Yelp Community Blog

Yelp Imbibes in Washington Wines!

This past Sunday, Seattle's Yelp Elite had the pleasure of partaking in pours from some of Washington's most notable wineries. Preservation Kitchen graciously hosted this lovely event. Since opening it's doors this past August, the restaurant has quickly become a well-known destination for foodies and casual diners alike.

Yelpers were greeted and given a glass. The mark of what would be a great Elite event, we know.

With five wineries each pouring several of their varietals, it would be a tough task to try them all. Sure enough, the Seattle Elite Squad willingly (and then some) accepted the challenge.

Guardian Cellars talked Yelpers through some of their vintages. Owner/ winemaker Jerry Riener chatted it up with the Elite and their guests, as he poured. Carly L notes that she "fell in love with Guardian Cellars.... I mean Gun Metal wine" that night. Good wine by cool people! It doesn't get any better than that.

The San Remo Sangiovese from Des Voigne Cellars was also a big hit, and Katie S made a new friend in "The lady pouring the Des Voigne San Remo Sangiovese... she was HILARIOUS!" She notes additionally, "that the wine was lovely too!" Lovely, indeed!

Representin' Efestē that night was owner Kevin Taylor and winemaker Brennon Leighton. The two were a big hit with the crowd, as were their delicious vintages. Alyson L was partial to their delicious "Sauvignon Blanc... She notes: "Next step - buy a wine rack."

Sarah B was "especially impressed by Pondera's Molvado, with its fruity-spicy goodness." Their Syrah was also quite popular and Yelpers were happy to be able to meet winemakers Shane Howard and Perri Tate, who shared their knowledge about their lovely wines.

And what would a Washington Wines event be without Brian Carter Cellars? Don T's "wife loved the Viognier, but he really enjoyed the Tuttorosso." Angie B enjoyed their wines as well. Her words, not ours: "Brian Carter wines were a hit for me too. I am a sucker for Italian-style wines."

Yelpers feasted on passed plates and 'not so passed plates' of delicious bruschetta, Ostrich fillet, duck croquettes, and the 'oh so famous' Chocolate Truffle Cookies by Chef Ivan Szilak. The Elite Squad got the chance to chat him up as they made their way through the gorgeous space, originally built as a craftsman home in 1916. Truly a memorable event, it provided the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening of food, friends, and fun...

and wine. Did we mention the wine?

 

           For more photographic evidence of this lovely evening, check out our pics on Flickr!                                 

Until Next Time Seattle,

SYOY!

Katie S

Living La Vita Local with Jody Adams

Living, eating, shopping and being local is what Yelp is all about! Boston's Leighann F recently caught up with Jody Adams, the executive chef and owner of Harvard Square's Rialto, for a little chat about her New England background, her Italian influences and what's best about both of her Boston neighborhoods!

Leighann: So you actually have a degree in anthropology. How did that lead to a culinary career?

Jody: I grew up in an academic family and both of my parents were librarians. We traveled extensively and that provided a lot of exposure to international cuisine. And we didn't have television, so books and food were a big part of my childhood. When I went to college, I chose anthropology because it fits into everything; music, costumes, dress, culture, food. Throughout college I worked with in catering, cheese buying and as a chef's assistant. After graduation, I began working as a line cook at Seasons under Lydia Shire.

Leighann: And just under two years ago, you became the sole owner of Rialto. What are learning from this experience?

Jody: In this position, you have to have an opinion on it all. For years, I managed the team in the kitchen, and now I am overseeing all of the elements: the wine program, the waitstaff, the bar and the back of the house. For me, it's about learning to be an effective leader and mentor.

Leighann: Throughout your career, you've received much praise for your creativity. Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Jody: I lived in a very Italian neighborhood. We had the most wonderful cheese shops and markets. Shopping here with my family is one of my earliest food experiences. Over the years, I've drawn from different regions of Italy, which are influenced by many other cultures, and have matched what that region is known for to what we have here locally.  In the Italian culture, you take what's seasonal and you don't mess with that, so I've tried to convey the Italian cuisine through the eye of a New Englander.

Leighann: So you're actually a native New Englander from Providence! Where do you spend most of your time these days?

Jody: I split my time between Brookline, my home, and Harvard Square, where I work.

Leighann: And when you finally get to take the apron off, what's got your attention?

Jody: When I have some free time, I like to relax and read, and I'm an avid bike rider. I'll ride around my neighborhood and around Jamaica Pond. For an extended ride, I love riding through the Arboretum... it's especially nice during lilac season.

Leighann: Raised by two librarians, you're bound to be a good resource for book stores!

Jody: I like to support independent bookstores. The Brookline Booksmith in Washington Square is one one of my favorites. In Harvard, I'd check out The Harvard Bookstore. The Globe is a fantastic bookstore as well.

Leighann: How about your local coffee shop?

Jody: Well there's Bloc 11, Hi-Rise and Sofra—they have a delicious Turkish breakfast and I'll try something new there each time I go. I've been going to Diesel Cafe for years now. I took my son there was he was 10 or 11 years old. You can play pool in the back, and there's a counter for your computer. It's a good place to come and get some focused work done. Oh, and they have great coffee, tea and food too!

Leighann: Yelpers want to know, where does an executive chef like to eat??

Jody: When my children come home from school, we really like cooking as family, with a nice glass of wine, and enjoying dinner together at home. Though for lunch, I really like Pomodoro in Brookline. Shiobhan, the owner, is a wonderfully wacky spirit and they really make you feel like you've come home. It's good food and traditional hospitality.

Leighann: You're also heavily involved in community service and giving back. How would you suggest yelpers get involved in their local efforts?

Jody: Find an organization that personally reaches you, that you share a mission with. Project Bread is a wonderful local organization dedicated to ending hunger in Massachusetts and The Greater Boston Food Bank has many different options, from sorting food to their Kitchen Cabinet program for young professionals.

Phoenix Yelp Gets Kissed By The Irish!

On Thursday evening, November 20th, Phoenix Yelp Elites and friends experienced the luck o' the Irish at Tim Finnegan's.  Festivities included live Irish music, authentic Irish cuisine, and quintessential Irish libations from Guinness, Bushmill's, and Bailey's Original Irish Cream.

Attendees included our favorite Yelp Elite veterans as well as first-time OYE goers Aileen B, Arik B, Amber W, Ayesha S, Marcus D, Maggie H, and Melissa H.  Mariah C was also on hand for the fun.  Congratulations to the raffle winners who received glorious Guinness gear.  Everyone was a winner with the "Yelp Rocks The Irish" cd parting gifts too!  The paparazzi were out in full force and photos are now posted on Flickr, 944, and four white wall photography (coming soon).  Don't miss the Talk and Reviews from the evening either!

Thanks again to Tommy, Trevor, and the fantastic Tim Finnegan's staff for a burstastic event!

Until next time,

SYOY!

xoxo,

Gabi K

LA Gets Freaky With Tikis At The Beachcomber Malibu!

Los Angeles yelpers attempted to bring back a bit of summer last night with a beachy, intimate gathering at the Beachcomber on the Malibu Pier. Guests were lei'd upon arrival and proceeded to the gorgeous and historic Malibu Pier Club overlooking the Pacific.

The tropical juices were flowing plentifully as guests sipped on two glowing, signature cocktails and noshed on nibbles including Ahi Tacos, Lamb Lollipops, Mediterranean Wraps, and various pizzas. To finish off the night, yelpers tested how low they could go with a limbo contest, including an impressive effort by Fran D!

Big thanks to Amy K for being photographer at large and documenting the fun, and of course to the Beachcomber staff for being wonderful hosts! Make sure to check out the photos on flickr!

Yelp and Coconuts,
Veronica R.

New York Elites Rock the Casbah

With this economy, it's getting harder to be jet set and fly off to Morocco when the mercury drops. Enter, Tagine Dining Gallery on 9th Ave where worldly New York Elites and their guests gathered to shake off the blues this past Monday! Singha beer started the party for plus one, Megan P, as the first round of Moroccan Maaquda and Bastilla circled the floor. Only minutes into the party, the line for Orange V Vodka in the form of Casbah Cosmos and Orange Kisses began to grow and in swooped Quinn Z with pitchers of Orange V Hootch to satiate the crowds. Drinking drinks while in line for a drink makes a pretty good drunk; just ask Karen F and Monica R who held court in the corner with a bastion of Yelp Elites.

What else did we learn on our Moroccan adventure? Peter K is a master at capturing an evening on film. Roderick A will dance with a belly dancer as long as nobody is looking and Steven V will dance with a belly dancer until she stops dancing. Jen W knows what she wants when it comes to Henna. And Kathleen R will go to battle for a Khefta meatball.

Thank you all for rocking it last night and if you weren't there or couldn't get on the list...keep your eyes peeled on the Elite page.

Want more dirt on what went down last night? Check out talk, the event page and our photos...

Here's looking at you, Yelp Elite.

SYOY,

Jane K + Yelp NY Team!

Rock Out With Your Yelp Out in the East Bay!

 

 

 

Yelp Elites and friends from around the Bay gathered to kick off our first East Bay Elite event at Berkeley nightlife institution, Shattuck Down Low. Renowned for its killer concerts, great vibe and spectacular karaoke nights, yelpers donned their rockstar best and flooded the doors to take the stage!

If there's one thing that we know it's how to work the spotlight. And how better to get in the mood that than to glam it up? We're talking bouffants, peacock lashes and cat eyes -- and make-up maven Jackie Ha and the gals from SF Institute made us shine!

Then pumped up by 42 Below cocktails, local brew, Trumer Pils, and powered by the scrumptious eats courtesty of Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen, yelpers were ready to belt it out. A vamp Britney Spears and dashing George Michael hopped on the mic,"Baby Got Back" resulted in booty shaking and slapping, and a tear or two may have been shed during "We Are the World." Elite event firsts, Sariah K, Nobbi L and Angela N were spotted busting it out. And vets like Bill B and Susanna B couldn't resist shaking a leg.

Fortunately all the tomfoolery was caught on camera by Nancy Rothstein. Things got really silly for the studio shots of Looking Glass Photo too. Check the album here. Give em a ring for your free print too!

High five and many, many thanks to all the sponsors who made the magic happen. The crew at the Down Low, you haven't seen the last of us yet!

Want in? Check out Yelp.com/Elite for details.

Until next time...

Enjoy & SYOY!
Ligaya T

Chicago Yelp American Males

Let's hear it for the boys!

Ahem, or...let's hear it for the Yelp American Males. That's more like it! The strapping, sexy lads of the Chicago Yelp Elite Squad headed to American Male on Thursday, November 13th for an evening of complimentary mini-services including; neck cleanups, hand massages, facial and scalp massages, nail buffing and filling and eyebrow waxes. Many of Yelp's fine ladies were on hand to witness the magic as well, of course...and everyone was given a goodie bag to go!

Some liquid courage was on hand courtesy of Veev and light appetizers (the lobster pizza was a clear favorite, closely followed by the tuna tartare!) by Blue 13. A huge shout out to Yelp's very own Devious Dames Baking Co. (comprised of Carrie M, Hollie S and Courtney B) for providing lucious cake balls for dessert. Red velvet, Mexican chocolate and pumpkin spice bombs of beauty kept the crowd extremely happy...and sugar-satisfied!

On hand to catch all the man pampering was Joshua Mitchell (Josh M on Yelp) of Contiuum Photography...click here to see the evidence...errr, photos! Also, the reviews are in...add your two cents, or just see what yelpers have to say about Chicago Yelp's first male spa evening...

Thank you to our lovely sponsors American Male, Veev, Blue 13 and the Devious Dames Baking Co for making taking care of the Yelp boys, and for a lovely evening of manscaping!

SYOY, hotties!
Colleen C
Yelp Chicago Community Manager

Ladies of Yelp NYC Clothing Swap at W New York

The streets were slick with rain and cabs were hard to come by on 39th Street last night. Despite the obstacles the truly fashion hungry ladies of Yelp prevailed. Set in the beautiful Audrey Bar and Cherry Lounge at W New York - The Tuscany, piles of once cherished but hardly worn items lined the tables and filled the racks at Yelp New York's Clothing Swap.

Early arrival, Janeen B scoped out some fun finds while long lasting Lexy M stayed till final call. Dawn from Kasteel Cru served up some flutes of bubbly beer and the wonderful people at W New York provided some tasty pizza bites at the bar. We had so much fun, we're already planning another one for the Spring! Stay tuned...

Check out talk, photos, and share your stories.

xoxo,

Jane K.

Portland Yelpers Ask: Deal, Or New Deal?

The Portland Elite squad was out in full force on Friday, November 7th for an evening spirits, snacks, and pure awesome. The night certainly didn't disappoint.

New Deal Distillery hosted the event, providing endless amounts of their Portland 88 and Hot Monkey Vodka. And not to be outdone, The Maiden provided tasty tapas such as bacon wrapped dates, cheese platters, and pumpkin spice cheesecake (not to mention two exceptionally industrious bartenders).

To celebrate the end of the election season and accompanying stress, Chad Snow from Structure Massage got his hands on some lucky yelpers that managed to stumble his way -- and a few elites even snagged some gift certificates. Unfortunately, yelp employees were unsuccessful in rigging the raffle for these coveted gems, and 8 happy elites went home with either a free massage or a bottle of vodka.

If you want the dirty details, check out the reviews and photos!

On a personal note, many thanks to all who made this last year and a half the most burstastic, dirty, crazy delicious year of my life. I cannot begin to thank you for the amazing experience this has been.

blizzow.
Laura

Yelp Miami was Swizzlin' at Badrutts

Miami yelpers stepped into an extra swanky spot last night at Badrutts. The posh ambiance and old world surroundings were perfect for the merry crowd, Elites like Felicia W sampled dishes including fried mini mashed potatoes. However, a certain Elite and her +1 were lovin' the spinach fatayer, right Michelle?

Smirnoff Vodka provided the vodka bar, clearly a winner with all the guests.

Thanks to the always amazing Kevin L from DC  As usual, our phenomenal photographer Nefarious Girl, Jipsy herself was on hand to capture the magic.  Don't forget to scope out the photos on flickr!

Keep your eyes open for some 80s Prom action and Basel festivities. 

Until then, SYOY!

-Maria A