This Midwestern Life Goes to "The Best of the West"

Yesterday Amy's mom, the Activity Director for a rehabilitation center, provided three tickets to an

Blurry & badly cropped on purpose.

annual local expo featuring restaurants, businesses, and anyone from "the west" who could possibly have something to sell you.

When I use the word "west" I mean the west side of Cleveland or the western suburbs whichever term you'd like to use. Some people feel silly saying "the west side" because of West Side Story, or because they don't want to sound like they are condoning gang violence, or they can't make their hands into a "w" like a rapper. To all that I say "Whatever." because I'm from the west coast (the real west, if you will) so I throw that word around as much as I want.

If you love free stuff then "The Best of the West" is a place for you because for three hours vendors give you free samples, promotional items, ask you to spin for prizes, enter raffles, or get a massage. If you are planning a catered event this is also a place to do some one stop shopping.


Amy and KT (Amy's best friend) were in heaven as they gleefully and gamely approached each vendor to load up their goodie bags. I hung back a lot while they jigged around the banquet facility I like food but I feel weird taking too many handouts. Did I mention this event served alcohol? Did I mention there were vendors handing out booze FOR FREE!? I didn't hang back much after that.

Amy eats food.

 There was a catering company serving a punch that if I hadn't been told there was whiskey in it I would have never guessed it. After you've circled around the facility a few times and have been plied with food and drink guests are encouraged to vote for their favorites-like a reader's choice type deal.

This makes sense if you have lived here for a while and have an opinion on the best preschool (out of the three in attendance with a booth) but if you are not native to this fine state you kind of just vote for whoever seemed nice. They sure do strange things here in Cle.