Yelp Community Blog

Yelp Dallas's Passport to Deep Ellum

Deep Ellum: One of those rare neighborhoods that exudes both orignality and sustainability. Through the years the spunky spread of shops, restaurants, music venues, studios, venues, and more has served as a visual timeline for Dallas. From the early hay days of packed music venues and vibrant murals to emerging from a rough decade of decline in community support – Deep Ellum is a survivor and they have the scrappy scars to prove it! Just Southeast of Downtown Dallas, the bold effervescence resonates in every storefront and every business owner's passion for their local hood. How could we not choose it as Yelp Dallas's destination for the Yelp Passport Campaign?

On May 7th 2012, something wonderful happened. Yelp Dallas infiltrated Deep Ellum for Yelp's Passport to Deep Ellum – a two week long celebration of the historic neighborhood. From discounted PinUp shoots customized just for you at the Dallas PinUp to 20% off your meal if you ride your eco-friendly bike to Buzzbrews - Deep Ellum was a non-stop community love fest. A glowing itinerary kept the Yelpers busy as they hit the streets in support of Deep Ellum.

In true local fashion, Yelp coordinated a Cash Mob. What's a Cash Mob you say!? A cash mob happens when a group of people go on a collective spending spree in support of a favorite local business. Yelp Dallas set up a time, a meeting place, and a secret spending location: pretty much everything you need to give a shop a quick hit of cash and community love. Good deeds never looked so good!

   

On May 17th, 30 peeps gathered at the Passport Mural. Anticipation rose higher and higher as Yelpers anxiously followed Frances G through the streets of Deep Ellum for the top secret Yelp's Passport to Deep Ellum Cash Mob! Millennium, a quirky vintage store stocked to the brim with good finds, was the destination. In the few short hours of shopping we raised more than a busy Friday afternoon for the lovely local spot. Please visit the pics provided by Thomas Garza Photography.

Thanks to the awesome local supporters, we were able to support such a well-deserving local business! It was such an inspiration to see the ideals of Yelp actually being employed: supporting a local business while engaging with their community!

Local art group, ArtLoveMagic even joined in on the community love by producing a Yelp-customized mural in honor of Yelp's Passport to Deep Ellum and even captured the creation in this upbeat and inspirational video: Yelp Passport Mural Video.

 

Get involved, help support local business and the local community by experiencing the vibrant, one-of-a-kind neighborhood, Deep Ellum. For further support of the neighborhood and ways to be involved, please visit Deep Ellum Community Association. A huge Thank You to all of the Deep Ellum participating businesses, the Deep Ellum Foundation, the Deep Ellum Community Asscociation, and Abstract Method Marketing for allowing this amazing initiative to happen.

SYOY!
Frances G

Yelp Madrid: ¡Viaje con nosotros! - Evento de Élite en El Site

A pesar de que el cielo amenazaba con aguarnos la fiesta pocos minutos antes de comenzar, 85 Yelpers vencieron el miedo a la tormenta y se personaron en El Site, ávidos de conocer más detalles sobre la promoción que, durante esta semana, promete remover los cimientos del barrio de Malasaña a través de catorce ofertas increíbles en catorce negocios alucinantes.

Nada más pasar el control de seguridad, los Yelpers fueron recibidos por la tripulación de Yelp Madrid, correctamente vestidos para la ocasión y dispuestos a que todos los asistentes se abrochasen sus cinturones para disfrutar de una noche… ¡repleta de turbulencias!

Pese a ellas, los Yelpers pudieron disfrutar pronto de un magnífico servicio de bebida a bordo ofrecido por The Gin Club a través de Larry's Gin, y por The Beer Club con la cerveza Sandels 3,5%. Ana H reconoce que "las copas estaban estupendas" y ha descubierto que la cerveza es "muy de su estilo". 

Pero como no solo de bebida vive el Yelper, La Bombonera deleitó al pasaje con "deliciosas fresas y uvas bañadas en chocolate" —en palabras de Asunción V, que también destaca lo bien que maridaban con la ginebra Larry's—. Asimismo Julián, el barquillero, aportó según Claudio M "un detalle típicamente pichi que añade un plus a los siempre divertidos momentos que pasamos en estos encuentros mensuales".

Por si todo esto fuera poco, las chicas de The Suitcase nos prestaron algunos de sus magníficos tocados para hacer nuestro photocall aún más glamuroso, mientras que Graceman se encargaba de la música a bordo, aplicándose a los platos, e Hijomía capturaba los mejores momentos de la fiesta a través de su obturador, creando un magnífico álbum de fotos vacacional que se puede consultar en nuestra página de Flickr. ¡Nos hemos quedado con ganas de más! Pero antes de la siguiente, deja tus impresiones en la página del evento. Y si no pudiste asistir, ¡no te olvides de descargar tu copia del Pasaporte Yelp a Malasaña!

¡NVEY! (¡Nos vemos en Yelp!)

Lolo R

Responsable de la Comunidad de Yelp en Madrid

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Even though the sky was threatening with a big storm right before the start, 85 Yelpers defeated their fear to the thunders and lightings and made it to El Site, willing to know more details about the promotion that, during this week, is going to rock Malasaña through fourteen awesome offers in fourteen incredible businesses.

Right after passing through security check, the Yelp Madrid Cabin Crew, properly dressed, welcomed all the attendees and warned them to fasten their seat belts in order to enjoy the night, as weather conditions… could certainly bring some rough air to the party!

Anyway, soon enough the cabin crew was able to pull out the inflight catering, and Yelpers were treated with exceptional drinks. For starters, Larry's Gin, courtesy of The Gin Club, and following Sandels 3.5% beer by The Beer Club, two amenities that Ana H recognize as "very stylish and just incredibly awesome".

But Yelpers do eat between drinks, and the passage could also enjoy an assortment of "delicious strawberries and grapes coated with chocolate" made by La Bombonera which, as Asunción V points, "paired perfectly with Larry's Gin". Likewise, Julian, our very own barquillero, contributed adding sweetness to the party through the traditional Madrid wafers, "a very Madrilian detail that was just added up to the always funny and amusing moments we share monthly", as says Claudio M. 

Just in case Yelpers hadn't enough, The Suitcase girls lent us some beautiful headdresses to fill our photocall with glamour, and Graceman was in charge of the inflight music, showing his great skills with the vinyls, while Hijomía put together a beautiful photo album that you can admire in our Flickr page. We are already looking for the next one! Please, do not forget reviewing the event on our Event Page and if you could not attend… please download your copy of the Yelp Passport to Malasaña!

SYOY!

Lolo R

Yelp Madrid Community Manager

Le Geek C’est Chic – Soirée Élite Yelp au Nacho Libre

Dimanche soir, 60 Yelpeurs Montréalais ont profité de la longue fin de semaine pour faire la fête un soir de semaine. Les lunettes, calculatrices, nœuds papillons, bretelles et jeux vidéo étaient au rendez-vous pour une soirée chaude à la Geek Chic au Nacho Libre! 

Les cocktails concoctés par Canadian Club et Red Stag ont été parfaits pour cette soirée d’été précoce. Les Yelpeurs ont pu boire à leur soif et Mathieu B a trouvé « les margarita superbes! Addictive comme de la sloche pour adulte! » Et pour ceux qui ne sont pas fans de cocktails, Boris a fait don de bières tout aussi rafraîchissantes. Pour accompagner nos boissons, le Nacho Libre a présenté toutes ces variétés de tacos. Des petites bouchées au poulet, porc et bœuf étaient au menu avec une variété de sauces pour les moins et les plus aventureux. Certains Yelpeurs ont été si impressionnés, qu’ils sont restés plus tard pour en demander plus!

Plus tard en soirée, un test surprise a permis à un Yelpeur d’être le gagnant d’un panier cadeau de produits variés de Smoke Fine Foods, des sels et épices fumées au bois dur. Des questions à propos de l’histoire, de la chimie et des jeux vidéo ont stupéfiés plusieurs!

Puis, un merci spécial va à Julien Danino qui a pris nos beaux sourires en photos pour qu’on puisse se souvenir de cette soirée à tout jamais! Vous pouvez voir toutes les photos ici, puis lire les avis à propos de la soirée ici.

 

Marie-Pier « Geekette » R
Chef de commuanuté, Yelp Montréal

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In English please?

Sunday evening, 60 Montreal Yelpers enjoyed the long weekend to party on a school night. Nerdy glasses, calculators, bow ties, suspenders and video games were all on the menu for this hot evening of Geek Chic at Nacho Libre!

The cocktails, concocted for us by Canadian Club and Red Stag were perfect for this early summer night. The Yelpers quenched their thirst and Mathieu B found the “margaritas amazing! Addictive like slush for adults!”  And for those who aren’t fans of cocktails, Boris was there too with some cool and refreshing beers. Nacho Libre also presented its many varieties of tacos to the guests. Small bites of their chicken, pork and beef tacos were on the menu along with a variety of sauces for the less and more adventurous. Some Yelpers loved the food so much they stayed a bit longer to order some more! 

Later in the evening, a surprise pop quiz allowed one lucky Yelper to win a gift basket of products from Smoke Fine Foods, salt and spices smoked with hardwood. Questions tested people’s knowledge of history, chemistry and video games and stumped a few!

Finally, a special thank you also goes out to Julien Danino who took great pictures of our smiles so that we can remember this evening forever. You can look at all the pictures here, and read all the reviews here.

 

Marie-Pier « Geekette » R
Community Manager, Yelp Montréal

URBAN GOLF Antwerpen Elite Event

Na dagen en weken van onophoudende regen kwam de zon helemaal speciaal voor dit Yelp Antwerpen Elite Event naar buiten! 35 Antwerpse Yelpers kwamen om Urban Golf te gaan spelen! Bij Urban Golf kan men kiezen uit drie parcours. Wij deden de Haventour op het Noord! Begeleiders Matthijs, Ricardo en Quinten splitsten de groep in twee en toen waren we vertrokken voor een Yelpdag vol sport, zon en plezier!

Bij Urban Golf of Stadsgolf speel je tegen targets in plaats van de gebruikelijke holes. Targets als bomen, muren, huizen en het Mas,..Je speelt met almost golf balls, dat zijn balletjes die niets breken!

Het parcours was geweldig en iedereen was onder de indruk van het golfen, de parels van de haven en de lange wandelafstand. We kregen echt les met tips en tricks. De winnaar van het Urban Golf event was Christophe C en won een waardebon van de concept store "Moose in the City". De slechtste speler kreeg een troostprijs: een prachtige fles "Voss" water, het duurste water ter wereld.

Het summum van onze  tocht was target 9 waar we aan een dok de bal over het water moesten swingen! Dit lukte bij sommigen, en dat hebben we dan gevierd in het Duvels Genot waar we allemaal samen nog een pintje zijn gaan drinken!

Van harte wil ik Ward en Claudia van Urban Golf bedanken voor deze topdag en natuurlijk onze helden Matthijs, Quinten en Ricardo voor de professionele golfles.

Rudolf Van Der Ven voor de geweldige foto’s en natuurlijk jullie Yelpers die na dit event  zeker een paar nieuwe vrienden extra hebben! My god what a wonderful happy day! Lees hier alvast de reviews!

Saskia N : "Maud had voor de 2 aanwezige peuters (waaronder mijn zoontje) een plastieken golfset meegebracht, waardoor de 2 prutskes ook heel actief hebben kunnen meespelen.
Kan niet wachten tot er een volgende Elite event plaatsvindt! "

Christophe C "De verschrikte blikken van omstaanders die u met een golfclub over straat zien lopen moet je er maar bijnemen"

Bart G  "Dit was helemaal top! Een echte aanrader! Toffe mensen, tof event, op naar het volgende... Proficial yelp-team!"

Maud N - Community Manager Yelp Antwerpen

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After days & weeks of infinite rain, the sun came out especially for this Elite Event! A full day of sun, all for the 35 Antwerp Yelpers that came to find out about Urban Golf! Urban Golf allows you to choose from 3 tracks. We did the Harbour Tour in the North of Antwerp. Coaches Matthijs, Ricardo and Quinten divided the group in two and we were off for a fun & sunny Yelp day!

At Urban Golf or City Golf you play targets in stead of holes, such as trees, walls, houses, the Mas,... You play with "almost golf" balls, which are a bit lighter than regular golf balls so you don't break anything.

The course was amazing and everyone was impressed by the golfing, the harbour and the long walking distance. We really learned all about golf. The winner of the Urban Golf Event was Christophe C, he won a voucher for the concept store "Moose in the City". The worst player got a consolation prize: a beautiful bottle of "Voss" water, the most expensive water in the world.

The climax of our Urban Golf trip was target 9, where you got to swing the ball all over the water! Some did, and so we celebrated at "Het Duvels Genot" where we all got together for another beer! I really want to thank Ward and Claudia of Urban Golf for this great day and of course our heroes Matthijs, Quinten and Ricardo for the professional golf course. 

Rudolf van der Ven for the great pics and of course, you Yelpers who I'm sure all ended up with a whole bunch of new friends after this event. My God what a wonderful happy day! Read the reviews here!

Maud N - Community Manager Yelp Antwerp

Yelp Sails Into Summer in Buffalo!

Buffalo's first class of Elites sure are adventurous. They've explored speakeasies, sampled kimchi ... and this week, they helped raise the sails of a gorgeous schooner at Yelp Sets Sail!, hosted on board the Spirit of Buffalo.

After checking in at Buffalo's Canalside Harbor, our VIPs posed for photos on the deck. (Did we mention our Buffalocals are really, really, really good-looking?)

They also made the acquaintance of co-captains Rich and Kate Hilliman, who own and operate the Spirit with their family. This cool crew is known for hosting everything from wine tours to educational sails for Buffalo's inner-city youth. We were lucky to have them (along with crew member Drew Mickle) as our hosts!

Once aboard this 73-foot beauty, our Elites and their guests were treated to a number of treasures: Yelpy sunglasses and SPF-loaded chapstick, fans to beat the heat, and spiffy new Elite watches!

Our guests also enjoyed a midday feast fit for a captain, from gorgeous goudas provided by Elmwood's Nickel City Cheese & Mercantile, to spicy cheese dip and fresh veggies courtesy of Hertel's Globe Market to Go. And they washed it all down with a limited-edition Spirit of Buffalo lager, brewed by nearby Pearl Street Grill & Brewery!

As the Beatles played overhead and the Spirit sailed out of the Buffalo harbor, some Elites kicked back and relaxed (who wouldn't?).

Meanwhile, others were hard at work, learning the ins and outs of operating the Spirit. A few brave souls helped to hoist the sails, while other Elites took a turn behind the wheel with our captains. (Unsurprisingly, our fearless leader, Jane K, seemed right at home at the helm.) 

Some VIP-ers simply preferred to look the part, inking themselves up like true sailors with super-cool Yelp tattoos!

Camera-toting and competitive as always, our Elites also kept busy by capturing gorgeous views of Buffalo's waterfront, with hopes of winning our Facebook photo contest. The prize? Dinner at Kung Food with Ryan W, and bragging rights forever.

Whether you bear the evidence of your journey on your smartphones, your biceps, or your hearts (aww), we know we'll "never let go" of the memories we made at Yelp Sets Sail!

Wanna keep the party going? You can review the event and upload your photos, peep and download the pix on the Yelp Buffalo Official Flickr, tag yourself on our (new!) Facebook page, and chat it up with other partygoers on Talk!

And of course, keep your eyes on the horizon (and your Elite calendars) for our next Buffalo adventure...

Cheers,

Ryan W (+ Rebecca D, Ana J, and Jane K!)

Community Cap'n

Yelp Buffalo

It's All Hands On Deck For Yelp Honolulu's Battleship Bash

150+ Yelp Elites (& their +1s) were treated to a 5-star evening aboard the historic Battleship Missouri Memorial (also know as the Mighty Mo) for Yelp's Battleship Bash ! Upon arrival guests got the red carpet treatment, took photos in front of a Battleship movie backdrop and received custom dog tags engraved with the event name and date.  

 
 

Groups of yelpers took a 45-minute tour accompanied by USS Missouri tour guides who gave them a sneak peak of the new Battleship movie tour and shared interesting facts about the historical significance of each part of the ship. Chris M's tour guide Reggie captured their "attention from the very beginning by telling" them "about the power of the ship's guns; capable of shooting targets over 20 miles away, at speeds of 1700 miles per hour!" For him, "standing over the spot where the Instrument of Formal Surrender was signed was incredibly humbling. History is so much more interesting when you can experience a part of it first-hand!"

 
 

After the tour, yelpers were treated to a smashing cocktail fete on the ship's fantail. DJs from Mystical Sounds pumped up the jam and yeeps checked-in on their smart phones to get their complimentary sailor hat and Yelp schwag. Hungry history buffs noshed on four food stations from Gordon Biersch.

 
 

Always thirsty yelpers imbibed on a grand assortment of saketinis and mojitos muddled by the friendly staff from Shokudo Japanese. The folks from Aloha Beer were on hand to pour locally brewed draft lager and a Yelp favorite, red ale!

   

The phrase "You sunk my battleship!" echoed throughout the party as guests battled it out on Hasbro Battleship board game stations. Trailers for the upcoming movie Battleship, played on screens throughout the evening (as much of it was filmed onboard the USS Missouri) and yelpers won seats to the VIP pre-screening via Mighty Mo trivia. Jacob N regales, "It was awesome to see so many people playing Battleship on a freaking battleship! How many people can actually say they've done that before?"

 
 

Want to relive your nautical escape? Bask in the glory via 5-star reviews, view the party pics by photographer Jonas Maon and chat it up on Talk! 'Til we bash again...

SYOY & Aloha!

Emi H (+ Interns Thomas O & Pua P)

Senior Community Manager

Yelp Honolulu

 

 

Bollywood Comes to Berkeley for One Elite Night Only!

Bhangra, basmati, bellydancing and bindis cast a spell upon downtown Berkeley's Zaika, transforming this beloved Indian resto into a mini Bollywood bash for a night. The East Bay Elite Squad is still buzzing over the smorgasbord of stimuli at Yelp's Bollywood Bonanza, from platters of bright sizzling red tandoori chicken, and cymbal-clinging dancers weaving through the crowd, to frosty cups of Orange Kush and crisp sips of ZICO coconut water, the evening was nothing less than "a feast for the senses," Diana V confirms. "With everyone dressed up in colorful saris, churidars, kurtas, and beautiful bindis, this YEE became our own little India." 

Nearly 300 Elites and their guests swarmed Zaika, clad in their Bollywood best, and were greeted by a massive spread of Indian specialties like korma paneer, chicken tiki masala, fresh naan and all the spicy accoutrements. "I've had a fair share of Indian buffet in my day," Monica S professes, "and I'll say I have never had chicken tandoori that was as moist and tender as what we ate last night at Zaika." Lara W was impressed to discover Zaika "goes deeper into the spice territory than most dare to go," a thrilling change of pace for the average palate.

Tingling tongues were appeased by an array of beverages, as Gnarly Head Wines offered zesty Pinot Grigio and rich Old Vine Zinfandel, a perfect pairing for Zaika's robust flavors. Ale Industries filled cups with their citrus-coriander infused Orange Kush beer, along with a bold hoppy brew named Uncle Jesse's. "The 10 gallons of beer they brought were no match for the YEE crew," notes Egan B. Yelpers cheerfully drained the taps within an hour, which "speaks on how much we enjoyed the product!"

Woodchuck Cider featured a special limited release for Elites, their blueberry-tinged Summer Cider. Venus L "couldn't believe how delicious the hard cider" was, and can't wait to pick stock her own personal supply, while the Bollywood feast brought Hayne P to the realization that "ZICO Coconut Water is excellent with Indian food!"

As if these yelpers could pile anything else on their proverbial plates, Traditional Henna was there to offer inticate henna body-art for Elites to admire for weeks to follow. The scented tattoos reminded Hema K of the fun she "used to have in India during special occasions."  And who could miss the stomping, spinning, and spirited Bhangra dancers who emerged unexpectedly to perform a jaw-dropping dance set, showing folks like Best O "how to move to the boom, boom, boom." Looking back, Lara W thinks their performance "would have been a great transitional lead into a dance party/disco had there been room to do so." Next time!

Adding to the mesmerizing entertainment, bellydancers weaved through the crowd, clanging cymbals and moving snake-like, and melting all of Lorrayne L's weekday worries of "drowning in the vast seas of papercuts and late nights chained behind a desk" away. "Just watching her dance...brought smiles to my face."
YEE newcomer Omar J raves, "this was my 2nd Yelp event and if this is what they are like... well then I'm so glad I'm a yelper," while Meuy S summed it up simply, saying "this party kicked some major bootay!" All in all, it was an evening of exotic indulgences that left Akvile H "craving more Zaika in my life." Get it, girl.

Get your fix of more Bollywood Bonanza reviews, and dazzling photos by Basil Glew-Galloway on our Flickr and Facebook page.

Until our next great escape...

Nique F

East Bay Community Manager & Sari Stylist

Sacramento Elites Go Masquerading In Midtown

It was an anonymous evening of masked mayhem during Yelp Presents: The MasqueRED Ball at The Red Rabbit Kitchen & Bar on Wednesday night. This recent addition to the burgeoning midtown restaurant scene spared no expense when it came to making sure our masquerading guests were having an emotive experience filled with craft cocktails, local artwork and special treats from their kitchen.


Disguised in masks of all shapes and sizes, elites and their +1's entered to discover this sleek and spacious brick restaurant had morphed into a haunting Venetian-themed venue that would have had old-world Italian aristocrats drooling with jealousy. Masks and puppets adorned the tables, red light splashed across the walls,a humongous red mask by local artist Dolan Forcier hung from the rafters, candelabras stood lit in the corners and electro-tinged classical tunes played on the sound system.


Eyes were wide open when it came to the seemingly endless parade of offerings from the Red Rabbit's kitchen. Staff members - some of whom were dressed in white powdered wigs - carried tray after tray of Farm Animal Lollipops (natural beef, lamb, or chicken meatballs with bacon, Marinara, mint chimi churri and beer onion soup aioli), Mini Crispy Fish Tacos (baby tortillas , crispy sole, cabbage slaw, cotija cheese) and deviled eggs.Yelpers washed it all down with the featured drink: a special Yelp punch that seemed to grow stronger as the night went on!


But what would be a gathering of elites without a great cause to support? Proceeds from all masks sold at the event went to Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary, an all-volunteer, cage-free animal rescue group dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of homeless and abused animals throughout the Sacramento area. In all, hundreds of dollars went to the cause!


A very special thanks to Event Marketing Creative, an up-and-coming marketing company with a finger on the pulse of what's hip and cool in the Sactown community. They did a ton of hard work and coordination behind the scenes to make this event the smashing success it was! Also thanks to Phil Isidro of PureAddict.com, whose dynamic photography captured the evening beautifully. Find out all the rest of the details in the outstanding reviews!

Masqueradingly yours,

Alex L
Yelp Sacramento Community Manager

Yelp NYC's Hummus Day Elite Event @ Hummus & Pita Co.

Perhaps you've heard of Administrative Assistant day and Talk Like a Pirate Day... but who knew there was such thing as International Hummus Day?! We here at Yelp NYC sure did, and ensured the holiday didn't come and go without a special Yelp Elite blowout at the Hummus & Pita Co. in Chelsea. The Hummus & Pita Co. is a new fast-casual restaurant serving up 100% homemade, fresh and healthy cuisine in an inviting, contemporary environment. Combining authentic flavors from across the Mediterranean with a modern-American service style, The Hummus & Pita Co. brings high-quality, flavor-focused eats to those in the 'hood with busy lifestyles. Naturally, it was the perfect setting for a celebration of all things chickpeas.

Armed with delectable homemade hummus along with fresh baked pita, falafel, baklava, rugalech, and many more Mediterranean goodies, The Hummus & Pita Co. ensured this was one Hummus Day for the record books. In addition to the piquant bill of fare, beer was lovingly donated by our pals at Brooklyn Brewery to ensure the perfect nightcap to a wonderful evening of friends, food, and a tasty, tasty buzz.

Want to relive the experience? Be sure to check out the photos here. For reviews of the soiree, be sure to guide your cursor here. We're already looking forward to Hummus Day 2013!

Yelp's Passport to East Passyunk Kick-Off Party at Urban Jungle

Yelp Elites kicked off Yelp's Passport to East Passyunk at a swankified garden party at Urban Jungle on Monday night. Amidst the various plant life, colorful decorations and twinkling lights, guests savored and sipped while discussing the many events to take place on East Passyunk Avenue in the days to come.
The fact that it was a Monday night didn't stop Elites from getting their party on. Fortunately, ice cold beverages including Magners Irish Cider, Fifefly Sweet Tea Vodka, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky and Grolsch Premium Lager were all available for quenching. After meandering through the aisles of candles and pretty trinkets, guests came across the restaurants. Stateside's rabbit rillettes and fresh cheeses and accoutrements were a hit, as were the meatballs from Stogie Joe's and the chicken and gorgonzola and roasted veggie wraps from Fuel. Leziz Turkish Cuisine was a favorite amongst meat-eaters and vegetarians alike; their spread of salads, hummus, dips and pita was quite impressive. Ms. Goody Cupcake satisfied many a sweet tooth with Swedish Fish, Philly Love and Yo Adrian! mini cupcakes, plus some delectable cake truffles.Yelpers were also treated to a tour of the Urban Jungle roof, filled with hanging baskets, space-saving garden tubes and other vegetation. Additionally, Curt and the rest of the staff were happy to answer any and all gardening questions. Because of the event, many yelpers were inspired to test out their green thumbs, and complimentary take-home plants provided a perfect excuse to start.
Many thanks to everyone at Urban Jungle and all of the sponsors who made this event a success! For more coverage, check out the reviews and photos!

See you on the Avenue,

Michelle C
Yelp Philadelphia Community Manager

Yelp's In A Lone Star State of Mind

An abundance of cowboy boots, plastic sheriff badges, beer, tequila and BBQ, this Texas Sunday Funday went off without a hitch. Get it? Hitch... alright. That was too easy. But Yelpers did boot scoot and boogie down to Ray Benson’s Rattle Inn last Sunday dressed in their Texas best for Yelp's Lone Star State of Mind elite event. 

The Rattle Inn is this gorgeous space on west sixth street, replete with a shotgun style live music space, snakeskin booths and a huge patio upstairs. Brittany L. “felt like it was a bar back home. The wood paneling, western themed trim, dim lighting and excellent music all set the stage for a 'boot -tappin' good time.”

What is a Texas style party without an endless amount of tequila and beer? Bartenders served margaritas, palomas and tequila sunrises poured with Z Tequila and Texas’ own Southern Star Brewery kept this group of Elites and mobile contributors hydrated and having fun. Keyla R. “was not a tequila girl. But may have been converted because those sunrises were really, really good.”

The smell of smoky meat permeated the venue as men of The Sugar Shack BBQ built pork or brisket sandwiches and wraps to order. Jessica A swoons: I had a "tasty, tasty taste left in my mouth from honestly one of the best brisket sliders (or brisket anything for that matter) I've ever had."

Texas tunes by the Sour Bridges kept us dancing and singing along. “The music by Sour Bridges was great: a mix of genres played with a western twang.” Joe C. “even caught [his] wife boppin' to the beat (which she never does).”

Josh B puts it best: “I really can't think of a way I'd have rather spent a hot Sunday evening than hearing some great music, sampling the perfect amount of tequila (there's no such thing as too much tequila, so we'll stick with "the perfect amount") and licking barbecue sauce off my fingers.”

Go ahead and see what you missed at his honky tonk right here in Chad W Adams excellent pics!

SYOY,

Lauren B & Kelly S

 

KC Gets Classy at Yelp's Very Fancy Party!

Yelp Kansas City's crème de la crème put on their fanciest duds for the latest Elite Event, Yelp's Very Fancy Party! Our gracious host Blue Gallery opened up their doors to 80 Yelpers for a night of music, food, and of course art. And with a titilating exhibition of works exploring the nude form, it was a show that was sure to get Yelpers talking! Featuring artists both local and from around North America, Yelpers got up close and personal with, in the words of Reed N, "nudes that ran the gambit of skinny-plump, young-old, black-white, and male-female." That sounds a lot like the Elite Squad to me!

Immediately upon entering the gallery, Yelpers' ears were seduced by the antique pop stylings of Kansas City's own Victor and Penny. Playing vintage instruments with the sound of a roaring 20's garden party, according to Courtney C they "added just the right kind of ambiance to enhance an amazing event."

Of course, what's a party without libations? Not any party WE would want to attend! Thankfully, Kansas City's newest professional still Dark Horse Distillery joined the festivities with bottles of Rider Vodka and Long Shot White Whiskey in hand. Expertly mixed by the distillery's own Damian Garcia, Brandi C declared the vodka mixed with cranberry and pineapple juice her new "summer porch drink, for sure!"

Thanks to all that attended the event, and of couse thanks to all of the sponsors and performers that made it extra special.

Until next time, I'll SYOY (See you on Yelp!)

 

Matt E - Kansas City Community Manager

Openingsfeest 'Pak de 9!' @ Bihp!

We zijn los! Zo, nou dat mag je wel zeggen... Maandagavond 14 mei verzamelden Yelpers, bedrijfseigenaren en genodigden in Bihp voor een heerlijk Openingsfeest van 'Pak de 9!', om hier deze week eens goed te beginnen! 'Pak de 9!' is in de week van 14 t/m 21 mei 2012 een promotieweek voor allerlei leuke bedrijven in De 9 Straatjes. Deze week krijg je kortingen, leuke cadeautjes en fijne events in De 9 Straatjes! Weer eens een goed moment om De 9 Straatjes te herontdekken! Kijk deze week goed om je heen; zie je het Yelp logo op de grond? Dan weet je dat je daar naar binnen wil! Dit bedrijf doet mee! En no worries, het logo is met krijt op de grond gemaakt, dus vriendelijk voor het milieu.  En waar beter te beginnen dan bij Bihp? Potverdorie wat is dat toch een goede tent; heerlijk eten, mooi en sfeervol interieur en wat een huiswijn! Ik zeg: Top locatie voor een diner! Wist je datje nummer 1: Bihp heeft zijn eigen huiswijn? Wij zijn bijzonder fan van de witte wijn geworden. Wist je datje nummer 2: Bilal, de eigenaar, is kunstenaar en maakt prachtige schilderijen die zowel beneden in de kunstgallerij als boven in het restaurant hangen. Neem maar eens een kijkje, het zou zomaar goed in je interieur kunnen passen! 

Beste Bilal en Loek, enorm veel dank we hebben echt genoten van Bihp!

Yelpers, genodigden en Carmen van Flip*Flop, Noortje van Kaldi, Kaye van Kikais en Myrugia van het Superfood Café onwijs veel dank voor julie komst. Wat was het een leuk feestje! Of zoals Julia R zei: "Wat een weer een geweldig feest, morgen maar iets later beginnen" en Jan V "houdt wel van dit soort prachtige restaurants". Laat ons maar weten wanneer je daar je date hebt gehad Jan?! 

Bekijk hier de rest van de foto's en lees hier de reviews van Bihp.

Tot snel en SYOY!

 
 Philippine W - Yelp Amsterdam Community Manager  

------------------- IN ENGLISH --------------------

What a great start of the week! Monday May 14, the Openingsparty of Amsterdam's Passport Event 'Pak de 9!' was hosted by Bihp, a magnificent restaurant in the area of The 9 Streets in Amsterdam. 'Pak de 9!' is one week of discounts, offers, lovely presents and great events throughout The 9 Streets. It's no secret... The 9 Streets are loaded with an array of fantastic locally-owned businesses. From May 14-21st, we're encouraging Yelpers to explore this part of our glorious city. From Jazz 'n Cocktails, shopping sprees, tasteful coffees and more you'll be treated to fabulous CMYEs (Community Manager Yelp Events), discounts, and special offers galore! Look around you this week, do you see the Yelp logo on the ground? Go into that business to find out what they're offering! And no worries, the logo is made of chalk so nothing in the environment was harmed.  Bihp is a beautifully situated restaurant / art gallery at one of the famous Amsterdam canals. The food is aboslutely exquisite, the interior with ravishing art and tasty wines make this a perfect venue for an evening out. Did you know.... that Bihp has their own bottles of red and white wine? We became instantly fan of the white. And did you know... that the owner Bilal is a painter and makes all the glorious art you see on the walls? He also has an art gallery downstairs, so go there and have a look. Perhaps you find something dazzling to embellish your own interior! 
Bilal and Loek, thank you so much! What a great evening! Dear Yelpers, guests an participating business owners Carmen, Noortje, Kaye and Myrugia it was such a pleasure to start this amazing week with you!  Or, as Saurabh G put it: "Another great way to see everyone again and to discover more about the upcoming week". Check the rest photos and read what Amsterdammers have to say about Bihp!

Again, thank you all for joining and celebrating this week. Let's go and get 'em!

 

Philippine W - Yelp Amsterdam Community Manager

Melbourne Elite Event: Yelp's Magical Evening With Hare And Grace

Last night over 100 Yelpers entered the magical Hare And Grace. With autumn well and truly here and the trees starting to lose their leaves, the inside of of our Elite party mirrored the outside world with the beautiful natural decor – large branches hung from the ceiling (a regular feature of this restaurant) and a twig tree in the middle, covered in what looked like Autumn leaves, captured the imaginations of every guest.

As guests arrived they were asked to take a number from a jar and once the signal was given, they were able to explore the tree and find a leaf that matched their number. On closer inspection, these leaves were coloured envelopes that contained a surprise to take home - vouchers for free meals, bottles of wine and other generous gifts from the team at Hare And Grace!

Ray Capaldi treated Yelpers to some of his delicious and exciting canapes throughout the evening. A take on the classic Chicko Roll was served in little paper sleeves and came presented with a tiny pippete filled with tomato and marmalade. The "eton mess" looked like dessert, but all wasn't as it seemed... oysters, beetroot meringue, horseradish cream and passionfruit took tastebuds by surprise and really showcased Ray's imaginative cuisine that tastes as good as it looks.

The winning dish of the night was the Mac and Cheese Croquettes - a textural delight of crunchy coating around al dente pasta full of savoury cheesy goodness. One Yelper was overheard saying "you can't beat shaping something cheesy in to sausage form and then frying it!"

This decadence was also mirrored in the beverage choices. Laurent-Perrier Champagne from Nelson had everyone smiling, as corks were popped and glasses filled up. 

The H&G "Marzen" German style red lager from True South and the a Whisky based cocktail "The Rob Ray" made from whisky, sweet vermouth, bitters and maraschino cherry were also on offer. Yelpers enjoyed mixing and matching the drinks with each of the canapes throughout the evening.

As the night came to a close, a door prize was drawn for a bottle of Laurent-Perrier. Yelper Alexa M went home with the bottle but really everyone was a winner, having had a wonderful evening with friends old and new. 

Want more?

• Read the REVIEWS 
• Check out the PHOTOS 

Many thanks to the entire team at Hare and Grace for a truly magical evening and to those wonderful drink sponsors. Until next time dear Yelpers... SYOY!

Tresna L
Yelp Community Manager

Yelp Columbus's Awesomely Awkward Elite Prom

As if high school prom wasn't awkward enough, Columbus Elites relived their glory – or not – days at Yelp's Awesomely Awkward Elite Prom at Whole Foods.

Dressed in their finest, most appropriately-awkward prom garb, yelpers completed their ensemble with complimentary boutonnieres thanks to our fine hosts!

A prom in a mega retail store full of natural and organic foods might just be the most awkward place of all to host such a soirée, but the spread of fine meats, cheeses & fruits, antipasti dishes, quesadillas and assortment of desserts (fruit tarts, cannoilis, mini-cheesecakes) sure made for better-than-cafeteria fare.

At least party-goers were able to loosen up a bit (this time, legally) with glasses of Brother's Drake Mead from their newly-launched mead tap, smooth wine from Drink Ribera and an assortment of brews courtesy of Whole Foods.

All guests brought a cash donation or gently-worn or new, current styled prom gowns/bridesmaid dresses, strappy evening shoes, purses and jewelry for Fairy Goodmothers, a 501(c)(3)non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the self-esteem of high school girls in Central Ohio.

Taking home the crown for Prom King & Queen, Martin P and Judy C, danced to a cheesy 80's ballad (thanks to the evening's on-theme DJ, George Brazil) to take home the prize of their favorite bottle of vino from the Whole Food's cellar.

The talented Rose DeVore captured the evening's happenings on film – including signature awkward prom photos – which can be found on the Yelp Flickr page.

If you attended, or just want to peruse everyone's feedback, reviews of the shindig can be found here.

Do you like my sleeves?

Christina C, Yelp Columbus