Chef Gala Winner and Two New Farmers Markets

I don't know about you, but it already feels like Thursday over here. Two vacations in July, with long car rides, and I'm having a rough time adjusting to getting back to work this week. So, I need a pick-me-up this Tuesday morning! Let's announce the winner of the two Tasting Tickets to this weekend's Cleveland Chef Gala to benefit Autism Speaks...

Using Rafflecopter, the random winner is...Reg Churpek-Coughlin for following @AutismNEO on Twitter on Friday, August 1st. Please check your email. You have until Thursday at 9:00AM to claim your prize, or another random winner will be selected. Thank you to everyone that entered the giveaway! If you didn't win, you can still purchase tickets here. If you are attending, please say "hello." It should be a great event, with some star-studded chefs dishing up fantastic food for a cause.

I also wanted to share with you today two new Farmers' Markets popping up in the Cleveland area.

The first is the Old Brooklyn Farmers' Market, which begins this Thursday. The Tremont Farmers’ Market, a program of Tremont West Development Corporation, will be partnering with Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation to present the first Old Brooklyn Farmers’ Market outdoors at the Old Brooklyn MetroHealth Medical Center located at 4229 Pearl Road Cleveland, Ohio 44109 on Thursdays from August 7th – September 18th from 4-7PM.

Right in my 'hood, and within bike riding distance. Very exciting.

The second market is the North Union Farmers Market in Ohio City. It is being held on Sundays, from 11AM - 2PM, July 27th - September 28th. It can be found in the parking lot of Skylight Financial Group (2012 West 25th Street).

Both organizations behind these Farmers' Markets are well-established, and have been hosting markets around the Greater Cleveland area for years. I think they are both great additions, and I hope that they do well. This is an excellent time of year in Ohio, so take advantage of access to local farmers, artisans, and independent businesses by shopping at your local farmers' markets.

Where is your favorite Farmers' Market?