We asked three notable clevelanders to meet us for a day of shopping at the market. The catch? We wanted to see what they would buy when given just $20. Joe, Bubba and Kris each took different approaches to their shopping quest but proved that whether you're a lifelong customer, a seasoned chef or a newbie to the scene, there's something for everyone.
Joe Cimperman
The Market has been a part of the Cleveland Ward 3 councilman's life since he was young. "I started coming here every single Saturday by the time I was 4 years old after Slovenian language school," he says. "My mom and dad would pick me up and we would come and spend two hours at the market." He still comes at least three times a week for lunch, work meetings or groceries. "Coming to the West Side Market makes me remember my mom and dad," he says. "It's a very special place. It's a very spiritual place."
1/2 pound green beans $1.00
head of Boston lettuce $1.50
De Caro Produce
Sea salt caramel cake pop $1.50
Grandma Campbell's
Two pretzel rolls $3.00
Michelle's Bakery
1/2 pound Muenster cheese $2.80
Irene Dever
1 quarter-pound ground chuck patty $1.00
Vince's Meats
Cup of guacamole and chips $1.50
Orale!
1/2 pound prasky $2.00
Mel's Deli
bratwurst sandwich $3.50
Frank's Bratwurst
Apple rub pork chop $1.15
The Pork Chop Shop
Spicy barbecue beef jerky $1.25
Czuchraj Meats
Al "Bubba" Baker
The former Cleveland Browns defensive lineman and current chef and owner of Bubba's-Q in Avon is a pro at feeding a family. "There was a market where I'm from in Newark, N.J., and my mother had to feed four big boys and a girl," he says. That cost-saving mentality resonates with him today. "When I think of money, I think about how much can I stick to your ribs and how much can I get into that cart that will taste good." He shops at the West Side Market with an eye for items to prepare a hearty, gourmet dinner. "I'm going home to make this tonight."
Collard greens $2.00
Shadi Produce
Smoked pork ham hock $1.23
M&M Foods
Black-eyed peas $2.33
Brown rice $2.78
Mediterranean Imported Foods
Short ribs $7.38
Tayse Meats
Pint of strawberries $1.99
7 kiwis $1.99
A-1 Quality Produce
Kris Pickel
Only a Clevelander for several months, Channel 3 co-anchor Kris Pickel has already become familiar with the West Side Market. When she and her husband were looking for homes, their real estate agent gave them a tour of the market. Since settling in, she brings her two sons shopping with her. "We let them pick out one treat when we come here," she says. As for meal planning, Pickel admits she's no Iron Chef. "I am a terrible cook," she says. "I only have two rules of cooking: Everything is better with bacon, and you can never have too much cheese."
1 pound American cheese $5.92
Annemarie's Dairy
1 pound thin-cut bacon $3.50
chopped bacon $2.50
Nonno Joe's Deli
3 pints strawberries $3.99
A-1 Quality Produce
3 lemons $1.00
Kilani's Produce
3/4 pound fresh dates $3.00
Angelo Produce
