CLEVELAND, Ohio -- When word got out that a chef's fundraiser to support

involved $250 tickets and almost no restaurateurs from its West 25th Street neighborhood, reaction was swift.

"So we're ignoring all the great culinary talent in Ohio City and Tremont?" wrote one wag on Cleveland.com, referring to a docket of Cleveland area restaurateurs, only one of who operates in the immediate vicinity.

"Who is the contractor here? The Food Network? What about Sam McNulty, who built Ohio City? What about the great chefs that bring people to the area such as Mike Nowak, Steve Schimoler, Karen Small, Matt Mathlage, SOHO and so on?" added another.

Event co-host Michael Symon's Facebook page generated similar feedback -- much of it supportive but some of it personal attacks leveled at the Iron Chef.

Symon responded online.

"For those of you that have chosen to be negative about the WSM100 fundraiser and events of its kind, I have a suggestion for you: GET YOURSELVES INVOLVED," Symon wrote. "All of these great causes need a lot of help to make them happen, & instead of bitching from the sidelines I suggest you jump in with both feet like so many others have. It's quite easy to sit behind a computer and complain about everything; it is much harder to harness that energy for something good & donate your time.. so my advice is the same given to me by my father: IF YOU WANT TO TALK THE TALK YOU HAVE TO WALK THE WALK."

Apparently, other chefs took his advice.

On Friday, Nov. 2 -- the actual 100th anniversary of West Side Market's opening -- three restaurateurs will host a "People's Party for the West Side Market" at Crop Bistro & Bar, across the intersection from the market house.

Schimoler, chef-owner of Crop, is co-hosting the 9 p.m. event with McNulty of

, Bier Markt, Market Garden Brewery and Nano Brew Cleveland. They're joined by

, owner of Dante and Ginko restaurants in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood, D.C. Pasta Co. in Strongsville and Dante Boccuzzi Akron.

"West Side Market is an iconic part of Cleveland, and an iconic part of Cleveland's food scene," Schimoler says. "There's so much positive energy about the food scene here in town, and there are so many chefs who want to be part of celebrating the market, we decided there was room for more than one celebration."

McNulty's familiar enthusiasm overflowed.

"Basically, we're inviting all the neighbors and market customers over for a big birthday party," McNulty says.

Tickets are $25, in keeping with the event's egalitarian spirit. During the first 20 minutes on sale, more than two dozen were purchased. Up to 1,000 tickets will be available; Schimoler's cavernous 18,000-square-foot, two-story restaurant can accommodate a massive crowd. All proceeds go to the WSM100 project for restoration of the historic facilities.

The co-hosts have put out an open call to any restaurateur in the area willing to set up a table and offer food samples to guests. Ticket price will include a complimentary beverage and a cash bar.

"It's going to be a big potluck -- a melting pot, just like the West Side Market," McNulty says.

At least four bands have volunteered to provide free live entertainment for the event, which is being promoted by Cleveland Food Rocks, host of the annual Chef Jam event at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

Symon, who with co-chair Jonathon Sawyer of Greenhouse Tavern, amassed Clevelanders such as Rocco Whalen (Fahrenheit), Eric Williams (Momocho), Britt-Marie Culey (Coquette Patisserie), Chris Hodgson (Hodge's) and Paul Minnillo (Flour). Symon says a second event is a great idea.

"The more people who get involved, the better," he said by telephone.

Aware of the dust being raised by detractors, Symon explained that when event organizers asked him to convene both local and out-of-town chefs for a fundraiser, he put together national and local headliners who are friends and proven draws.

The first round of tickets sold out in an hour, he says.

"This event is about West Side Market -- it's not about the chefs," Symon says. "It's bringing awareness to the market, a true national treasure. It's about raising money for something that's very, very special to the city. I bring chefs there and it takes their breath away. If any of that gets lost, I think that's a shame."

As for his attending the People's Party?

"You never know. I just may show up," Symon says. "I'll definitely buy a ticket."

To purchase tickets for The People's Party for West Side Market at Crop Bistro, visit thepeoplesparty.eventbrite.com. Tickets are $25, plus a $2.37 convenience fee. For additional information (or for chefs interested in participating in the event), call Crop Bistro at 216-696-2767. For more information about the party being hosted by Michael Symon and Jonathon Sawyer on Saturday, Nov. 3 at West Side Market, visit wsm100.org

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