Taste of Autumn at Beachland

Founded in 1932, the Coit Road Farmers Market far predates the market trend we've seen in recent years. Located in poor East Cleveland, it's an oasis of fresh, healthy, locally grown food in a neighborhood that offers no full-service grocery stores. The market incorporated as a nonprofit back in 2001, and it now operates three days a week in the summer (year-round on Saturday mornings in its enclosed permanent building), providing not only fresh fruits and vegetables, but also bedding plants, meats, dairy, baked goods, honey, jams, and beauty products. Last year, the overflow parking lot was transformed into an urban farm, where two growers raise greens, tomatoes, herbs, and eggplant to sell at the market. "But it's a hard market to grow," says market manager and spices vendor Kevin Scheuring. "A lot of people don't know what to do with the food; they don't cook." To support its work, the market is bringing together ten local chefs from top restaurants like Umami, the Greenhouse Tavern, the Grovewood, and Bistro 185, to create a full fall buffet for its Taste of Autumn benefit. It happens from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight at the Beachland Ballroom (15711 Waterloo Rd, 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com). TV personality Fred Griffith will host the festivities, which also feature live music and the chance to mingle with other foodies. Tickets are $35. Go to coitmarket.org to make reservations. — Pantsios