Yelp’s First Look For Foodies

It's a new year of Yelpiness, and the Elite community started things off with a tasty bang! Over 100 Yelpers came together at Yelp's First Look for Foodies, a delicious sneak preview of Kansas City Restaurant Week. One of the most unique event spaces in the city, host venue The Bean Hangar opened its doors to the Yelp community as some of the city's best restaurants sampled out selections from their upcoming Restaurant Week menus.

When Melisa V noticed Chef Celina Tio serving house-smoked salmon with deviled-egg salad from behind her restaurant Julian's station, she was thoroughly impressed. "It just shows how much she values and respects the opinions of the people who dine there." Meanwhile, Kay L couldn't get enough of "the monstrously sized shrimp" from The Final Cut. Andrew M opted to eat dessert first, noting that "the frozen peanut butter chocolate bars from Starkers are amazing!"

Since all of this sampling can work up a thirst, a triple-threat of beverage providers made sure everybody kept hydrated. Quintessential Wines was on hand to offer perfect pairings, while Boulevard Brewery helped us drink local by offerings pours of both 80 Acre and Nutcracker! And of course The Roasterie turned up the heat by offering complimentary cups of coffee, roasted just on the other side of the venue's huge glass windows!

And because what's an event without an activity, Yelp Elites played a matching game of epic stakes. Each participant had to match a variety of pictures (pulled from Yelp, of course!) to the correct participating restaurants. The winner - who only missed one match - won a free night's stay at The Hilton President Kansas City Hotel plus dinner at Providence New American Kitchen! But since we think that all Yelpers are winners, everybody left with a swag bag full of coupons and gift certificates to over a dozen KC area restaurants!

Thanks to The Bean Hangar and to all participating restaurants for making this event a huge success. And of course, keep your eyes on Yelp to see what other surprises the Elite Squad can look forward to in 2013!

Your Friendly CM

Matt E (pictured with the big contest winner, Elaine D!)