Yelp Community Blog

Yelp Elites Got Crafty at the Museum of Contemporary Craft!

They're crafty - they get around
They're crafty - they're always down
They're crafty - they've got no gripes
They're crafty - and they're just our type...

Yup. Just like a super-bad Beastie Boys song, Yelp Elites got crafty at one of Portland's best hidden gems: the Museum of Contemporary Craft.  Over 100 of Portland's finest gathered in the Pearl on one of the hottest days of the year to enjoy an exclusive look at Call + Response, try their hand at printmaking and cup-pimping, and of course, to partake in some delicious cold beverages.

Walking inside from a balmy mid-90's day, Jenny C made a beeline for the ice cold cosmos, Matt M snagged one of Don B's own secret recipe sangria and of course, JW D headed straight for the frosty brews. Once cooled down, Bob S and friends enjoyed an exclusive private look at some amazing hand-done silk work, trippy magician videos, and a crazy interconnected display of ceramics work. All and all, the art installatins were a hit!

If the art and the drinks weren't enough, Elites got to try their hand at printmaking, courtesy of the awesome staff of MCC volunteers. Dan H enjoyed learning how to turn a photocopy into a cool oil print! Not to be out-classed, Yelp sponsored its own crafty workshop: a make-your-own-pimp-cup station! Julia L and Matt E got down and dirty with some blue goblets and sticky jewels to create some downright crunktacular chalices! There's nary an Elite in P-tizzle that doesn't have their own bejeweled pimp goblet. Talk about edu-tainment!

 

A big thanks are in order to the Museum of Contemporary Craft for opening up their special world to our Elite Squad for a super-exclusive inside look at some of the most amazing works coming out of the Portland (and international) scene, and to Rebecca, who was incredibly easy (and awesome) to work with. Thanks for the volunteers and the folks who showed us how to turn a simple image into a super-cool print, and to those who educated us on what exactly we were staring at on the walls and the pedestals. A big thanks to Andrew C and his magical camera skillz (and that fish-eye lens) for some great snapshots. Of course a thanks goes out to our lovely bartenders Hilary, Malia and Katie, without whom we'd be a lot more sober. And last, but not least, thanks to the Portland Elite Squad for being the best damn Elite squad in the nation.

Yeah that's right, I said it.

Check out the reviews and photos, if you don't believe...

Until next time, SYOY!
--Don B.

Silicon Valley Elite Get Their OM (Nom Nom) On at Sakoon!

On Wednesday night, Yelp Elites had the pleasure of wining and dining at Downtown Mountain View's newest culinary addition, Sakoon! Upon entering, everyone was wowed by the restaurant's colorful and contemporary interior, complete with an impressive bar, hand-carved wooden panels and fiber-optic chandeliers.

  

Yelpers sampled bites which blended traditional and contemporary flavors representing multiple Indian regions. Wine flowed throughout the evening, as glasses were filled with EOS Estate Winery's Zinfindel or Chardonnay, Gazela Vinho Verde and Villa San Juliette Petite Sirah. Guests also downed shots of one of Sakoon's signature cocktails, Monsoon Wedding, with Hypnotiq, and refreshing Ed Hardy Vodka-tinis.

To add to the liveliness of the event, the mezzanine was transformed into a Henna & Bindi Art Lounge, where Rachna of Henna and Beyond showed off her artistry and adorned guests with beautiful and intricate designs.

 

A huge thanks goes out to Balkar, Niru, Karam, Michael, Executive Chef Sachin Chopra, and all the other wonderful staff at Sakoon who made this event possible! And of course, thanks to Kirsten of Sapphire Brands and Rami of Frank-Lin Spirits and Fine Wines for providing the libations of the evening. Don't forget to catch the recaps from your fellow yelpers here, and peep the photos snapped by our photographers, Cindy C and Dave K.

Seattle's Yelp Elite Get It Twisted!

The record breaking heat (no really, it was 102 degrees) wasn't enough to keep Seattle's finest from gettin' twisted at 0/8 Seafood Grill & Twisted Cork Wine Bar on Wednesday night. Luckily, we had the A/C pumpin' in the the joint like nobody's business and everyone kept cool!

    

Yelpers were encouraged to "Get Twisted" by wearing a twisted tie. Penny ties, Police tape ties, and lots of other interesting neck-gerie in the house last night made for some seriously hilarious photo opps. Seattle's Yelp Elite imbibed on 10 Cane Rum Mojitos, beer, and wine, while they nibbled on bruschetta, scallops, and crabcakes from 0/8's menu.

  

With twisted ties and twisty straws in-drink, Yelpers voted on their favorite ties. The winners of the craziest neckwear were Sarah G (the massive red Yelp tie) and Henry L (Mr. Photo/ Post-it tie) who won a Molly Moon's gift card and a Slip N' Slide: the only one in all of Seattle still available for purchase from what we saw. Hopefully, we'll all be invited over to Henry's place to partake in the fun... whaddya say?

A big thank you goes out to the wonderful, hard working folks at 0/8 Seafood Grill & Twisted Cork Wine Bar, 10 Cane Rum for some delicious libations, and to our very own Henry L for snappin' pics! For his fabulous photos, check out our Flickr page. To read reviews of the event, click here!

Until Next Time Seattle,

Keep Cool... and SYOY!

Katie S

Dallas yelpers cruised for Fuse

The rooftop pool deck of Fuse was bursting at its seams last night with 100+ Dallas yelpers for their first Elite event in four months! They were ready for a smash-tastic party, and that's what we gave 'em!

Anna and the team at Fuse didn't hold back to show Dallas Elites a great time. There were fancy Fuse mojitos, Asian pear martinis and Asian beer imports (which inspired butt fans for a few yelpers). There was spicy edamame, tasty chicken skewers and sophisticated popcorn treats in Yelp Corn bags. And let's not forget about the Poi dancer who threw around knives and fire like they were toys!

After the food was gone and the drinks were flowing in full force, Dallas Elites hammed it up for the camera. Though no one jumped in the pool or got caught on fire, there was plenty to talk about as pre-party stories of Awkward Jenga made their way into conversations. There were even a couple of new Elites in the crowd, and we only hope the craziness didn't scare them away!

 

As you can tell from some of the snapshots from the evening, Fuse showed these Elites how it's done. Looking forward to doing this all over again in August...it's going to rock your socks off!

SYOY!
Nikki B

Toronto Yelpers Will “Never Forget Their First” Elite Event!

This past Tuesday, nearly 70 Toronto yelpers descended upon Salvador Darling, a beautiful hidden gem in the heart of Parkdale to enjoy the city’s inaugural Elite event! They say that you never forget your first, and this was certainly the case as yelpers marveled at Salvador Darling’s eclectic décor, nibbled on an assortment of sweet and savoury snacks and glugged Mojito Diablos served from an enormous, ornate glass carafe. Yelpers also fanned themselves with the hottest cooldown accessory this side of the 49th – the official Yelp fan.

 

Upon arrival everyone was issued a challenge: to find their “yelpmate” – a match to the art card they were handed along with their nametag. Each original McSweeney’s art card was part of a pair that lurked somewhere within the depths of Salvador Darling, and it was up to yelpers to mix ‘n mingle till they found their match! What followed was a regaling of “first” stories – including trying to remember the topic of their very first review!

 

We spotted Cailen S providing musical entertainment at the windowside piano and saw Erin J jazzing up everyone’s outfits with Yelp stickers. Brothers Dean & Xander L showed off their impressive (and yelpified!) “guns” and even engaged in a friendly arm wrestle at the bar top. And as hard as we tried, we couldn’t get Katrina L out of the Kubrick-esque, egg-shaped lucite chair that was suspended from the ceiling. Early in the evening we wondered if anyone would dare to climb in but within an hour there was a lineup to try it out!

   

A colossal thank you to Salvador Darling’s Tanya Grossi, hostess extraordinaire, who ensured that the evening ran smoothly and kept our yelpers’ tummies full of yummy sushi and sashimi bites. Also mightily impressive were the skills of bartender PJ, who pumped out glasses of mojitos and popped off beer caps at a feverish pace, all while wearing a signature red Yelp t-shirt -- he even had a nametag! PJ kept it all in the family with the help of his sister Kasey, who buzzed her way through the lounge tidying up and keep

Be sure to peep all of the fabulous photos taken by yelper Jeff Jewiss and don’t forget to add your two cents with a review on everything from chocolate chunk buttercream bars (mmm) to that curious throne with the ten foot tall back...

For more event chatter, head straight to the Talk threads!

Philly Yelpers Tied One On at Kung Fu Necktie!

Classiness was in full effect last night at Kung Fu Necktie where elite yelpers showed up donning bowties and neckties.

Our brave bartender Zach F satisfied aplenty, filling up yelp cups with Leinenkugel Amber Ale and Pabst Blue Ribbon whilst concocting cocktails with fruit infused Feckin Irish Whiskey and vodka. Thanks to S&H Kebab House, yelpers loaded up their pita bread with dollops of hummus, cold cucumber yogurt sauce, stuffed grape leaves and a spicy tomato and pepper dip! We even spotted Hilary P soaking up the booze with the fresh offerings!

   

It was tough prying yelpers away from the bar, but when break-dancers took the stage, all eyes were on their speedy moves and chiseled abs! When the performance was over, elites bellied back up to their cocktails while others tried their luck at the pinball machine!

 

A big thanks to Jim Herman and the rest of the staff at Kung Fu Necktie for making it a fun filled evening! Check out the complete set of sexy-packed photos snapped by Michael F ("Ferry") and read what partygoers had to say here. For all the juicy secrets of the night's happenings, make sure to read the talk thread!

 

If we missed you this time, hit up your elite calendar and RSVP for the next event on August 11th! What are you waiting for?!

Til then, SYOY,

Monica S

Bocce Blast in San Rafael

This Sunday, yelpers like Kelly T, Keane L, and Mandy L, came from all over the Bay area, sporting their most dapper whites and iron-pressed popped collar Polos, to enjoy the radiant San Rafael sun at the North Bay Yelp Elite Event at Marin Bocce Federation. Upon entering through Marin Bocce's huge iron wrought gates, many yelpers took the opportunity to explore the stunning rose garden, basking in the picturesque flowers on the white gazebo. Other yelpers like Eric L made their way over to the food spread, to munch on hot pizza, wild rice chicken salad and fruit from Good Earth, and a dreamy strawberry shortcake cake from Sunset Bakery. In between bites, yelpers reveled in an impressive collection of chilled wines from Bill at Scott Harvey Wines, cold brews from Jennifer and Kevin from Firestone Beer, and refreshing Honest Tea.

 

The wonderful Michelle from Marin Bocce Federation explained the rules of bocce to everyone assembled and in a short matter of minutes, the courts were full of Yelp bocce experts, like Donna H lightly bouncing bocce balls, down the long green foliage lined courts. Those who weren't as confident in their bocce skills, like Robyne G sat around and watched on the shaded park benches, while Lionel Richie and the Jackson Five crooned over the loud-speakers. As the day wore on, yelpers began to get more competitive, channeling their inner bocce ball spirit and the courts was full of jeering and cheering. Bocce stars Hugh H and Patricia P, among a handful of other bodacious boccers were even awarded fun prizes for their sharp outfits.

A huge thanks to everyone who came out for such a beautiful day and made it such a bocce blast success!

Atlanta Elites Stopped and Smelled the Roses at Rosebud!

It was a night Andie Walsh would have been proud of: the Atlanta Elite Squad got seriously pretty in pink at Rosebud in Virginia Highland: Todd P even bought a new shirt for the party! Chef Eyester and the rest of the crew at Rosebud invited the Squad in to their newly named and revamped restaurant, formerly Food 101. A plethora of pastels, peaches, corals, petunias, magentas, and fuschias could be spied throughout the crowded space

We were treated to some of the best food that Chef Eyester had up his sleeve. Jeremy A and Valerie A  voted the sliders the best of the bunch while Gretchen O and Kristin B are going back for more shrimp and grits. Zack E satisfied his sweet tooth with the hazelnut "bruschetta" and Ryan D got a healthy pour of locally brewed Terrapin beer. An assortment of Bacardi cocktails refreshed from the July heat and flower arrangements by Petals classed things up a bit. Angela M spent most of the party in Atlanta Photography's photobooth, while a whole horde of other Yelpers worked on their posing skills.

 

The party really started when Chef Eyester got up on the bar to address the crowd, commenting "You Yelpers can DRINK!" Yes, Chef, yes. we. can! Check out all of the great reviews here and pictures here!

A great time was had by all!
Kathleen M

Boston Elites Set Sail!

Clad in sailor suits, pirate gear and yachting best, Boston Elites climbed aboard The Odyssey and set sail on a three-hour tour on July 20, 2009. Blessed with an evening of beautiful weather, gorgeous people and breathtaking sunset views of our amazing city, yelpers ate, drank and danced the night away, making Yelp history on the first-ever Elite cruise around the Boston Harbor!

 

After grabbing an official boarding pass and hopping on the boat, yelpers were greeted by the super-friendly Odyssey crew, offering hand-passed hors d'œuvres, Malibu Bay Breezes and Maker's Mark Mojitos--the perfect summer cocktails. MDG 64 was on deck with their light and refreshing brew option, while vino enthusiastics were treated to Still River Winery's sweet samplings of their delicious apple ice wine, a perfect compliment to cheese!

Once all 400 Elites and their guests were on board and accounted for, the Odyssey left the dock and the night REALLY began, with an overflowing buffet of ceasar & garden salad, herb-roasted vegeatables, pasta primavera, lemon-basil chicken, red skin mashed potoates and a black pepper-crusted sirloin carving station. At her first Elite event ever, Lisa O downed three slices of that steak! Once sated with savory dishes, Elites moved over to the flowing chocolate fountain, dipping fresh strawberries and rice crispie treats which, according to Dennis K, was so irresistable he wanted to stick his face in it! Glad you resisted there, Dennis!

After a belly-filling dinner, the dancing, drinking and mingling continued on the Odyssey's four expansive decks, filled with the sounds of DJ John Zucco and the live-music styling of The Mark Greel Band. On the main dance floor, guests got down to some Bel Bid Devoe, merengue and classic tunes, while on the roofdeck, Lady Gaga inspired a few boogie-down circles as we approached the city once again.

Some higlights? The Yelp Boston Official Mascot, Spikey the Pinepple, made his debut appearance to the community and was received with open arms! Thanks again, Christopher M and Marc C, for creating such an awesome symbol of our community. Captain Jack Sparrow made an appearance! And there were newbies galore: Anya F, Kris M, Jenny H, Dennis K, Krys A, Walter G and Mary M attended their first official yelp event, while Sarah G was welcomed from LA at her first Boston Elite event! 

A big thank you to Maker's Mark, Malibu Rum, MGD 64 and Still River Winery for keeping the evening full of adult refreshments, and resounding applause to The Mark Greel Band and DJ John Zucco for their body-moving tunes. For their constant attention, welcoming faces and absolutely flawless service, our gratitude to the staff and crew of The Odyssey, our hosts with the mosts!

 

An epic adventure for sure, so check out all of the fabulous official photos snapped by Natasha Moustache and Tatsu Ikeda, and be sure to add your own two cents with a review on everything from pineapples to party attire! For insider information, gossip, rumors and recaps, read the talk threads!

Want more? Stay tuned for Yelp Boston's biggest event yet, The Red Carpet Gallery Gala at The Harvard Museum of Natural History! Keep your eyes peeled, RSVP's open soon!

SYOY,

Leighann F

Yelp DC is Going South!

DC yelpers converged upon the Potomac last night, braving the journey from far and wide (and from distant lands where the Metro actually runs) to make it to Chadwicks in Georgetown for our Yelp's Going South summer shindig.

With a second story view of the glittering water, we noshed on Chef Charles' award winning baby back barbecue ribs, cheeseburger sliders, buffalo wings, and cajun chicken egg rolls. Did you try that Thai chili sauce? Hard to tell if Sarah W did, considering the mound of food we saw on her plate! Good thing the delectable delights seemed to be never-ending!

Meanwhile, our bartender, Tom H, worked up a sweat behind the counter, crafting up Maker's Mark bourbon Kentucky Lemonades and Peach Teas, as well as stirring up trouble with some Sauza tequila yelp-aritas. A little heavy-handedness goes a long way toward building up yelpers' southern charm. Fortunately for everyone, we kept hostess/bouncer Fenny L double-fisting for most of the evening. Who did she manage to bilk, anyway?

Don't forget to catch the recaps from your fellow yelpers here, and scope out the fab photos snapped by our photographer, Lillian C, over on the Yelp photostream. Scope out Hyunoo P, who showed up as the Asian cowboy - bet you haven't seen that before, huh? These are the times when it's good to be yelpin' south of the Mason-Dixon!