Yelp Community Blog

Yelp's Great Gatsby Elite Event @ Studio Movie Grill

The red carpet rolled out, as the Houston Yelp Elite Squad made way to Studio Movie Grill CityCentre for a viewing of The Great Gastby! 

Yelpers donned their best 1930s attire – fellas in black tuxes and top hats, ladies in flapper dresses and boas – and enjoyed a pre-movie hour complete with light bites and refreshments. A buffet of chicken skewers, cucumber canapes, fruit kabobs, and nachos filled plates, as yelpers sipped on pre-prohibition style lager Batch 19 and crisp and refreshing Leinenkugel Summer Shandy, as well as wine. Come showtime, Elites walked the red carpet and into the theater, as candy and popcorn awaited.  

Miss out on all the action, old sport? Yelper David N was sure to capture all of the Great Gatsby moments with amazing photos. And Elites shared their experiences with raving reviews!

Until the next one, old sport, I'll SYOY!

Farrah A
Houston CM 

Yelp Gets B-Oyster-ous @ The Samuel J Moore

Mescal? Check. Bubbly? Check? Oysters? Shuck yes! Yelp Gets B-Oyster-ous was one fabulous Elite Event.

The Samuel J Moore spoiled us silly with oyster shucking stations (did you know they do Buck-a-shuck happy Hour from 5-7 daily?!) and other scrumptous snacks at their stunning space at Queen W and Dovercourt What were Jen C's Food faves? "Everything was pretty damn tasty, top honours go to the kimchi deviled eggs and the watermelon rind mignonette. And, of course,  the oysters! I look forward to checking out Chef Alexandra Feswick's cooking again soon." Us, too! And while you're there be sure to check out one of their refreshing artisan cocktails... The Samuel J Moore sure knows hot to make getting tipsy tasty. 

Thanks for playing with us and keep it Yelpy, Elites!

Your B-Oyster-ous CM,

Evelyn W

 

Yelp Elites From 25 US Cities Converge Upon New Orleans for Yelp Spring Break 2013

Last weekend, the Yelp Elite from over 25 cities came down to New Orleans for Yelp Spring Break to experience our fine city like a local, with locals. 

 

 

We're talkin' four days packed with special events, tours, bar crawls and parties galore!   On Thursday, we started off with registration, where everyone picked up their gift bags and special YSB buttons and custom go-cups and later that afternoon, the Yelp Like A Pirate Welcome Party at Indulge Island Grill, where we enjoyed light bites, New Orleans Ice Cream and cocktails made with Old New Orleans Rum. The jazzy sounds of Viper Mad had us swaying and everyone stepped into the Big Easy Photobooth for some souvenir shots!

 

Think that was enough partying for one night? Think again, for right after the Welcome Party, our first mates headed on over to the Fountainbleau Room for the Pirates vs Ninjas vs Zombies vs Madonna Bash at Fountainbleau Room where the party took place on their giant wrap-around balcony overlooking University Place and Canal Street, offering a most idyllic New Orleans experience. There were complimentary cocktails, thanks to our booze sponsors, VnC Cocktails. Jambalaya Girl & Cook Me Somethin' Mister spooned up the jambalaya to help sustain everyone's (drinking) power (though Madonna seemed to win hands-down over the other invincibles!)

 

On Friday, the Steamboat Natchez Exclusive Event offered us an incredibly delectable complimentary buffet and St. Germaine champagne cocktails and more in their Magnolia Suite. Everyone enjoyed the tours of the boat (the engine room was of particular interest!) and the hospitality of the staff blew us away!

 

 

Friday night we enjoyed the grandest gala of them all! The Yelp Spring Break Block Party had locals coming out in droves to join our visiting Elites and show them why New Orleanians put the fest in festival! Although the weather prevented us from our original intention to have the party under the stars (we feared it would have been more like under the lightening!) Harrah's New Orleans, our main sponsor for the big event, wonderfully accommodated our attendees, vendors and entertainment inside.

To clue you in to our fabulous Yelp Spring Break Block Party vendors and entertainers, we had incredible edibles from Tomas Bistro, Daisy Dukes, Borracho, Manning's, Harrah's Buffet, The Kupcake Factory, Besh Steakhouse and Plum Street SnoBall;  endless complimentary libations from Rougaroux Rum and Oryza Vodka from D-P Distillers, Covington Brew House, Gordon Biersch Brewery and Woodchuck Cider. Honest Tea was on hand to provide us with a non-boozy option and Little Soya added the perfect seasoning to our food samplings.

See more photos by Richard Strasbourg on flickr!

A New Orleans celebration without music and dancing? Oh hell, no! Jayna Morgan & The Sazerac Sunrise Band had everyone swinging and doing the Charleston and funky-as-hell NOLA brass renditions came to us from Dysfunctional Bone. As if that wasn't enough to get everyone moving, we all caught some Dance Fever from New Orleans dance and parading group, The Disco Amigos. Although the suggestion was to come dressed in the spirit of your city (tutus, wigs, and Saints Jerseys represent!) we also had our faces painted and prettied up by the amazing make-up artists at The Purple Penguin Art Co. Be sure and read the reviews – there was so much going on that our yelpers describe so beautifully!

Bright and early Saturday morning, six lucky Elites got to experience cooking up a gourmet meal fit for a Mardi Gras king (and fit for themselves!) at a super exclusive Cook (and eat) like a New Orleanian complimentary brunch at Langlois Culinary Crossroads. Sausage and sweet potato Cajun hash sound good to you? How about lemon curd crêpes? All washed down with a mimosa. Can it get any better than that, we wonder?

 

Yes, everyone knows it's important to eat their way through New Orleans, not to mention drink. Oh, there was plenty of that happening later on Saturday afternoon at the complimentary Tour & Tasting of Old New Orleans Rum Distillery! We all got to glean important information on how the rum is aged in barrels and more, but who can remember after all those incredible rum drinks and samples?!

 

 

You might be thinking, wow, it's Saturday afternoon, time for nap... Not! This is New Orleans and there's always time for more partying. This one was the Wine Straight Out Of The Oven With IJ Reilly at I.J. Reilly's Knick-Knacks & Curiousities, where we found the most U/F/C (that's unique, funny, cool) nifty gifties to bring home and remind everyone of the awesome time that was had at Yelp Spring Break, all the while chowing down on snacks that would make Ignatius and Mrs. Reilly proud!

 

Yelp Spring Breakers by now knew, where one shindig ended, another began – and this was the theme of the weekend of course. Saturday evening had us prepping for that evening's Mod About St. Claude Crawl  by choosing one of two special dinners on the Avenue. There was the Sausage Fest @ Borracho, where Chef Chris Smedley offered up three courses of Housemade Potato Chips, Crispy Chicken Livers with Charred Scallion Aioli, Pepper Marmalade and a Sausage Sampler w/ Pomme Frites, House Aioli & House Ketchup, plus beer, compliments of Sam Adams and a blueberry mojito. Sugar Park offered up an array of specialty meat or veggie pizzas, sandwiches, salads and desserts, plus complimentary tropical cocktails, perfect to enjoy in their lush tiki garden!

 

 

Participating businesses in the Mod About St. Claude Crawl included Siberia, Faubourg Wines, Sugar Park, Kajun's Pub, NOLA Veggie Fest and Saturn Bar. Need A Ride Pedicab offered intrepid Elites rides between stops.

 

All weekend, Elites competed against each other to win the coveted title of superior scavenger hunter on the GooseChase app and winners were honored at the GooseChase Closing Party @ Sugar Park where we showed the weekend's hilarious photos on the big screen. Our winner, Scott F from Sacramento, won bottles of Rougaroux Rum and Oryza Vodka from D-P Distillers and a bottle of Cajun Mary mix from Daisy Dukes. Second place went to our lovely local Shercole K!

 

Sunday was all about UYEs (that's "Unofficial Yelp Events") offered up by our local NOLA Elite Squad and yes, as was typical of the weekend, the "evening" ended after sunrise. But first, there was the Elite Tour of Mardi Gras World that had us touring the Mardi Gras float dens, tasting king cakes and trying on ball gowns!

 

Wait, there's more! There were the daily  Brilliant Bike Tours To Bywater & Marigny @ Confederacy of Cruisers had Elites visiting lovely parts of town filled with Creole Cottages, fascinating landmarks and unique local businesses. We learned all kinds of interesting NOLA history and fun facts., thanks to our fearless– and well-informed– leader.  

And then there was also the ongoing special offers throughout the weekend from our Yelp Spring Break participating businesses:

Indulge Island Grill

NOLA Veggie Fest

Langlois Culinary Crossroads

Original New Orleans Movie Tours

French Quarter History & Ghostbuster Tours

Bayou Kayaks

Steamboat Natchez/Gray Line Tours

Cajun Pride Swamp Tours

Old New Orleans Rum Distillery

Mardi Gras World

Rio Mar

Borgne

 

A clip from one of our favorite reviews that feel really captures what YSB is all about: "The only thing that could top 2012 Yelp Spring Break, will be subsequent Spring Breaks... The people who attended where the cream of the crop from their cities, they emulated everything a Yelper should be: fun, smart, sharp, witty, clever, funny, interesting, engaging.  Everyone I met, I wanted to sit and talk with or walk and drink with or go and eat with.  And I want to have Spring Break in all of their cities, just to get to know them better and have them show me the best of their cities." Thanks, Melissa A, we couldn't have said it better ourselves.

Good times were had, sights were seen, friendships were made, tons of incredible food and drink were consumed... And not one single keg stand was had! Yelp Spring Break... being a grown-up has never been so fun!

NOLA Yelp misses you already! But SYOY! (See You On Yelp!)

Joi B
Yelp New Orleans Community Manager

Soirée les Elites Yelp s'exposent @ Rétine Argentique - Marseille

Mardi 14 Mai 2013, une cinquantaine de Yelpeurs se sont retrouvé au fond d'une cour, à quelques pas de la place Castellane, dans le labo photo de Rétine Argentique... Une soirée sous le signe de la Photo : de la prise de vue, à la découpe du papier photo ! 

Laura T avait "hâte :
- de refaire une soirée Yelp Elite
- de découvrir les nouveaux yelpeurs et voir en vrai ceux que je connaissais déjà
- d'entrer enfin dans le labo Rétine Argentique." Et elle a été exhaucée ! 

Pour Laurent J, qui en est à sa 3ème invitation à un événement Yelp décrit la soirée : "Au mur sont affichées des photos sur un fil d'une précédente yelp party. 
Ce n'est pas Cannes, mais d'un coup on est envahi par la lumière. Franck O commence à faire ses réglages et ajustement pour le shooting. 
Ce soir les vedettes c'est nous, et même si le tapis rouge n'y est pas, nous avons droit à des lunettes de soleil rouge ! Après la séance shooting, on passe à la phase recadrage, réglage de photo. L'équipe du studio Rétine a été réquisitionné, et comme j'aime bien voir comment les gens travaillent, je regarde par dessus l'épaule du retoucheur." 

Chacun a ainsi pu donner son avis sur le recadrage et l'exposition de sa photo ! 

Après quoi, la phase d'impression a permis à tous les participants de repartir avec leur photo de la soirée de Mars dernier, ainsi que les photos du jour ! Emy-Line C s'est senti "vraiment gâté : anciennes photos tirées sur du grand papier mat, photos de la soirée en direct... Merci Rétine Argentique" !

Pour sa première participation à un événement Yelp Elite, Damien C ne s'est pas senti "petit nouveau longtemps ! Les élites ne le sont pas pour rien ;) Et puis il faut dire que dans un endroit comme Rétine Argentique, et étant également photographe, forcément le courant est tout de suite passé toute l'équipe qui a été vraiment extraordinaire !
Merci pour le lieu, pour votre écoute et disponibilité, et un immense merci pour la photo.
Je ne connaissais que de réputation (très positive), j'en ressort avec l'envie d'y retourner et de ramener avec moi tous les passionnés que je connais !"

C'est aussi à ça que servent les soirées élite Yelp !

Christine F n'a pas été la seule a souligner le "super buffet light de la mort ! C'était parfait ! Tout ce qu'il avait à manger était délicieux". C'était un défi, exceptionnellement pour cette soirée, c'est moi, votre CM qui ai préparé le buffet ! Et comme vous avez été nombreux à la réclamer, voici la recette de la

 

Crème Courgettes-Menthe pour Yelpeur Hyperactif !

1- Aller chez un primeur, faire un check-in et ajouter une photo de ces magnifiques paniers de fruits et de légumes. Choisir 3 courgettes, 1 oignon et un bouquet de menthe.

2- Faire un arrêt dans une supérette et après avoir effectué un check-in et galéré pour trouvé une brique de Soja Cuisine, ajouter une astuce sur la géolocalisation de la sus-mentionnée brique dans le magasin.

3- Cuire à l'étouffée (sans matière grasse, sans eau, dans une casserole fermée) l'oignon vaguement émincé et les courgettes grossièrement coupées. Pendant ce temps, participer à un tchat Yelp sur la prochain Weekly Yelp.

4- Mettre dans le bol du mixer les courgettes cuites, le soja Cuisine (d'abord la moitié puis le reste au fur et à mesure), ainsi que quelques feuilles de menthe lavées. En ajouter selon le goût. Saler. Poivrer. Quand l'appareil est bien lisse, laisser refroidir. Le temps de partager un avis sur ce charmant primeur. Puis verser dans des verrines et c'est prêt !

Rencontrer, apprendre, découvrir, déguster, s'amuser, échanger... C'est ça les soirées élite Yelp ! Merci aux Yelpeurs d'être aussi formidables !

Le mot de la fin est laissé à Aurore C "il faut remercier Rétine Argentique et Frankc O pour nous avoir mitraillé et pour nous avoir laissé squatter leur super canapé ! Hâte de participer à une nouvelle soirée Yelp !"

Les avis sont ici !

Les photos sont là !

 ABSY !

Julie M - CM Yelp Marseille

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ENGLISH VERSION~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Tuesday May 14th, about 50 Yelpers in Marseille were invited to spend their evening in a nice venue, dedicated to professional photography. 

#1 - Pictures of a previous Yelp Elite event were exhibited on the wall. 

#2 - FranKc O were taking pictures of small groups of Yelpers.

#3 - Each one could go and have a look at the edition of their pictures.

#4 - The pictures were printed on a large photo paper. Everybody left with its own picture!

#5 - The food? Well it's not everyday that a CM provide the entire buffet! It looks like everybody enjoyed what I prepared: a zucchini cream, a salmon curry terrine, some dry tomato and pesto cakes... 

It was an absolutely fabulous party thanks to Retine Argentique our host and FranKc O and all the Yelpers that came to share their happiness!

The reviews are there and the pictures here ! 

See You Soon On Yelp ! 

Julie M - CM in Marseille

Yelps Japanischstunde im Eton Institute

Die Wiener Yelper sind eine Gruppe mit vielen verschiedenen Interessen. Dementsprechend breit gefächert muss natürlich auch das Angebot an Elite Events sein, weshalb wir dieses Mal die gewohnten Pfade der Restaurants, Bars und Kulinarikgeschäfte hinter uns ließen und erstmals ein Elite Event in einer Sprachschule abgehalten haben - dem Eton Institut im ersten Bezirk.

Der Abend stand ganz im Zeichen der japanischen Kultur: nach einem Begrüßungssekt folgte eine interaktiver Vortrag über das Land Japan, natürlich abgehalten von einer waschechten Japanerin. Nachdem Noriko uns einen Überblick über ihr Herkunftsland gegeben hat mussten die Yelper erstmals selbst Hand anlegen beim Sushirollworkshop. Alle Anwesenden hatten das nie zuvor gemacht und die Ergebnisse waren erstaunlich formschön und essbar - und für die weniger Talentierten bzw sehr Hungrigen hatte Ines vom Eton Institut mit ihrem Team glücklicherweise noch weitere Sushis vorbereitet.

Nach dieser Stärkung ging es gleich weiter zum Origamiworkshop. Man nehme 25 Yelper, setzte sie in ein Klassenzimmer, teile ein paar Blätter Papier aus und unter der tollen Anleitung von Noriko ist es tatsächlich jedem gelungen, einen schönen Origamivogel zu falten.

Da wir uns ja in einer Sprachschule befanden durfte natürlich auch ein kleiner Sprachkurs nicht fehlen. Auch nach einem langen Abend fehlte unserer Japanischlehrerin nicht die Energie und Begeisterung, uns ein paar Grundkenntnisse ihrer Sprache beizubringen.

So ging das wohl vielfältigste Elite Event der Wiener Yelp Geschichte langsam zu Ende. Ich möchte mich vielmals bei Noriko bedanken, deren witzige und lockere Art jeden einzelnen Programmpunkt zu einem Highlight werden ließen, sowie bei Ines und ihrem Team vom Eton Institut, auch für ihre Geduld mit uns, denn das Event dauerte viel länger als geplant, aber die Yelper waren ganz einfach begeistert von dem Programm:

Andrea B: "Was Yelp und das Eton Institut hier auf die Beine gestellt haben, war wirklich fantastisch. Auch von mir also ein großes: Domo Arigato!"
Wolfgang K: "Das Eton Institute und seine sympathischen Mitarbeiter kann man auf jeden Fall empfehlen!"
Leni R: " Mein Mann war nach der Schnupperstunde so begeistert, dass er jetzt ernsthaft überlegt, einen richtigen Japanischkurs zu belegen."

Wie immer gibt es jede Menge Fotos von dem Event (Copyright Patrick Helmes) und natürlich alle Berichte der Yelper zum Nachlesen.

Servus und bis bald!

Andreas R

 

-----

For this Elite Event we had a rather unusual location, as it took place in a language school in Vienna´s first district - the Eton Institut. The evening was dedicated to the Japanese culture and was lead by a lady from Japan, who first gave us an introduction on Japan. Afterwards she showed us how to roll sushi and every Yelper could try it out for himself - the outcome was pretty impressive. This was followed by an origami workshop and a Japanese language class where everybody learnt some basic Japanese words.
A big thank you to Noriko who guided us through the evening and to Ines from Eton Institut who welcomed us with her team.
As usual, check out the pictures from the event and read what the Yelpers thought about it here!

Glasgow’s Meet the CM: Aperol Aperitivo & Pizza Party @ Firebird

The sun was shining down on Glasgow last Wednesday night as 30 Glasgow Yelpers made their way to Firebird for a delicious evening of Aperol apéritifs & pizzas at the Meet the CM event!

Our special guest of the night was Loris from Aperol – he even flew in from Italy just for the event, rumour has it straight from his gondola – and he made sure all the Yelpers had an Aperol Spritz to sip as soon as they arrived, adding what Ben M thought was ‘a real kick to the night!’. Loris chatted to the Yelpers about the perfect time for enjoying an Aperol: in the sun, with some light bites. While we can’t even guarantee sunshine in Glasgow, Firebird makes you feel all warm and sunny with its beautiful bright orange feature wall and floor to ceiling windows!

Yelpers sampled three Firebird pizzas: spiced lamb, courgette and Serrano ham which were a hit all round! One Yelper noted that ‘pizza was snarfed up so quickly--surely a good sign if it's all gone! The Ham and Rocket did not disappoint and I couldn't wait to try some more!’

It was then time for the Yelp pizzas: before the event, Yelpers had submitted their ‘dream pizzas’ and three were selected to be made on the night. Congrats to Jen W, Nicola C and Elizabeth T for getting their pizzas to the final!

Jen W’s McMegatron featured goats’ cheese, caramelised onion and haggis – a true Scottish pizza! Nicola C went for something a little different with chickpeas, chorizo, red pepper and Manchego cheese (the Sensational Spanish!). The Thrilla by Elizabeth T was topped with caramelized onion, pine nut, pears, green salad and gorgonzola!

Voting took place while Yelpers sipped on the second drink of the night: Aperol Sour! Jen W was proclaimed the clear winner with her haggis pizza and collected bragging rights as well as having her pizza featured on the Firebird menu for the next month!

You can check out all the reviews of the night here, the photos here, and find me – Briony C – o Yelp here! A huge thank you to everyone who made the event such a wonderful night: Firebird, Robin for the photos, Loris from Aperol and Nucoco for providing wee gift bags of chocolates for the guests!

Briony C
Yelp Glasgow Community Manager

Elitarny wieczór w Tajlandii (no dobra, w Warszawie)

W Warszawie mamy prawdziwe lato - jest słonecznie i upalnie. Trochę przedwcześnie, ale po wielu miesiącach śniegu i mrozu nikt nie narzeka. Całkiem łatwo było sobie wyobrazić, że jesteśmy w Tajlandii! Kameralne spotkanie warszawskiej Elity Yelpa w salonie masażu ThaiSun udało się znakomicie!Mogliśmy dowiedzieć się, czym jest masaż tajski, a następnie przetestować go na własnej skórze - oczywiście wykonywała go profesjonalna masażystka z Tajladnii. Oczekiwanie na masaż umilało wino śliwke i tajskie przekąski: białe curry, pad thai z krewetkami, owoce i babeczki inspirowane tajskimi smakami. Pojawiły się też chińskie ciasteczka z wróżbą - podobno w Tajlandii także wykorzystywano ten sposób przewidywania przyszłości. W każdym razie wróżby były pomyślne! Na koniec na wszystkich czekały elitarne skarpetki - idealne na tajskie i warszawskie upały ;)Agnieszka M. nadal czuje ten wieczór "w sercu i w żołądku": "Czekały na nas nie tylko smakołyki z Dalekiego Wschodu, ale również profesjonalny wstęp dotyczący teorii, jak również pokazowy masaż na dobrowolnym ochotniku. Następnie każdy z gości mógł na własnym ciele przekonać się jak silne, zręczne i pełne wyczucia są ręce wprawnych masażystek z Tajlandii. Czapki z głów."Więcej recenzji możecie przeczytać na yelpowym profilu wydarzenia. Zdjęcia możecie zobaczyć na Facebooku i Flickr. ดูคุณ, czyli do zobaczenia po tajsku (mam nadzieję)!It's finally summer in Warsaw: sun and heat and stuff... It's not supposed to be summer yet, but after excideengly long winter nobody seems to complain. It was easy to imagine that we actually were in Thailand during the Yelp Warsaw Elite Event in ThaiSun. 

We found out what Thai massage actually is, in both theory and practice. While waiting for our 1:1s with a professional Thai masseues, we enjoyed plum wine and Thai snacks: white curry, Pad Thai with shrimp, fruit and Thai-style cupcakes. And Chinese fortune cookies that supposedly existed in Thailand as well. Check ou the reviews of the event on Yelp. More photos on Facebook and Flickr. 

ดูคุณ (I hope it means see you soon in Thai)!

Karolina W

Community Manager, Yelp Warszawa 

 

 

Yelp's Hippie Church at Maria's Taco Xpress

Yelpers partied in true south Austin style at Austin original Maria's Taco Xpress. Hippie Church happens every Sunday but Maria's put on a special edition for elite yelpers this Tuesday and it. was. awesome. Kerry B "tele-ported last night to another dimension in a flying tie-dye hippie micro bus. Yelp's Hippie Church at Maria Taco Xpress was the first stop on this psychedelic journey. We stepped off the bus to see some fellow Yelpers (whaaa?) and an abundance of Dulce Vida vodka, friendly faces, delicious food, and well...hippies!"

Randall's Dulce Vida Skinny Margaritas were the talk of the proverbial town with yelpers lining up en masse to get a taste of that sweet agave beverage. At the bar, Aron served us frosty Modelo and Negra Modelo and Tito's Handmade Vodka was kind enough to set up an incredible 
Build Your Own Bar upstairs. "You send me to a place where they give me some vodka and send me upstairs to a BUFFET of treats to put in it? You're giving me free reign over how many olives I'm putting in my bloody mary? Do you realize that means I'm taking all of the olives? ALL OF THE OLIVES" warns Valerie G (while eating olives.)

And the food... oh the food! Maria's Taco Xpress should be renamed Maria's Taco Gourmet! The abundance of queso fresco tacos, fish tacos and al pastor tacos were like a beautiful bounty of taco treasures. Chips, queso and salsa too, natch! Meanwhile, Hooty Hoops' Jennifer Byers was teaching people how to rock those hips to the eminently dance-able tunes put on by the Rockin' Gospel Project. 

Want to see pics? Of course you do! SnapFiesta's photobooth captured everyone's grinning mugs for perfect new profile pics and the stellar and hilarious reviews are all here for your perusing pleasure. Beth D waxes poetic: "Maria's Taco Express was a phenomenal host. In my many years in Austin, I have loved this place as the icon it is while never managing to stop in for a taco. Yelp and Maria's open arms changed all that last night. Along with my life. That's the Gospel truth."

Preach it sister!

Until the next time, SYOY!

 

 

Yelp Captures Soho at The Society Club's Exhibit Launch Party

It’s hard to sum up a neighbourhood in a single image. In fact, it took us 24 shots taken over a month to do justice to Soho, one of London's best known areas.

For four weeks, people we encouraged to take shots of whatever they saw, often armed with no more than an iPhone. Sometimes the pics were funny and cute. Sometimes romantic with heart. And other times a little naughty (much like Soho itself.) In the end, the shots chosen created the amazing Yelp Captures Soho Exhibit at The Society Club.

And we launched the event like no other.

Over 300 yelpers made their way to a wonderful tucked away alley in Soho to experience The Society Club, a beautiful local gallery and bookstore and bar that CNN voted one of the most interesting travel spots in London. 

Throughout the night, yelpers moved inside the space and out under a covered tent to experience the best of London. There were delicious Chipotle burritos, chips and guacamole, Yummy Boutique cupcakes and tasty Mexican snacks from KanKun Sauce (who came with their own luchador wrestler!)

“Free Chipotle burritos, chips and guacamole, bubble tea, cupcakes, and beer! I really liked the concept of the event and seeing the various pictures around the building was great,” Schelly Y wrote.

Washing it all down, people sipped on apple and pomegranate cider from Briska, cocktails from Brockmans Gin, La Hechicera rum, Aivy Vodka and even delicious bubble tea from MooBoo. Then, moving through the gallery, The Craft Beer Social Club did beer tastings all night long.

Luca P drank it up: “Interesting talking British ale with the Craft Beer people and of vodka and Colombian rum in a corner upstairs. And the Swedish cider provided by Briska kept coming.”

Those wishing for a bit more entertainment had their wishes granted. Animal Vegetable Mineral were on hand with their scent-filled balloons. And Zap the Magician wandered the crowds delighting children of young and old. Finally, the amazing Nate Maingard played traveling troubadour, moving throughout the crowd armed with his guitar, serenading all who atended.

“Excellent first dip into the welcoming Yelp event waters accompanied by excellent dips into Chipotle dips! A+ for logistics and execution Yelp and Nate Mainguard's troubadour guitar playing was just right,” Kyle V sang.

Even The London Index was on hand to capture more of the night’s memories, as strange as they were.

But it was the framed images where the event really shined. Professionally printed by the amazing Metro Imaging, 24 of the best Soho shots lined the walls. See a gallery of all the winning pictures here.

   

“Coming from Los Angeles where yelp got really popular, I sometimes feel a bit disappointed with how difficult it is to sign up for Yelp events. These events are cool, fun and always have a bunch of people for you to say hi to. This event reminded me how AMAZING Yelp is once again. Keep it up! I'd love some more Yelp love again!” Josie D told us.

It was quite the night indeed. But don’t just take our word for it. You can read all the reviews as well as check out all the pics by The London Index here and Yelp photorapher Natalya Spicker here on the Official Yelp Flickr Page.

Until next event! Happy snapping.

Alex S, London Community Manager

BPB Elites Take Beer 101 At Tap 42

Riiiiing. Class is in session! Settle in, grab a drink, and get ready to be schooled!

Last Thursday 80 guests comprising of Elites and guests had the opportunity to learn a little more about beer at Fort Lauderdale hot spot Tap 42 for Yelp's Beer Course Elite Event. Creative Director / Craft Beer Director Lauren Bowen (who should have a PhD in brew) held court as she took questions and offered some insights on all things beer. Fun facts included: Did you know beer is 90% water? Since 1991 the US has been the worlds largest producer of beer. The four ingredients in beer: water, yeast, malt, hops.

The brews on tap were Harpon UFO White which is a Belgian style white ale, Cigar City Maduro Oatmeal Brown which is a brown ale and Lagunitas IPA which is from the West coast. However it wasn't just about a nice cold pint. The craft beer cocktail of the night was the Mad Apple (Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider, Tito’s Hand-Made Vodka, organic basil, beer simple syrup, grapefruit bitters and raspberries.) As well as the featured craft cocktail of the night: Tea Thyme (EG Earl Grey & Sage vodka, thyme, Dancing Pines Chai, lemon, lavender syrup and orange bitters.)

On top of all the beer knowledge/drinking those in attendance were the very first to try the brand new menu items from chef Andrew Balick. These new plates have yet to be released but all got rave reviews! Included in the offerings were: Black Grouper Ceviche, Goat Cheese Poppers, Milk Stout Short Rib Sliders, Crispy Korean Calamari, Smoked Local Mahi and Maple Bacon Sprouts.

Everyone made the Dean's list!

Congrats,

Dean Blue A.

Missed the event? Have no fear, resident photog Aubrie J from A Flash In Time Photography was on hand to snap some pics. Check them out here.

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Charlotte Elites Get Down In Uptown at e2 Emeril's Eatery

A little bit of Uptown, a little bit of “Hello, Spring” weather, and a whole bunch of great cocktails, food, and the best folks around – Yelp Charlotte Elites and the wonderful crew from e2 – Emeril’s Eatery. This cozy spot houses comfortably chic ambiance, servers of the utmost, a killer bar program, and food that will make you wish you had thought to order seconds in advance. Suffice is to say, an evening for our yelpy crew that will not soon be forgotten.

e2’s Executive Chef, Brian Mottola, and his staff brought the culinary noise. Dion L notes, “I'm sure everyone has already talked about the awesomeness of the whole roasted pig (I ate 4 sliders...yes, FOUR!). You’d never think eating that many sliders was easy until you met Chef. Culinary magic, he is. The hors d’oeuvres were in abundance, too. Amber M recalls, “The tuna tar tare was so fresh...so clean...and so yummy.  I kept my eyes out for it all night long.”

The libations did floweth, friends. Joined by the crew from American Harvest Organic Spirit and the bar-magic that comes from Miki, lead bartender, the Lemon Spritz made it’s way into the hands of Elites and their guests. Morgan H notes, “The best beverage of the night (for me) was the American Harvest Organic Spirit lemon cocktail. Simply wonderful. I will be buying that "spirit" for sure.” Also, joined by our hometown heroes, Four Friends Brewing, for some local brews.  The seasonal "Sunrise" brew was a perfect match for the courses at hand, along with the ever-warming weather al fresco.

e2’s General Manager, Jeff Wakem, welcomed the crowed and happily gave many newcomers, both to the Yelp Elite Squad and to e2, a good rundown. Some seriously sweet giftbags were sent with guests on their merry way as well.

A more fantastic evening couldn’t have been curated in the Uptown area for this fair May eve. Here’s to e2, American Harvest Organic Spirit, Four Friends Brewing, and our fine Charlotte Elite Squad.

Check out the photos here.

Check out the reviews here.

Curious on what the Elite Squad is? You should click here.

Ben G (striking a poorly executed post) – Yelp Charlotte Community Manager

 

Con las manos en la masa

“Siempre que llegas a casa me encuentras en la cocina con las manos en la masa” decía la canción del famoso programa, y quien vino al evento que celebramos el lunes 13 de mayo se pudo encontrar precisamente así a los Yelpers, preparando en amor y compañía la comida de la que luego disfrutamos. ¿Quién dijo que no hay nada como que te pongan la comida por delante? Cristina A todavía se sigue “relamiendo por las recetas que probamos”.

La fiesta tuvo lugar en la cocina de La Caja Habitada, un maravilloso hostel en el entorno de la Alameda de Hércules que destaca por su compromiso con la cultura de la ciudad organizando exposiciones, teatro, conciertos… Sus fogones estuvieron al cargo de Javi, el cocinero del Bar Casildo, que nos preparó algunas de sus especialidades mientras nos explicaba las recetas y nos ponía a trabajar para que aprendiéramos a hacerlas.

Al ritmo de la música que pinchó Max Mackay, fueron saliendo deliciosos platos que conquistaron, como a todos, a Claudia P: “ fajitas a los tres quesos con salsa de caramelo, mini hamburguesa con queso de cabra y vinagreta de mostaza y miel, ensalada templada de langostinos o milhojas de pimientos asados con patatas…”.

 En resumen, como diría Sara P, fue “una noche espectacular en buena compañía, magnífica música y todo riquísimo”. Si queréis ver la pinta de todo lo que comimos y cómo nos lo pasamos, no os perdáis las fotos que nos hizo Alejandro Rodríguez y para leer lo que les pareció esta fiesta a los Yelpers pásate por el perfil del evento. ¿No estáis deseando ya que sea la próxima para apuntarte?

Julio L

Responsable de Yelp Sevilla

 

When we have a Yelp event, we always see wonderful food, but those who came to the last party we did last Monday could see how Yelpers prepared it! But didn’t just prepare the food, but tasted it later. Food tastes better when you cook it and Cristina A still has the great flavor of the gorgeous meal we prepared.

The party took place at La Caja Habitada, a wonderful hostel in the Alameda de Hércules area that’s very connected with the city culture, always organizing exhibitions, concerts, plays of theater… The kitchen was taken by Javi, chef at Bar Casildo, and he showed us the secrets of their recipes. 

All dishes were cooked to the beat of the music Max Mackay played, and it wasn’t a wonderful beat just for the ears but for the mouth! We had cheese & caramel fajitas, mini burgers with goat cheese and honey mustard, prawn salad, pepers and chips millefeuille…

As Sara P says: "we had a terrific night with great people, wonderful music and delicious food". If you wanna see the wonderful pictures Alejandro Rodríguez made, just click here, andi f you wanna read the reviews Yelpers are writing about the party, just go to the event profile. I’m sure you’ll join our next party!

Julio L

Yelp Sevilla Community Manager

Brooklyn Kicks Off The Passport at Palmer's!

Thanks to a stellar soiree at Palmer's, the Passport to Downtown Brooklyn is officially underway! Last night this beautifully appointed and delightfully undercover eatery welcomed the best of Brooklyn Yelp in to show off a delicious new menu and get a week of awesome offers, deals and events going!
 

If you've never been to Palmer's, you're missing out! There's a whole host of delectable treats on the menu, but for Matteo R, "the parmesan cheese meatballs sliders were the standout of the night; absolutely delicious." Stephanie P's pick was the "amazing mini-Cuban sandwiches with ridiculously flavorful, juicy/tender & slow-roasted pulled pork shoulder" and Julia B just believes "super thin crust pizza that is ever so tasty and belongs in my belly."
 

It wouldn't have been a party without Bulldog Gin, and the skilled Palmer's bartenders know their business. Reana K called it: "Not too sweet, not too light, not too anything, Palmer's had the Goldilocks of drink specials! The Bulldog Gin cocktails were perfect for spring (even if it was a little brisk out today)," and the Strawberry Basil Smash and the Cucumber Mint Lemonade" were huge, refreshing hits!

A huge thanks to Joe and the rest of the amazing and accommodating Palmer's staff for welcoming us with open arms. Although we didn't get to use the lovely patio because of the unseasonably cool weather, there's still the rest of spring and summer to get over there! Whether or not you made it out, make sure to check out the reviews of the event, the photos from the lovely Liz Clayman, and what folks are saying all over.

Don't forget to take advantage of all the offers, deals and events in Downtown Brooklyn for the rest of the Passport!

Cheers,
Peter D and the rest of the Yelp NYC Team

From Denim to Thrift Shop Chic, PDXYelp's Bossanova Ballroom Bash IV Was A Blowout Success!

The fourth annual installment of PDXYelp's Bossanova Ballroom Bash took place over two nights on Friday, May 10th and Saturday, May 11th 2013! Over 850 Yelp Elites, Media and VIP guests rocked their denim and thrift-shop best as the Bossanova Ballroom bumped for two straight nights. 

Friday's Denim Derby and Jorts Jamboree took welcomed Yelpers off the hot Portland streets and into one of P-towns most classic venues. From spicy wings to hot Italian beef sandwiches to snickerdoodle ice cream, local restaurants including Trigger, Salty's On The Columbia, Gracie's, A Cena, Salt & Straw, Andina, and Local Choice Market served up a plethora of amazing eats. Denim-bedecked guests quaffed Citra Blonde and Hefeweizen from Widmer Brothers Brewing; toasted #PDXBubbles Week with '09 Brut from Argyle Winery; sampled David Hill Winery's varietals; sipped Oregon Chardonnay and Oregon Pinot Noir from A to Z Wine Works; and toasted good health with Saké from SakéOne. Those feelin' the cocktial vibe tossed back highballs made with JOIA Soda and sweet spirits from local distillers including Liquid and Lavishmint Vodkas from NW Distillery; Gin No 1 and Gin No 33 from New Deal Distillery; and Warship Rum and Bengerminz Vodka from Distilling Head Spirits. There was plenty to go around. 

But it wasn't just about the food. DJ Saltfeend jocked the jorts jams on the ones and twos, while Tom Maxwell Photography snapped up the crowd. The mezzanine got straight into the zone with the Yelp Relaxation Lounge by Sacral Space Massage, Lucent Healing, Integrative Therapeutic Massage, and Intuitive Touch Massage. Also upstairs were on-site sampling from David Hill, SakéOne, JOIA, NW Distilling, Warship, Bengerminz and Argyle Bubbles! With music bumping and the food and drink flowing, Yelpers and guests partied until the 10pm magic hour. Yup, those jorts only go so far!

Round Two fired up Saturday evening, with Yelp's Poppin' Tags - The Thrift Shop Party! Yelper favorite restaurants Salt & Straw, Andina and Local Choice Market bounced back for a second helping, and they were joined by Tamale Boy/Mayahuel Catering, Smokehouse 21 and Kenny & Zuke's Deli! Pastrami sandwiches, pickles, deviled eggs, smoked oysters, tamales, bourbon/coffee ice cream, roast beef and more graced the tables. Sun-stroked folks kicked back Citra Blonde and Hefeweizen from Widmer Brothers Brewing; toasted #PDXBubbles Week with '09 Brut from Argyle Winery; sampled David Hill Winery's varietals; and sipped Oregon Chardonnay and Oregon Pinot Noir from A to Z Wine Works. Those feelin' the cocktial vibe tossed back highballs made with JOIA Soda and sweet spirits from local distillers including Liquid and Lavishmint Vodkas from NW Distillery; Gin No 1 and Gin No 33 from New Deal Distillery; and Warship Rum and Bengerminz Vodka from Distilling Head Spirits. Willakenzie Estates was on hand to pour Estate Cuveé Pinot as well. 

The Thrift Shop theme blew up all over the dance floor with DJ Atom13 dropping the yacht rock and thrift shop breaks. Up on the mezzanine, Tom Maxwell Photography popped some bulbs in the photo booth as Sacral Space Massage, Lucent Healing, Integrative Therapeutic Massage, and Intuitive Touch Massage served up the sweet 5-minute massages. Stylists from Hair M offered up neck trims and quick do's as Warship Rum, Bengerminz Vodka, Argyle, Willakenzie, David Hill and JOIA soda served up samples. 

 As Gina A aptly puts it: "Your mommy your mammy, your grammy, your aunty & me all rocked that mutha! It was 5 star PERFECTION. Everything I was hoping it to be and then some. The place was filled with divine bites, tasty beverages, great music and lots of fun chit to do." This is all thanks to our fantastic partners including those listed above; The Bossanova Ballroom and its fantastic staff; The Yelp Elite Squad; Ruggy J; Brittany B; Ana M; Petra B and everyone else who helped make these parties a reality.

But don't just take my word for it. Read the reviews from Friday and Saturday here, peep the photos here and here. Haven't written your review yet? What are you waiting for? Oh, and make sure to check out the PDXYelp FB and Twitter feeds!

Until next time, SYOY!

Don B.

PDXYelp Community Director

 

St. Louis Yelpers Party in True 20's Style!

400 of St. Louis’ finest put on their dancing shoes to let loose at Yelp’s Grand Speakeasy, a 1920’s Soiree! May 10, 2013 was STL’s biggest underground party of the year, in true Speakeasy fashion. St. Louis Yelpers dressed up in their best 1920's-style garb, ranging from flapper dresses to top hats! Before entering, everyone was greeted at the door by our Speakeasy guard Ross, and were required to provide a password to gain entrance to the soiree. The magical words, “The Cat’s Meow,” granted guests access to some of the best food, drinks, and entertainment St. Louis has to offer.


This party was thrown for St. Louis by St. Louis with a robust list of 15 vendors providing eats, sips and entertainment. Guests enjoyed a myriad of culinary delights, from Thai to Middle Eastern, Italian, Creole, and even French. The food vendors that provided these great eats included Eleven Eleven Mississippi, PW Pizza, Vin de Set, Fork & Stix, The Kitchen Sink, Basso, Café Natasha, Fountain on Locust, Kakao Chocolate, and Cakes By Nette. Guests also sampled an array of cocktails and beer... Urban Chestnut & Alpha Brewing Company offered some handpicked micro-brews. But that’s not all; we had a whopping six signature cocktails to choose from at the bar provided by Beam Global — each one as delicious as the last. French 75, anyone? These vendors were so inspiring guests already started preparing their post-party visits! Cakes By Nette surprised us all with their vast selection they brought to the table. We agree with Dustin O who declares “They were some, if not the best cupcakes I've ever had the pleasure of eating."



No roaring 20’s party would be complete without a live swing band. The Dixie Trio provided the perfect background music for guests to mix and mingle like a true 1920's soiree! MX Movies was also in the house. And for the biggest hit of the night, guests took fun and crazy photos at our top of the line photo booth, put on by Escape the Booth. They had great 1920's props on hand so party attendees could snap shots that would help them remember this party forever! Make sure to peep their website for the full spread of pics.

This party will go down in the books as one of Yelp St. Louis’ best parties yet. While stuffing our faces and partying the night away, we managed to support a great organization, Rally St. Louis. From donations at the door, we came together to raise a ton of money to help an organization that dedicates its time and money to making St. Louis a better place! A special thanks is in order to Brea Photography for capturing the evening on film, as well as Moulin Events for hosting the Speakeasy in their fantastic venue. If you attended the event and haven't written your review yet (or you just want to read the glowing five-star reviews), visit the event page! Also, for the full spread of party photos, check out Yelp's Flickr. Huge thanks, most of all, to every single Yelper who attended the Speakeasy. You make this community one of the best there is. The costumes were truly impressive, and the 1920's spirit was certainly alive!

Until the next one... yours in costume,


Aimee K, Yelp St. Louis Senior Community Manager
Aaron B, Marketing Intern