Check out the extensive variety of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables harvested especially for Miles Farmers Market along with their in-house hand cut meats and signature marinades

By Laura Briedis

The flavors of summer abound at Miles Farmers Market. From the freshly picked vegetables and fruits overflowing in the produce department, to the slabs of ribs and burgers in the butcher cases, to the scent of blooming flowers outside on the front patio, it’s a feast for all senses.

“We have peaches, cherries and melons in right now that are grown down south, and we will start getting fruits in from local farmers at the end of July,” says Justin Golobek, store manager. “Sour cherries are also on their way. People love these for baking and we are one of the few places you can find them around here.”

Farmers are expecting a good crop this year after such a mild winter, so look for local asparagus, tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash and peppers in the market soon.

“Since we have been in business for more than 50 years, we have many long-standing relationships with local farmers, so we get the freshest and tastiest produce,” Justin says. “Many of our fruits and vegetables are picked in the morning on farms and are on our shelves that same day. It doesn’t get any fresher than that.”

Ready. Set. Grill!

With two of the biggest grilling days of the summer—Father’s Day and the Fourth of July—around the corner, Miles Farmers Market is stocked with all the essentials needed for tasty grilled meals.

From slabs of ribs, burgers and steaks to chicken breasts, fish filets and kabobs, the variety and quality is the best in town.

“Our kabobs are favorites, as we sold hundreds of packs during Memorial Day weekend,” Justin notes. “We hand-cut all the veggies and meat in-house every morning, thread the kabobs by hand and soak them in our signature marinades.”

“We also are known for our delicious hot dogs and hamburgers,” he adds. “We ship our Old Chicago-style hot dogs to customers across the country. We’ve been selling them for 30 years and they have quite a following.”

Miles also makes specialty burgers and sausages every week in-house. “One of our most popular is the State Fair Italian Sausage, which is made with cheese, peppers and onions,” Justin says. “And our half-pound Prime Time burgers are made using all USDA prime beef.”

Where’s the party?

With an extensive selection of farm-fresh and quality meats in the store, it is no wonder that Miles Farmers Market likes to do its own cooking. “All of the delicious meals and items from the prepared foods section of the store are available in larger format from the catering department,” says Justin Golobek, store manager. “We cater special events, work functions and just for everyday entertaining.”

Miles Farmers Market expanded its commercial kitchen two years ago to accommodate the growing demand for catering. They also hired a dedicated catering coordinator who works with customers to provide quotes for each order, recommendations for portions, menu design, and logistics.

“We are very proud of our catering menu” Justin says, “which offers items for every occasion.” With more than a dozen different appetizer platters including fresh fruit, vegetable and cheese platters, to shrimp cocktail, beef tenderloin and sushi platters, they have something to elevate any party. The menu also includes fresh green salads, pizzas and pastas, breakfast bakery and desserts.

Justin says, “this time of year, we cater a lot of graduation parties and picnics. We sell a lot of fried chicken, barbecue pulled pork, fruit salad and our hot sides like macaroni and cheese and baked beans. We offer very convenient options for a fully cooked barbeque delivered to your door.” Visit MilesFarmersMarket.com/catering and check out the menu. You can submit an inquiry anytime or call the catering department Monday-Friday.

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