Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Cleveland's Cultural Diversity

Happy New Year!

As we usher in 2009, I'm reminded of my family's diverse background. Our yearly tradition on New Year's Day, hopefully, will live on for years to come! We put on our comfy cooking clothes (and our 'fat' clothes!!) which we can sacrifice as they will soon become flour and starch-covered! We gather for the marathon day as we create Bohemian potato dumplings, sauerkraut, and pork. It's not a one man job--more like a 5 or 6 people assignment.

Part of Cleveland's richness and charm centers around its multi-cultural background. Honestly, this melting pot makes Cleveland one of the best cities to live in within the entire world!

Today, I am reminded of MY family's background, which consists of many strands: Italian, Bohemian, German, Slovak, Irish, Hungarian....

On New Year's Day, the Bohemian side shines through as we cook up an authentic meal which has been passed down through so many generations.

This first day in 2009, we added a new tradition to our feast. My Mother's cousin made his own sauerkraut and fed-ex'd us a batch!

Celebrating events such as these, or observing established holidays and holy days revolving around ethnicity (such as St. Patrick's Day and the Feast of the Assumption) hopefully will keep us close to our families and tied to our roots. We come from somewhere, let's be proud!

I visited a great place a few days ago, right here in Cleveland. The Cleveland Cultural Gardens on East Blvd in University Circle. They encompass all nationalities who have migrated not only to the United States but to the Cleveland area, as well as the impact these immigrants have made in society. Each garden, beautifully put together, gives a wonderful overview of their heritage from the politics to the arts, social and economic impacts.

I do believe there is a garden for every single nationality which makes up our rich area.

It really is a wonderful sight to see.

I urge you in this new year to go back to your roots. Take a drive over to East Blvd and the Cleveland Cultural Gardens and find your background heritage. Walk around the garden and be transported back in the time machine to an era when your ancestors were just laying the groundwork for our futures.

When you visit your particular cultural garden, you too, will see why Cleveland's Cultural Diversity (including the Cleveland Cultural Gardens) is this week's Hidden Gem!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: The West Side Market

Not hidden and certainly not new, opening back in 1840 across from the current location. It is deemed the oldest indoor-outdoor market place. The West Side Market was just designated by the American Planning Association's 'Great Places in America program' as one of 10 Great Public Spaces for 2008. Criteria included 'its functionality as a neighborhood gathering place and fresh food market, its engaging atmosphere, and its role as an anchor in the community stimulating nearby commercial and residential activity.'

Believe it or not, many people have NOT had the experience or pleasure of visiting the West Side Market located at West 25th and Lorain in Cleveland, Ohio.

A slice of Cleveland Americana yet Old World all wrapped into one!

A piece of history.

You walk in and immediately know this visit will become a weekly ritual, if only for the delicious savory aromas swirling about.

Year round each holiday brings the mad dash to the Market for holiday fares specific to that religion, to that nationality, to that celebration.

I've been fortunate to have exposure to the West Side Market my entire life. And because of that I took a wonderful course in college.

My Freshman Colloquium class read 'To Market To Market' by Joanne Lewis. This book focused on the charm and history of the West Side Market. We would read about a stand, a family and the history behind it and then go for a visit! I thought, if this is what college is all about, it's not half bad!

Each stand has its own unique story oftentimes depicting the family nationality. Each family has a rich history overflowing with pride.

On one occasion, our class loaded up on extremely ethnic fares we'd never had before. We stored all the food in our professor's fridge and freezer until our dinner party. She just about passed out when she opened her freezer to find a few baby rabbits resting peacefully.

If you have not been to the West Side Market, you must go. You WILL find something that's pleasing to your palate. Outside stands overflow with freshly grown fruits and vegetables. Buyer beware: pack your own bags and pick your own produce! There are some vendors who will not give you the healthy food you see out front. They sneakily pack your bag with wilting, bruised foodstuffs.

When you enter the inner sanctum, the aromas intoxicate you.

You must stop by every stand and have a little taste of the cheeses and dairy items, the meats and poultry, pastries, pierogies and fresh sauerkraut, pastas, homemade breads and peanut butter, smoked items, and spices galore along with so much other food from various nationalities. They have a fish market. Grab a tasty kobasi sandwich to munch on while you aimlessly wander the aisles!

Please make a trip to the West Side Market soon. They are open Monday (7-4), Wednesday (7-4), Friday and Saturday (7-6). Just follow your nose and, you too, will see why The West Side Market is this week's Hidden Gem!