With its spectacular variety of fresh meats and produce, Miles Farmers Market can transform your Fourth into a delectable day of gathering

By Laura Briedis

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in July, Miles Farmers Market is a true Northeast Ohio gem.

What started as a seasonal, roadside fruit and vegetable stand has evolved into one of the area’s premier grocery stores. The 21,000-square-foot market features the largest selection of fresh produce in the city, along with a custom-cut butcher shop, old-fashioned deli, in-store bakery, cheese shop, wine department and bistro.

Through all of this expansion, Miles Farmers Market hasn’t strayed from its core mission: to offer the finest, freshest, locally grown food in town.

And along the way over the past half-century, Miles also has been the catalyst for helping other local businesses thrive. The store is stocked with food items spotlighting local vendors and farmers, from Amish-raised chicken and Ohio pork, to locally grown apples and wild foraged mushrooms, to hand-stirred jams and hand-dipped chocolates.

“We take pride in providing the best quality of food and partnering with local farmers, greenhouses, artisans and other small businesses,” says Frank Cangemi, who opened the market in 1971 and still wakes up every morning at 3 a.m. to go to the Northern Ohio Food Terminal and to Amish Country to pick out the freshest produce and meats.

Thrill of the Grill
Just in time for Fourth of July parties and backyard barbecues all summer long, Miles is stocked with everything from grilling meats to corn on the cob, watermelons and apple pies.

“We are known for our delicious hot dogs and hamburgers,” says Justin Golobek, store manager. “In fact, I ship our Old Chicago hot dogs to customers all across the country. They have quite a following and we have been selling them for 30 years. These signature hot dogs are made with all beef and have lots of flavor with a nice snap.”

Miles also features different homemade specialty burgers and sausages every week.

Two of the most popular burgers are the Frank’s Angus Steakburger, made from their secret house recipe, and the Cleveland Beer Burger, made with Great Lakes Dortmunder beer and caramelized onions.

Also in the butcher shop you will find baby back ribs, beef ribs and St. Louis-style ribs. “You can buy the slabs raw and grill them yourself, or we cook them in house every morning and you can just reheat them at home,” says Justin. “They are so tender they fall off the bone.”

Bountiful Produce
Staying true to its roots, the market is overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables.

“A lot of the produce is picked in the morning on farms and is on our shelves that same day. It doesn’t get any fresher than that,” says Justin. “In the summer, we feature as many locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs as possible.”

In season in June and July are tomatoes, asparagus, yellow squash, zucchini, cabbage, green beans, cherries, strawberries, peaches and plums.

At Miles, you will find a varied and interesting assortment of produce.

“We carry watermelons in different varieties and sizes, including the cult classic black diamond with dark green flesh, plus homegrown orange and yellow watermelons,” notes Justin.

And if you are looking for fresh herbs, the market sells potted herbs grown in a local greenhouse that you can bring home and keep on your patio to flavor your meals all summer long. Not just your typical basil and oregano, here you will find Cuban Oregano, Lemon Thyme and Red Thai Basil, to just name a few.

“We have everything you need for summer barbecues, whether you like to cook it yourself or want us to cater your get-togethers,” says Justin.

Miles Farmers Market is located at 28560 Miles Road, in Solon. Visit MilesFarmersMarket.com for store details.