Dante Boccuzzi, Karen Small, Steve Schimoler and countless other Cleveland chefs learned about the West Side Market’s Centennial Gala the same way everybody else did: namely, by reading about it Scene and the Plain Dealer. The bash, to be held on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, is a star-studded event that features as much out-of-town talent as it does local.
The line-up stars co-chairs Michael Symon and Jonathon Sawyer, culinary celebs like April Bloomfield, Paul Kahan and Andrew Zimmern, as well as a handful of other Cleveland chefs.
Naturally, there were plenty of hurt feelings, from both chefs and residents hoping to take part in the momentous celebration.
“We received a lot of calls from people who want to be involved,” explains Crop Bistro chef and owner Schimoler. “People were asking, ‘Where are the local chefs? Why is the event highlighting a bunch of out-of-town celebrity chefs?'”
And then there’s the price tag: At $250 a ticket, most West Side Market shoppers likely will be priced out of the fun. One Scene reader posted this comment after reading the article: “It sucks that the average Clevelander can’t even go to this. We are the reason the Market has lasted 100 years.”
“A lot of people felt that the $250 price tag is too high a barrier for entry,” agrees Sam McNulty, owner of multiple Ohio City businesses. He also alluded to the notable absence of neighborhood talent like Karen Small, whom he describes as an “Ohio City pioneer working in the shadow of the market tower” for 13 years.
So, there was a meeting of the minds, and out of that meeting came the idea to throw another, more inclusive bash. To be held Friday, November 2 (the official 100th birthday of the West Side Market), the “People’s Party” will feature any and all chefs who want to participate.
“The tagline for the West Side Market is ‘It’s the people’s market,’ says McNulty. “It is literally owned by the people of Cleveland. So we thought, let’s do something for the people of Cleveland to come and support the market.”
The party will run from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Crop — both upstairs in the main dining room and downstairs in the vault. Schimoler and the planning team are shooting for 1,000 guests. The informal potluck-style affair will cost just $25 and feature foods prepared by approximately 50 chefs and restaurants. Live music, silent auctions and a cash bar will flush out the event.
“This isn’t meant to be like high school, where when you aren’t invited to the cool kids’ party you throw your own,” explains McNulty.
Adds Schimoler, “There is so much positive energy in the city surrounding the food scene. This is a great way to celebrate one of the most unique assets a city can have, which is the f-ing West Side Market!”
“I think both parties are going to be good for the city, just in different ways,” says McNulty. “But ours will be funner and louder.”
Tickets can be purchased here.
In response to the above-published article, Eric Wobser, Executive Director of Ohio City Inc. stressed that the Gala was just “one event in part of a year-long celebration that includes a 30,000-person street festival. It was specifically intended to make the Centennial open and accessible to the public.”
This article appears in Aug 15-21, 2012.
Nice way to handle it. Wish it wasn’t at 9:00 pm though!!
Exactly! I’m happy there is an alternative for the rest of us!
Excellent. 🙂 Was disappointed that some of my favorite Cleveland-based chefs weren’t on tap for the main event – this sounds like a great party and we’ll be there. 🙂
Are you serious? In what way is this event BENEFITTING the WSM better than the current event that is slated to raise some amazing funds for the “People’s Market”? I think it’s great that there are more events celebrating the centennial. Cleveland has a ton of AMAZING chefs, restaurateurs and people who support them on a regular basis, making our city a destination for great food. The November 3rd event is going to be a world class event, bringing NATIONAL attention to Cleveland’s WSM Centenial celebration. Why any negative vibe from the folks comparing this to High School, again, are you serious?
With that being said, I look fwd to BOTH events. As a Cleveland resident, frequent shopper at the market, and #TeamCLE Member for life.
Go Cavs, Go Browns, Go Tribe and go log off if your gonna spew negativity towards a great cause!
@AJ, I belive you miss the point. Although I would not have used the high school analogy, it did drive home the point that the average Clevelander was not welcome to the celebration. Granted it is a fundraiser, but the organizers could have made it an all day event with $250 for the all day activities and a more affordable admission for the event until 8:00 p.m., followed by an intermission until 8:30 p.m. to prepare the area for the main fundraising events and dinner. Pointing out that the organizers excluded the main supporters (customers) of the West Side Market is not negativity. It simply calls out the organizers for not putting a little more thought into planning the event. I have been going to the West Side Market since my childhood (and before it became trendy) when my parents, siblings and I would walk to the market or take a bus from West 45th and Lorain Avenue. Born, raised, live and work in Cleveland.
If you want to support the market just go down there on a monday and spend some money. Not a lot, like $30, on food to feed your family. Support the local business ppl that work there 7 days a week. Where does the $250 go? I’d rather buy $250 on meat, bread, and produce than to deal with these swindlers. Notice no one has asked you to shop at the actual market????
@CL….you mailed it. Great to bring in all the big names from outside of Cleveland for a brief visit, but what really sustains WSM are the vendors and local customers. You have to find a way to make them feel a part of it, afterall…..they already are the BIGGEST part of it.
Thank God! Now I don’t have to see andrew floppin Zimmern!!!
Tickets for this party are sold out already. Disappointing.
Very disappointed that tix are sold out. I went on when the article was published and the site wasn’t ready. I go on again and tix are sold out. 🙁