Whenever I travel to a new city, I like to visit the market to get a taste of the local culture. This is easy enough in Europe and Asia, where nearly every town has a market. I’ve sampled fresh honey in Portugal, cured meats in Madrid and langos in Budapest; bahn mi in Vietnam, miso katsu in Japan and murtabak in Singapore. My mouth waters thinking about all those delicious treats!
It can be hard to find a comparable market in the U.S., where Wholefoods and Walmart still reign. This is slowly changing, as some shoppers switch from big suburban grocery stores to weekend farmers’ markets or have farm-fresh produce shipped directly to their homes through services such as The Fruit Guys. Another shift is taking place in the cities, where old indoor public markets are being revitalized. One such building is the West Side Market in Cleveland.
Opened in 1912, the beige brick Cleveland landmark was fully restored in 2004 and has become a major tourist attraction in part thanks to features on cable television. In fact, I first learned about the market through an episode of “Man vs. Food” where the host enjoyed a gyro at one of the 100 stalls.
After browsing the outer arcades packed with gorgeous fruits and vegetables, we wandered the aisles and marveled at the diversity of regional specialties on offer. While we wanted to sample one of everything, we limited to ourselves to two dozen handmade pierogi and some Irish soda bread to enjoy at home. Then we queued up with several dozen others for lunch at Steve’s Gyros; the lengthy wait was forgotten within the first few bites. The pillowy pita was stuffed with succulent hand-carved lamb and beef and doused with a tangy tzatziki sauce that took the gyro from great to extraordinary.
Before leaving the historic market, I couldn’t resist an Ohio Buckeye cupcake, a fun twist on the popular candy. This place would be trouble for me if I lived any closer!
Note: Most of the photos in this post were captured with my new camera – my very first DSLR! Just three of the photos were taken with my old point and shoot. Can you tell the difference? I’d love to hear what you think in the comments!
What are some interesting markets you’ve visited around the world?
That jalapeno cheddar beer bread looks tempting…. I’d weigh 20# more if I shopped there regularly!!
Jan, I was also tempted by that bread (and a dozen other things). Next time! 🙂
Oh Gosh, I have not had a kebab for ages!! I would love to have one right now! Great market to explore, full of fresh fruits and veggies – I simply love them!!
I could have spent all day in this market, Agness! It was beautiful!
That is one handsome looking gyro … the building that the West Side Market is situated in doesn’t look too bad either!
It’s such a pretty building, Caroline. I was very pleasantly surprised! And that gyro tasted even better than it looked!
Great photos. Were the ones with the gyros with the old camera? I hope the fresh markets do make a comeback. They are so fun to walk through!
Hi Mom, you’re right, the ones of the gyro were taken with the old camera. Good eye! The other one is of me at the cupcake stand. No one else was comfortable using the brand new camera, but that changed later in the trip 🙂
Okay, the food might look pretty darn appetizing, but just look at the brickwork in that building. First class architecture that I’d love to see.
Why is it that some of the best markets have the greatest buildings?
YES! Isn’t the brickwork amazing? I was stunned when I first walked in and caught sight of the gorgeous ceiling. They certainly don’t make buildings like they used to!!
Looks like a great visit and love the new camera shots. Glad to see that you are continuing to be surprised by the great stuff in Cleveland. 🙂
Thanks! I already have a list of things to do on the next visit! 🙂
Those blood oranges look incredible, great photos! I loved visiting an outdoor market in London last time I was there…Borough Market, I believe? You could really get quite full on samples alone!
Thanks, Jess! I’ve read about the Borough Market and it looks like an amazing place! I will definitely have to check it out the next time I’m in London! We’ve been told that Riga has an excellent indoor market so hopefully I’ll be reporting on that soon 🙂
Oh YUM!! I NEED one of these nearby…
Riga supposedly has a great market and I’m *almost* afraid to see what goodies they have on offer!
I haven’t visited any interesting or pretty market anywhere. Actually, when I’m traveling I am totally disinterested in shopping. But your photos inspire me to explore some local markets of my upcoming destination.
I encourage you to check them out! Sure, some markets are uber-touristy. But sometimes you stumble onto some real gems!
the meals might look really delectable, but just look at the brickwork in that developing. First category structure that I’d really like to see.
I was so surprised by the brickwork. It’s a testament to the large immigrant communities who brought their crafts to Cleveland. It’s a shame there aren’t more buildings like it in the U.S., but it just makes us appreciate it all the more!