West Side Market

On Saturday (7-17) I made my maiden voyage to Cleveland's West Side Market. While I was a bit pressed for time and space (I'm pretty sure all of Northeast Ohio had the same idea), I was thoroughly impressed with this culinary cabaret. First off, the produce selection was unlike anything I've ever seen. Stand upon stand was lined gorgeous red tomatoes, green lettuces, sweet onions, juicy pineapple and savory herbs! I could have browsed (and bought) all day! If I lived in Cleveland, I'm pretty sure I would be a regular there-a little difficult traveling with produce. I did purchase a pineapple which I am anxious to cut up and try. Anyone have a good recipe for a good Pineapple-Mango Salsa?

On the inside, the options continued-this time with meats, cheeses, prepared foods, decadent desserts. Again, because we were pressed for time, I didn't have a chance to look at everything as I would have liked. We bought some farm bread (highly recommended), a BLT pasta salad and two varieties of chicken salad (pesto and classic). The pesto chicken salad did not live up to its pesto name, but it was good nonetheless. The classic chicken salad was very very very good! Coupled with the aforementioned farm bread, it was the perfect sandwich on a hot and sticky day.

There was a long line at the crepes station. It seemed as though everyone was walking around with either a sweet crepe or a savory one. I didn't have a chance to get one, but they smelled great and I'm sure they tasted even better.

Despite the lines and crowded aisles, I was impressed at how friendly everyone was. Made me proud to be a Midwesterner!

Can't wait to make my next visit-hopefully sooner rather than later!

Verdict: Definitely a FONDUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Food! Glorious Food!

Here it is! My attempt at a food blog! I have always loved food-shopping for it, cooking it, talking about it and certainly eating it! I am always up for trying new eateries, recipes and foods and thought what better why than to combine two my biggest passions (writing and food) than through a food blog. After struggling to come up with a creative name for this blog, I am ready to begin this adventure through gastronomy paradise.

I welcome suggestions, feedback, new recipes and ideas!

"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating." ~Luciano Pavarotti and William Wright