Sun Plum Market: A Peach of a Store

The next two weeks will feature outdoor food places; from festivals with cotton candy and deep-fried onion rings to local farmers and pick-your-fruits and-vegetable opportunities.

Located on the corner of SOM and Chardon roads in Willoughby Hills, Sun Plum Market heads the list. It is a perfect meld between fresh, seasonal, indoor/outdoor, and year-round foods. This wood-and-glass building is the result of a successful family-owned roadside stand that used to be open only in the summer. They haven’t moved, just expanded to a store that fits your needs.

Any time of year, you can find fresh produce at typically lower prices than big-box stores. There are fresh red apples, ripe bananas along with more exotic fruits and vegetables. In fact, Clevelanders can rediscover elusive strawberries and tomatoes; ones that actually smell as good as they look.

Vegetables are displayed in an enticing manner. The staff is friendly and can even give cooking suggestions. Load up on fresh beans that snap, or brussel sprouts still attached to their stem — it’s not bad to indulge here.

The deli counter features local and Boar’s Head cheeses and meats. Although the selection is not like the West Side Market, the atmosphere is calm and the area spotless. Round out your cold cuts with classic potato salad or coleslaw. There is also a selection of specialty pastas, chips and dip and finger foods.

The bakery takes the cake. Gooey, sticky desserts are displayed near cakes glazed with sparkling strawberries. Deep dark chocolate is layered with fluffy whipping cream. These sweets are a delight to your eyes and palate. Some may disappear on your drive home, leaving a telltale trace of powdered sugar on your steering wheel.

If you are looking for fresh and local under one roof, then the new Sun Plum Market is perfect. It is as close to pick-your-own as you can get, without getting your hands dirty.

Find the market on Facebook by searching "Sun Plum Market."