Random Thoughts

Cleveland is a city known for its music, sports teams, and bizarre weather. One thing it has qualified for but that no one seems to recognize is its amazing food. Somehow this city has flown beneath the radar for all the great food adventurers around the globe. Despite this, anyone following their culinary senses should end up in Cleveland sooner or later.

Among other chefs, Cleveland is home to Michael Symon, famous as one of the Food Network's mighty Iron Chefs. His high class restaurant is just one of the many in the region. The Greenhouse Tavern, run by Jonathan Sawyer, is among the top-ranked restaurants in the nation. The Crop Bistro and Bar has shown Steve Schimoler's creative approach to fruit and vegetables. Whether he's using a food dehydrator to experiment with textures or surprising guests with his "mystery salad and desert" Sunday fare, Schimoler's restaurant is a sure hit.

But it's not just the classy restaurants and world-class chefs that make Cleveland a food lover's paradise. The West Side Market is recognized by those in the know to be one of the best public markets in North America. The market itself has been running for nearly two hundred years, and even today the market hall is filled to brimming with merchants. If you want newly butchered meat, prepared foods, fresh cheese, or basically anything else your heart could desire, this market is a great place to spend a vacation.

If you're not ready for four-star expense and don't just want to browse a market, feel free to check out one of the various other delightful culinary stops. From crepe cafes to regional pubs, you'll find something that meets both your current mood and your budget. Truly, Cleveland will rock your taste buds.