Yelp Community Blog

Toronto Yelpers Go Burrito Crazy At Chino Locos!

This past Friday night hordes of hungry yelpers headed to the not-yet-open full service Chino Locos in the village to sample some fierce fusion burritos. Yelpers didn't know what hit them when offered a host of stuffed and grilled burritos by resident luchador La Aguila and his lovely assistant. Chow mein, Korean beef and edamame in a burrito? An unexpected host of ingredients turned out to be quite the tasty combo!

Despite full mouths and bellies, the conversation flowed throughout the evening as 80 yelpers checked out the new digs and tapped into the Mill Street Tankhouse Ale keg served by familiar face Kasey C. A special thank you to owners Victor and Minh, and the sassy Chino Locos staff for hosting our group and grilling up hundreds of burritos at a feverish and unstoppable pace throughout the evening.

We witnessed Bijan V leave the party with a burrito baby and overheard Melissa F espouse the virtues of the much-loved (but absent) blueberry burrito. We even overheard some custom orders being bandied about as yelpers put their tastebuds to the test with extra helpings of salsa verde and chipotle sauce. Dave O put his keg-wielding skills to the test while some others bonded over their Movember-inspired mustaches. Suspiciously absent were perfect attendance yelpers Katrina L, Jay G and Hana B.

Check out the gorgeous photos taken by elite yelper Neil Ta and all the recaps of the night's festivities. For more chatter, hit up the official Talk thread.

Chino Locos officially opens for business on Monday, November 10 from 11am-11pm!

SYOY,
Kat F.
Toronto Community Manager

Since its opening in September, Jack London Square's newest hotspot, Bocanova, has wowed with its sustainable Pan-American fare and striking ambiance. This past weekend, Yelp Elites convened on a glorious Saturday afternoon to lend their tastebuds in determining which dishes will earn a spot on Bocanova's inaugural brunch menu!

Armed with Sangre Marias and "The Elite" - a potent concoction of gin, Aperol, champagne and OJ specially crafted for the occasion and whipped up by barkeep Brian with a flourish - guests sampled a parade of brunchtastic items. Diana Lyn M couldn't get enough of the cornmeal waffles with persimmon whipped cream, while the beef and yucca hash left Michelle W "razzle-dazzled with glee." Epicurean Bill B expanded his gastronomic repertoire with the menudo stew, exclaiming, "I've never been a tripe fan and thus didn't eat menudo, but theirs has converted me!"

Three cheers to the talented, industrious kitchen and staff for hosting a veritable feast! We'll be eagerly anticipating the brunch launch. Until then, whet your palates with the recounts here. They say pictures speak a thousand words, and these on Yelp's Flickr account and shots from resident photog, Will A, speak volumes!

Hope you'll join us for the next East Bay adventure...

Cheers & SYOY!
Ligaya T

Yelp Gets Raw at Saki: A Naked Sushi Affair

What do you get when you mix sushi, Hornitos Tequila, Blue Moon beer, a DJ and the DC Elite squad? A raw-kin' good time at Yelp Gets Raw at Saki: A Naked Sushi Affair!

On Friday night, DC yelpers had a boatload of fun as they nibbled on delicious sushi bites off a living platter.

With delicious chicken dumplings and bountiful shumei passed around, yelpers were sure to wash their nibbles down with plenty of ice cold bottles of Blue Moon and festive peach margaritas made with Hornitos Tequila while they savored the art of Nyotaimori.  

When yelpers were not plunging towards the semi-nude model with their chopsticks, they were busy busting a groove on the dance floor as the DJ played jams that were impossible not to boogie to. 

A grand thank you to Saki and their amazing staff for hosting us. The bartenders were both gracious and entertaining. Who knew someone could could pour shots into a tower of shot glasses AND pop the bottle cap off without hands?!

Special shout outs to Soul Train worthy Yelp dancers Keon D, Hannah S and Tracy C who shook what their mamas gave them like pros! Also, a hearty welcome to newbies Anne C,  Paul M, Merida F and Jarrett B that wasted no time getting acquianted with the DC Yelp crew. 

Make sure to check out more pics of the event on Flickr, snapped by infamous photogs Jane K and Lillian C.

Until next time folks, SYOY!

Tara L

Brooklyn Yelp pleYs at Ocean's 8!

Last night NYC Elites came out to pleY at Ocean’s 8 @ Brownstone Billiards! There was ping-ponging, pooling, bowling and air hockeying, and we had a blast!

It wouldn't have been a party without Grey Goose's great cocktails, and Jameson & gingers all night long! Sam Adams and Blue Moon made the night even tastier, and primed the crowd for the chefs at Ocean’s 8 to set out a spread like we've never seen! The muffuletta sandwiches, antipasti salads and all kinds of pastas all hit the spot, and the kitchen kept the mini tacos, burgers, spring rolls and shumai streaming out all night! I don’t know about you guys, but I had a few too many of their famous wings. Lastly, Luke's Brew was there to wake up those of us who had a few too many, and Cupcake Stop was the perfect sweet summation. 

 
Between impromptu dance parties, crazy competition on the tables, and the New York Yankees' 27th Championship, it was a night to remember. Peep the official photos and be sure let us know what you loved!

-Peter D.

Red, White and Blue for Dallas Elites

What do you get when you mix a couple of stick horses and ribs? A Dallas Elite party, Lone Star State style!

Elites and their guests donned their best cowboy gear and red, white and blue to show patronage towards Texas last night at BarBelmont at the Belmont Hotel. A few came with costume props, while others wore hats three times the size of their heads, and a couple weren't afraid to show off their silver badge -- but all were wearing their warm Texas smiles and big hearts.

Smoke, a spankin' hot new restaurant next door, catered in barbeque platters the size of DFW. Ribs, pulled pork sliders and potato salad were enjoyed by everyone and licked to the bone for every last messy morsel. BarBelmont showed off their mad bartending skills by keeping everyone's hands full of house wine and can beer -- you know, to wash down all that 'cue goodness.

Chris Dempsey and his duet partner Dani busted out cover tunes from the likes of Johnny Cash and Kings of Leon, and even took requests from the crowd. Their voices carried inside and out to the patio so everyone was able to enjoy the laid-back entertainment.

Of course no Elite event is complete without a photo backdrop and a box of props! Elites and guests stepped in front of the Texas flag for pictures with a stick horse, Dolly Parton wig, cowboy hat, plastic guns, chaps and more. Some are just too priceless not to share, so take a peek here.

 

See what these Texans had to say about their yippee-ki-yay of a time at BarBelmont. Until next time, SYOY!

Nikki B
Big D CM

Masked Yelpers get Down for Dia de los Yelpos

What a night! Yelpers kicked off Halloween weekend in style Friday night at Dia de los Yelpos in the LBC. Hundreds of masked yelpers packed the Museum of Latin American Art, and geared up their tastebuds (and livers) for a night of tequila tasting, art, fire dancing and more.

 

We also owe a huge thank you to the many people that helped this party come together, so stay tuned for some quick messages about our glorious sponsors:

• MOLAA! Wow - what a museum, and a hidden gem of a venue.
  
• Tequila!! And loads of it, for those of you keeping track, or trying to put some brain cells back together to remember what you had, here's the rundown: A few different tequilas from Tequila Rack, tastings from Playa Real, Alquimia, Teteo, Angel Bendito, El Grado, Jimador, and Herradura.

• Top notch beer from one of our fave local breweries: Bootleggers! As well, as some Canadian representation from the Belgian-style brews from Unibroue.
  
• Of course, some Jarritos to wash it all down.
  
• Food! Those tasty tacos from City Tacos and some famous bacon mac n' cheese from Shillelagh.

• More food! The corn chowder and the pulled pork sliders from TGIS Catering, who also ran the main bar, and I must say, pretty much rocked everything from top to bottom.
  
• Photobooth! Wow...Get Flipped was definitely a huge hit, those animated photos are pretty much the best thing ever!
  
• Music! DJ Dennis Owens and DJ Abel kept the tunes flowing all night. He DJs all over, but his main gig is The Goodfoot.
  
• Entertainment! The lovely ladies of Sirena Serpentina with their unforgettable fire dancing show. They perform all over OC and Long Beach, check out their site for info on where they'll be next!

• Crafts! The gals over at Handmade Brigade OC didn't put down the hot glue gun for a single second, while they were helping everyone make original masks as well as painting faces.
  
• Photographers! Hopefully you got a chance to meet Paul and Leanne from Sargeant Photography who documented the whole night for us. They're a husband and wife wedding photography team, and they know their stuff.
  
• Shanghai Salon in Costa Mesa showed up to give all the yelpettes rockstar hair and Pure Sole in Huntington Beach was on hand to work out the tension in your shoulders.
  
• Our absolutely phenomenal valet service that got everyone in and out smoothly and quickly. They also have some really great rates on limos too - American Limousine.
  
• Yummy cupcakes and other sweets from Sweet Embellishments. And, of course, who could forget The Ice Cream Man, bringing free ice cream (and nostalgia) to yelpers all night.

Whew. That's a lot of help that went into making this party. And, thanks to all of the phenomenal Yelpers who made this party truly amazing by showing up in the spirit of things and having an all-around great time! No enough for ya? Check out what yelpers had to say about the party on the Yelp! And check out all of Sargeant Photography's pics of the evening on Yelp's Flickr Page!

Until next time....SYOY!

Yelpaliciously yours,

Hazel Q
The CM Straddling the County Line like Nobody's Business

London Elite - Yelpoween: Zombie Masquerade Party

London’s Elite Squad showed the extrovert Soho neighbourhood a thing or two as Yelp took over the Green Carnation on a Halloween night to remember. Over seventy-five yelpers turned our Zombie Masquerade into a carnival of undead majesty. The outfits on show not only reflected the ingenious imagination of London’s Yelp Elites, but also their remarkable endeavour.

 
 
Hordes of zombies, Jack from Titanic, Wednesday, Darth Maul, even a Luchador Cow threw down their best dance moves as we moonwalked with the fabulously fleet of foot Joe, our Michael Jackson dancer from Ruby Girls/BirdGang. A few of the yelpers jumped on stage with him – some of you guys can really dance! The booty shaking continued as DJ Wigz and DJ Mark Mason kept it hot on the dance floor with plenty of funk filled House. As the entertainment continued, the atmosphere ignited. We’re sure some of you’d like to personally thank the quite lovely Kitten Club, for undressing so publicly and in such provocative manner. Meooow!

On a night historically steeped in mystery and suspense one question has been answered. Are London Elites a party-hearty crowd? Yes they are!

 

Check out the seriously sinister photos from the event, taken by yelper Sarah S, plus all the glowing reviews from our elite crew.

A final thanks to all involved for making this such a fabulous Elite Party.

To the next one

SYOY

Leon C & the London CM team

San Diego Yelpoween 'Heroes and Villains' Elite Party

On the eve of All Hallows Eve, San Diego elites got super and scoundrel-ish for the Yelpoween 'Heroes and Villians' party at All American Grill. The Halloween spirit was well in tact with costumes ranging from Batman to Quailman. Many costumes were marvelous but, Vinh H took home the title of best dressed with his homemade version of Magneto from the X-men.

 

Yelpers were quenched with Trolley Teas and John Dailys, containing more alcohol than the taste would reveal. The Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Vodka they're made with was the perfect trick in the form of a cocktail.  Treated as well yelpers were, with beer from Kona Brewing Company and tray passed bites provided by All American Grill.

 

Not a dull moment on this evening of mayhem and the memories were saved by San Diego Photo Factory. Check out the official photos and let us know what you what a super time you had!

Until next time,

SYOY!

Danny W.

San Diego Community Manager

Seattle's Yelp Elite are All About Autumn

Seattle's Yelp Elite came out for a fantastically fun fall event at Louisa's on Eastlake! Yelpers and their guests sipped on wine and nibble on bites from their fabulous fall menu while they mingled with their fellow Yelp. The crab cakes and filet were a huge hit, as were the brownies. Wine flowed for hours, as Yelpers enjoyed a cozy evening at this lovely restaurant!

    

New Seattle Community Manager Katy H received a very warm welcome as she was announced to the Elite Squad. A long time member of the SeaTown Yelp Community, we're very happy to have her aboard! Yelpers also voted on the winning pumpkin, which belonged to Nori V.

   
                                 
A huge thank you goes out to Alcena, Chef Chris & crew at Louisa's, for hosting such a fantastic evening with delicious food and drink. For evidence that this was a good 'ol time, check out the reviews... and check out our photos here.

   

Food, wine, and good Yelp friends... what more could we ask for? 

SYOY, Seattle!

Katie S

Ma Vie en Yelp

Yelpers crossed both time and space to make Yelp Masquerades à la Maxim's a smashing success!  Picture it: Paris, 1900s, red drapes, seductive seating...and yelpers! Chicago's Elite squad came out in force and in their best cocktail attire and fancy french masks to celebrate Halloween with a twist. Maxim's (a replica of the famed Parisian landmark) served as host for this très bon event.

After checking in, yelpers descended down a winding staircase to hear melodious piano playing that set the mood for a whimsical and romantic evening. As they crossed the floor into the bar area, yelpers got to choose from four different specialty cocktails, courtesy of Pearl vodka. As a perfect pairing to the libations, yelpers dined on savory crêpes from Crepe Bistro.  

The evening continued into the dining room, where a mirrored panel slid away to reveal - Eyes Manouche!  The band delighted yelpers with nearly two hours of French-rooted gypsy balkan dance music. They got the yelpers to their feet and rocked the house. All that dancing makes a yelper hungry for sweets! Luckily, thanks to D'Absolute Catering's top-notch service, there were plenty of sweet crêpes from Crepe Bistro and cupcakes (in flavors like crème brûlée, hot chocolate and champagne) from Luscious Layers passed around to satisfy even the most demanding sweeth tooth.

And all this great action was caught on film! You can see ShutterBooth pictures here or experience the night through the lens of Zoran Orlic of Zero Studio here. The pictures alone don't tell the tell. Check out what yelpers had to say here. Ohh la la, Yelp!  Laissez les bon temps roulez!

Johnny T

 
 
 

Yelpers Get Ghoulish at Privé

In the spirit of All Hallow's Eve, Philadelphia's Yelp Elite Squad packed the swanky house at Privé for a spooktacular night of Venitian masks, Devo hats, and Batman grappling hooks!  

The hotness only continued with a feast of delectable Mediterranean cuisine courtesy of Privé, who supplied a little something for everyone! Manda W described the butlered offerings as "little vittles of heaven!" And with beverages in bulk supplied by Cruzan Rum and Jim Beam's newest bourbon baby, Red Stag, everyone kept their cool with the Privé Punch and the Red Stag Cherry Lemonade flowing all night long!

 

Capturing the moments of mayhem and debauchery was our very own Minnie Mouse, er, Ferry, and keeping the door in check was the ever-gracious and good looking, Peter D! Had a costume favorite or memory to share? Peep the official photos and be sure let us know what you loved!

Be on the lookout for the next Elite shindig!

Until Then,

Monica S

Roaring 20's Halloween Melt Down in Palo Alto

The Roaring Twenties were a time of social and artistic expression. And judging by the plethora of stunning flapper dresses, Gatsby T-Strap shoes, black and white pin-striped suits, fedoras, head-bands, boas, Tommy Guns, Bonny and Clyde get-ups, and yes, even a "We Want Beer" prohibition sign at the Silicon Valley Yelp Elite Event at swanky Melt Lounge in Downtown Palo Alto last night, it looks like 2009 is finishing with a creative "roaring" bang!

South Bay yelpers arrived at low-lit Melt ready to party. Hats were cocked to the side, black patent shoes glistened beneath Melt's stunning chandeliers, while couples in matching black and red 20's outfits made themselves comfortable on the chic zebra print chairs and cozy crimson booths.

Dapper and sleekly dressed yelpers sipped on delicious Rain Organics Vodka cocktails, and toasted cold Firestone brews, while snacking on Melt's piping hot postickers, fresh vegetable and chicken filled quesadillas, and crispy fries. As the night progressed, guests loosened their suspenders, adjusted their feather adorned head-bands and made their way to the dance floor upstairs to jam out to the DJ Dan Wallace's rockin' mix: of everything from MGMT classics to Lady Ga-Ga. Come the end of the event, the dance floor was a sea of roaring Zoot suits and fringed dresses. There was even a 1920's surgeon caught boogying it down!

 

The days of Prohibition are long gone, but it was evident by the the recounts of the great times to be had, as well as the pics from last night, including those from Carol L, that the Roaring 20's are still alive in Palo Alto! Huge thanks to Melanie and her staff at Melt for hosting us!

Yelp Presents EaDo Palooza!

More than 600 yelpers made way to Francisco Studios on Saturday, October 24, 2009, ready to explore the sights, sounds, tastes, and culture of Houston's East Downtown District – otherwise now known as "EaDo."

Not a dull moment to be had, as with each twist and turn the crowd made through the eight open studios were walls splashed with art from more than a dozen local talented painters, sculptors, photographers and instillation masterminds.

House of Blues resident deejay Wyatt Magnum took over the main stage and put the festivities into a groove as he spun old skool vinyls, and DJ Creole, Freddy B, Tunsai and WyldStyl hip hop dance company worked JB Carrillo's studio. Along with live nude sketching by Johnathan Felton, famous urban artist GONZO247 also entertained palooza partygoers with a live graffiti demonstration on a donated vehicle!

Special thank you to all of our sponsors, including EaDo eateries Calliope's Po-Boy, Huynh and Lucky's Pub for providing the bites and Rain Organics Vodka, Saint Arnold Brewing Company and Monster Energy for keeping the crowd cool.

We also can't forget Aerosol Warfare Gallery & Boutique, EaDo, Houston Electric Cars, Fresh Arts Coalition, Hotel Icon, Houston Dynamo and the Dynamo Girls, Lofts at the Ballpark, Magnum Music Group, and all of the participating artists: Andrew Chapa, Andy Howell, Brian Boyter, char koho, Christian Navarrete, Cyndi Valverde, daniel-kayne, Elisabeth Jackson, GONZO247, JB Carrillo, Jim Olive, Johnathon Felton, Joseph Cohen, Marshall Hinman, Santiago Lee, Tomas Glass

Be sure and check out other highlights straight from the yelpers' mouth, along with candid photos and wacky photo booth pics!

Til next time, SYOY (see you on Yelp) ... and in EaDo!

Farrah A
Houston Community Manager
Yelp! Inc.

Yelp Bubbly Toes Spa Retreat!

This past Friday evening, Chicagoland Yelp Elites gathered for an evening of blissful mini-spa services at Elan Hair Body & Sole including manicures, makeup application, blowouts and styling, waxing and massages. Even a few brave males made it out for some pampering!

La Gondola Italian Restaurant generously provided Chardonnay and Sangiovese from their new wine list, and some French champagne made a welcome appearance too! In between sips and spa treatments, yelpers nibbled on sweet treats from Pastries Not Potatoes. Mini cupcakes, a salted caramel confection and the pièce de résistance: a chocolate fondue fountain with pound cake and marshmallows for our dippin' delight!

        

Click here to see some photos of yelpers unwinding in luxurious style. Also, the glowing reviews are in... see what yelpers have to say about the Bubbly Toes Spa Retreat!

      

Thanks again to our lovely sponsors Elan Hair Body & Sole, La Gondola, and Pastries Not Potatoes for an undeniably indulgent evening.

SYOY!
Jelena Z
Yelp Chicagoland Community Manager

Viva Yelp! at Café Habana!

Metro Detroit's Yelp Elite Squad got down underground last evening -- at the mojito bar & salsa lounge of Ann Arbor's own little slice of Cuba -- Café Habana! 

With Cuban music setting the tone, yelpers nibbled on mariquitas, baked goat cheese, and tacos al pastor, all while nursing mojitos, margartias and Habana's own special brew. 
                 

Yelper Nick H hammed it up for the camera, and Athena K walked away the lucky winner of a gift certificate to the nearby Michigan Theater. Elite Squad members eagerly opened their brand-spankin'-new Yelp lunchboxes, and a few scuffles even ensued with envious friends...              

Big thanks to the staff and owners at Café Habana -- for taking care of the Elite Squad with style and aplomb and leaving yelpers proclaiming: "Viva Yelp!" Check out some pics and reviews as they roll in...

What a night! Until next time...
SYOY!
Mariah C