Yelp Miami Makes It Snow For The Holidays

It seems only fitting that after an Elite event with plenty of fire, Yelp Miami follow up with something cool — literally. After all, it’s the holidays. So, with tidings of comfort and joy on their minds, over 200 invite Elites (and guests) made their way to Miami Beach gem The Sanctuary South Beach to enjoy a catered event by downstairs restaurant OLA. Yelp’s Oliday Xtravaganza was ready to begin.

  

After walking through the ground floor showcase of the gorgeous cabana rooms, guests took elevator (or, steps) to the rooftop, which was adorned in sexy white and warm red. And, wait. What was that? Snow? Yes. Guests were greeted with a snowstorm made just for them on a humid, 80-degree night in Miami Beach. The Beach skyline never looked better than when dotted with foamy snowflakes.  Mood set and effect created, it was time to eat.

Some guests took advantage of the event’s special prix fixe menu which featured duck salad, plantain-crusted mahi and banana tres leches. But for those who were trying OLA’s food for the first time at the event were in for a treat. Lite bites of Chicharron, House Meatballs, Corn Empanada, Mini Lobster Empanada, Fire and Ice Ceviche, Chicken Anticucho, Deconstructed Key Lime Pie, and Mini Chocolate Bombs delighted guests as it seemed that the servers could not keep up with demand for OLA’s delicious Latin fusion creations. And the thirst built up by eating all that food was quenched with a dedicated wine/beer bar and a dedicated mojito bar, making deceptively powerful libations from Ron Zacapa and Don Q rums.

Despite the incredible food and drink, it was the extras that truly made the evening memorable. DJ Alejandro Cacciola got the crowd moving and kept ‘em there, playing everything from Christmas classics to house to hip-hop. Inspired by the music, bad Santa made an appearance, stumbling through the crowd, dancing inappropriately and making good boys and girls very uncomfortable when they sat on his lap. But the crown jewel of the evening isn’t what yelpers took; it was what they gave. Proving themselves to be Elite people as well as yelpers, Yelp Miami donated over 150 unwrapped toys that went to the benefit of the Ronald McDonald House of South Florida, The Boys & Girls Club of Miami and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Because of these Elites, children throughout the metro are guaranteed to get something this holiday season and for that, this recapper could not be more proud. Ace photog Alex H took the shots here and revelers scribed their impressions here. Enjoy the holidays, be safe and we’ll see you in 2013.

Ho Ho Hoing,

Johnny T

Comments

[christina]

Such a great cause. Such a wonderful event.