124740 Sat Nov 19 01:21:52 -0800 2005 8 8 Midwest 0 677360 I remember from my childhood that the meat vendors at the West Side Market are indoors while the produce vendors are outdoors under a tent. My question is, when the weather turns cold, are there still produce vendors? And if so, do they move indoors? I'd also love to hear general recommendations of items not to be missed, indoors or out. It's been a loooong time since I've visited. Sat Nov 19 01:21:52 -0800 2005 0 Corey 1 677362 The WSM is a true Cleveland/Ohio treasure. It is still the real deal, not an erzatz market with a food court, and premade commercial stuff. The fruit/vegetable area is an enclosed arcade that runs along two of the main buildings perimiter. The prices are unbelievably low, however, the lowest priced stands have the shortest product shelf life. Most fruits and veggies come from the same places the big stores get them, but some are locally grown organics. Callabreze produce, close to the parking lot entrance is my favorite. Their prices are a few pennies more than the other vendors, but they are the freshest, and they wont buy 2nd rate produce. The inside os the market is a delight. Architecturaly, be sure to look at all the detail. The ceiling has a beautifull basket-weave pattern. All of the arches and doorways have unique individual details of fruits, veggies, turtles, fish, all the stuff you can buy inside. BE SURE tobuy a bratwurst at Franks Bratwurst stand, then take the stairs to the balcony overlooking the market to chow. Most of the meat is still butchered downstairs, but some vendors obviously sell the "boxed beef". "Chonko's Meats" sells USDA PRIME at a reasonable cost. The owner was previously a butcher at a big chain, now on his own. And by all means, stop at the WSM restaurant. The people that took over a few weeks ago have really made it a great little place. Sat Nov 19 07:37:44 -0800 2005 677360 0 mr.pink 2 677395 I agree with the other 2 posts, but wanted to add that if you like Gyro's, they are wonderful!!!!!! Buy one, and take it up to the balcony to do all the people watching you could want!!!!! My kids love eating up there, and everyone gets something different! The bakeries are outstanding, too! Sun Nov 20 10:14:04 -0800 2005 677362 0 Michele 1 677379 **My question is, when the weather turns cold, are there still produce vendors? And if so, do they move indoors?** They use tent flys to cut the wind and space heater. On freezing cold days, the outside stalls are 35-40 degrees and remain pretty cold. I used to purchase the surplus produce that is sold throughout the market. If you process and use the produce within a week, it works out real well. If you shop there every weekend, you will quickly find out which vendors sell quality and which sell garbage. Until you can determine that, watch the people who serve you real carefully. There are a few shysters who will "short weigh" you if you are not careful. Sat Nov 19 22:57:10 -0800 2005 677360 0 jlawrence01 1 677424 Also - the falafel place has the best falafels in Cleveland. We just had fabulous chicken sausages from Dionne's and amazing pasta and ravioli products from Ohio City Pasta. Mon Nov 21 09:59:35 -0800 2005 677360 0 NancyH 1 677468 two words -- pizza bagels! outdoor stalls are open all year round. be careful with the produce stands, much of it comes from a central distribution source not farms. also, some like to display good loooking fruit & veg items, then shove older produce items in your bag as a bait & switch. stay alert & get to know your outdoor vendors!!! ps--i hear the indoor diner menu was renovated again, check it out. Tue Nov 22 08:56:38 -0800 2005 677360 0 mrnyc 1 677480 Skimming over the Chow Hot Posts I noticed this thread on the midwest list that I usually skip. What a flood of memories! I am so glad to know West Side Market still flourishes. Fifty and sixty years ago I went with my wonderful Hungarian grandmother. Nothing like this market existed in my suburban hometown. She would buy poultry only from Schuster, produce only from--etc. Keep supporting this gem of a resource you fortunate Clevelanders! Tue Nov 22 16:12:20 -0800 2005 677360 0 al@Fairfax 2 677486 hey my hungarian grandmother went there too! good news is if anything the wsm is stronger than ever. i especially appreciate visiting it when i get back to see my family esp since i see all the cutesy seattle pike place-style markets popping up all over the country, thank gawd the wsm is the opposite of those! i'm glad it jogged a nice memory for you! Tue Nov 22 18:24:52 -0800 2005 677480 0 mrnyc 1 677639 The fruit and vegetable arcade was renovated a few years ago. No more canvas flaps and cold. The area is now enclosed with glass. Nice job too! Support the WSM! And lets hope it eventually changes its hours to fit this century. I wish it would open later in the morning, then stay open untill 8 at night. Wed Nov 30 05:17:43 -0800 2005 677360 0 paulius