pluit Padel Parq
📅 31 May 2026
⏰ 16:00 – 18:00 WIB
💸 HTM: 120k per person
Complimentary:
• Premium fresh balls
• Photographer
• Snacks & drinks
BMW unit test drive available before & after the games
Newbie, beginner and intermediate welcome
Friday Nite PickleBall at ATW
Main Bareng Pickleball at Ancol Tennis Warehouse. Join us for fun, socialising and sports at Ancol Tennis Warehouse.
SHUT! UP! AND! WRITE! Vol. L🎉✍️ with Jakarta Writers
Hello, Jakarta Writer! **Are you a member of [Jakarta Friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/) yet?**
Want to see **pictures** of past events? **[Take a look here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/photos/)**[!](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/photos/) And feel free to upload a few pictures you might take at the event 😊
JakCre and JakFri is **the** biggest, first, most active, and most inclusive MeetUp community in Jakarta… and we invite you to join us for this **SHUT! UP! AND! WRITE! Vol. L 🎉 (50!!!)**
Everyone is always welcome to join our events. Our community is all about creating authentic in-person connections in this urban jungle. Come as you are... it’s the best version of yourself.
**ABOUT THE EVENT**
So, you want to write? Then shut up and write! Writing is 0.01% "inspiration" and 99.99% getting down to it.
We will meet for a circa **2,5 hour writing session at Maxx Coffee in Kemang Village/Lippo Mall**, a cozy café with an open space and inside sitting area at group floor of Lippo Mall!
It doesn't matter if you are an established writer or if you are picking up pen and paper for the first time. **Just show up, get down to it, and start writing.** Everyone will be working on their own thing, and we won't talk during writing. If you need some prompt or suggestion on what to write, I'll be happy to give you some ideas.
After the circa 2,5 h writing session session, we will switch off our laptops and close our notebooks (but if you want to keep going, feel free!) and chill down. We can also share each other texts and give feedback, if that's something someone would like to do.
**The rules of the game:**
1. We aim to start together in order not to disrupt the process for everyone. Please be on time.
2. No talking at the table during writing! After arriving at the table, we will focus on our own writing
3. You can take as many breaks as you want of course
Don't be late as we want to start writing together, and please do **update your RSVP at least 24h before the event** if you cannot come, else you will take away a spot from a person in the waitlist. Don't be that persons! **Repeated no-shows will be kicked from the group.**
We have organised this event before! You can see a few past events here:
* [Shut! Up! And! Write! at ngoepi, CIlandak (May 2026)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/events/314411858/)
* [Shut! Up! And! Write! at ngoepi, CIlandak (Jan 2026)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/312325439/)
* [Shut! Up! And! Write! at Rasea Haji Nawi (Nov 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/311510658/)
* [Shut! Up! And! Write! at Mad for Coffee, Cipete (Oct 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/311064766/)
* [Shut! Up! And! Write! at ngoepi, Cilandak (Sept 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/310532158/)
* [Shut! Up! And! Write! at Unifinished Coffee, Blok M (July 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/308766899/)
* [Shut! Up! And! Write! at ngoepi, Cilandak (May 2024)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/306901326/)
* [Shut! Up! And! Write! at M Bloc Space (Feb 2025)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/305775525/)
* [Shut! Up! And! Write! at Kios Ojo Keos, Lebak Bulus (Nov 2024)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/304408423/)
* [Shut! Up! And! Write! at ngoepi, Cilandak (Nov 2024)](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/303766280/)
**ABOUT THE VENUE**
**Maxx Coffee** in Kemang Village/Lippo Mall is a spacious, quite, and esily accessible area. It's perfect for a writing session followed by a lovely chat.
* Let's meet directly there. Be on time. There will be tables prepared for us
* Here is a link to the venue for more information: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/313513435840887/maxx-coffee-kemang-village/
* We encourage you to reach the event by public transportation as much as you can to avoid polluting the environment
**ABOUT THE HOST**
Corrado Nai has a Ph.D. in microbiology and writes mostly about science. His feature articles has been published in Smithsonian Magazine, New Scientist, Asimov Press, Small Things Considered, and many more. Currently he's writing [a graphic novel about agar-agar's surprising role in science](https://fanny-hesse-graphic-novel.site/), called "The Dessert That Changed the World" which can be followed and supported on Patreon at [https://www.patreon.com/corradonai](https://www.patreon.com/corradonai)
**HOW TO REGISTER TO THE EVENT?**
To register, just click “Attend”! There are a few simple rules
* We kindly ask attendees who cannot manage to join to **update RSVP at least 24 h before the event** as a courtesy to other attendees and event organisers.
* **Be on time! Don’t be early!**
* People in the waitlist cannot attend, and are encouraged to check a few hours before the event if they got a spot
* Repeated no-show (3X) without updating RSVP will be removed from the group
* Cancellation a few hours before the event unless for force majeur is unfriendly towards organisers, venue, and other attendees and counts as no-show!
* People who brings a guest need to make sure that the +1 understands and agrees to our community rules of respect and inclusivity
* No possiblity to register with a +1 -- reach out to the organiser if you'd like to bring an additional guest with you (subjected to available places)
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
**WE HAVE A MEMBERSHIP FEE. HOW DOES IT WORK?**
Our community has a **membership fee** that make sure we can keep organising hundreds of events as we did over the past 4 years.
Membership can be paid as a **yearly membership** of 340k IDR valid for 365 days after payment. Pay online **ahead** of the event to get **10% off**! Membership gives **access to all events** plus exclusive perks\*\*(\*)\*\* available only to paying members.
As a first-timer, you have several options:
* **Option A**: Join with a *promo discount* for first-timers for 250k IDR/year. Get 10% if you pay online ahead of the event!
* **Option B**: Not sure if you want to join for a year? Join with a 50k IDR *sneak peek option* & pay the remaining 290k IDR at the next event
* **Option C**: *Bundle offer* to join both Jakarta Writers **and** **[Jakarta Friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/)** for 390k IDR instead of 680k IDR. First-timers only.
All three options can be redeemed with an additional **10% discount** when paid online **ahead** of an event.
In the past 3,5 years we have organised **\~2-3 events per week** (browse past event [of JakFri here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/?type=past) and [of JakWri here](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/events/?type=past)). That is, with your membership you can attend up to 5-10 events/month!
\*\*(\*)\*\*This is a non-exhaustive list of special events we have had for paying members only. A [Give Away Birthday Celebrations with lucky draw](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/300470498), a [Free pasta cooking (and eating 😉) workshop](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends/events/304253623/) or a [Museum visits with free guided tours](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/events/301738408/).
We **guarantee** to keep organizing plenty of events. You will receive a **full refund** if the group closes down, or if there’s no event happening in three months.
Yearly membership can be paid beforehand (bank transfer/Gopay) or at an event (cash/bank transfer/Gopay). Text Corrado (+62 8211 489 3580) if you have any questions about membership. It's easy!
**THE RULES OF OUR COMMUNITY**
Our communities are:
* **Jakarta Friends**: [https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-friends)
* **Jakarta Writers** (former Jak Creatives): [https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-writers/](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/)
Members often participate in events of both groups. Over the past two years, we held over 250 events with over 2,000 attendees.
Attendees rate our events **very positively** and give wonderful feedback, with an average of **4.8**⭐ (out of 5⭐) from around 400 reviews ([take a look at our reviews here!](https://www.meetup.com/jakarta-creatives/feedback-overview/))
We value diversity, inclusivity, respect, and authenticity. We **do not tolerate** harassment or discrimination of any kinds.
* You are invited to join our WhatsApp group where we announce our events regularly: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BR0sC0BrPbc9xTqvj1qLfx](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BR0sC0BrPbc9xTqvj1qLfx)
* Feel free to tag us on Instagram, and we will repost! [www.intagram.com/jakarta.friends.creatives](http://www.intagram.com/jakarta.friends.creatives)
* For questions about the event, please post a comment on the event page, or DM the event organisers
Chefs Events Near You
Connect with your local Chefs community
🍕Pizza House 🍕
Who’s up for a pizza night at the highly requested Pizza House? 🍕🍻
Join us at for great pizza, good laughs, and even better company!
Come hungry and ready for a cheesy good time.
Columbus Chess Club
This is a time where players of all ages, and skill levels can gather and enjoy a nice Sunday full of Chess!
Judgement of Paris - House Wine
This is the 50th Anniversary of the Judgment of Paris. Significantly, in 1976, California wines unexpectedly outperformed French wines in a blind tasting with nine French judges, challenging the perception that only French wines were of the highest quality. This event helped elevate the status of California wines on the global stage and is considered a pivotal moment in wine history.
House Wine, in Worthington, modestly, recreates that moment in history with a tasting both American and French wines in a fun, casual atmosphere. Come at 6:45, pay your fee at the register and join your friends for this "Judgey" tasting. https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/the-judgment-of-paris-turns-40/
Arrive when you can and we'll have a table for gathering. Feel free to bring your own food as it is welcomed at this local gem or order from the newly opened Worthington Inn, or local favorites such as Dewey's, Everest, Jet, Worthington Tavern and The Whitney. Each person pays their tasting fee, typically $15, and gets their wine glass, then approximately five pours of the wines being served.
**Parking is tough**. Try the second lot behind House Wine accessed by the land by the back parking lot or the municipal lot one block north of House Wine.
**Waiver and Liability and Attendance Policy.** Participation by you and your guests means you agree to the Waiver of Liability and Attendance Policies on our Group Page. People who have two more or Attendance policy violations are subject to removal from the group.
BeComing Circle Initiates
http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg
Instructor - Crow, HPS
Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange
RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642.
Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online.
Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only
Please come prepared for ritual.
Blessings ~ Crow
Trails & Ales! Chestnut Ridge Metro Park / BrewDog DogTap
**History**
[Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places.
The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails.
Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century.
The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988.
In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation.
**Map of the Park**
Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg).
**Summary**
For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous.
**Where We'll Meet**
Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike.
Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here.
**After the Hike**
Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular.
I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager.
BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.
Pistacio Vera Mid-Morning June Birthdays Tea
Happy Birthday to all June birthday people! I put this on the schedule because it's my birthday month, and this is my favorite place; it's also Dave Koczur's (MAFIA meetup leader) birthday on June 8; if you who are reading this have a June birthday as well, tell us in the Comments!
For anyone off work or with a flexible schedule, come to Pistachio Vera in German Village for a tea and pastry. We will try to get a table outside. If convenient, you could put a fold up chair in your car in case we can all sit outside but we run out of chairs.
https://www.pistaciavera.com/













