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Yelp Elite Event @ MacArthur Park
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63 reviews for Yelp Elite Event @ MacArthur Park
Although I didn't really eat the food here because I was late coming, I enjoyed myself. Yes, as much as I stuff my fat ass, just because I don't eat, doesn't mean I don't have fun.
I'm glad yelp choose this place. I love the outdoor setting. I always get all sweaty and hot when I'm indoors. Yes, the more blubber you have, the more insulation you have thus equals sweat. Yeah, you fat people know what I'm talking about.
The company was great. Connie had another raffle and boo, I didn't win but again, am thankful I got to through in my made up business card. Yes, I'm cheap and gay like that.
Did everyone have fun? I know I'm kinda late to write this but I had fun. Nice, professional 5 star restaurant and elegant place to come back to and grab a table.
Yelp kicks ass!
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Apparently urban planning isn't taught at Stanford, because I only saw one crosswalk on the two-block/twenty-minute trek to MacArthur Park. Or maybe everyone in Palo Alto can fly. I hear rich people can do that. (I also love how they can afford seasons.)
Thanks to chef, Faz, and Yelp for another classy party! Ample supplies of Cannonball wine were poured generously with gusto. I mean, actual gusto. Not fake, hope-ya-like-it-sir gusto. The food was amazing and almost as tasty as the attendees. I had been to the MacArthur Park in the city twice (now closed, apparently), and eyed Faz's name on his signature restaurants with great curiosity, so I'm glad I got to partake here.
And you know it's a good party when everyone holds meat in the air and yells, "RIBS, RIBS, RIBS!"
Thanks! :-D
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Tonight my Asian-ness was at it's peak!
Despite the fact that I was willing to shell out $5 bucks for valet parking because I'm too lazy to find cheap parking and walk (which ended up being a great deal because I'm a lazy bum).
Apologies to all whom I ran past and elbowed in my mad rush to feed myself :) I am truly sorry...but the food was so good that I wanted to make sure everyone (especially myself, hehe...) had the opportunity to try some! I'm a VERY good hoarder, as the people sitting at my table can attest to.
Anything that contained potato in it was absolutely awesome. I think all these Yelp events are spoiling me because lunch is never quite the same these days. They had a bunch of dips/sauces and being me...I was impressed with the awesomeness and selection.
The owner/chef was pretty awesome too. I had good timing while I was doing my hoarding thing and ran into the awesome Henry at the bar (thanks Henry and Vijay for the drinks!) and Miss Betty and Connie and the crew had lots of food back there. Yesssss, I hoarded. It was awesome.
I'd like to thank the awesome Mr. Henry for being my personal waiter for the night...even though he doesn't work at the restaurant and is supposedly in charge of taking pictures...hmmm....Don't question it.
Overall I had a great time. It was awesome to see all the familiar faces and meet the new ones. I always enjoy meeting my Yelp friends in person, especially after spending all of that time reading their reviews and FUCing them, I feel like we have some crazily intimate relationship that doesn't exist in real life, but sometimes it does, and that's awesome! Oh my I'm rambling now.
Anyways, two thumbs up to the people who made this event happen! We had a great amount of people, a good variety of food to munch on, and overall good vibes :) The servers were pretty awesome, especially Johnny and the guy that Vijay charmed into being his personal server for the night (I FORGOT HIS NAME...NO WAY!) (Edit...his name is Juan!)
Congrats to Xtina for winning the raffle for a free meal for 2...I also managed to elbow my way to the front of the line of potential dates. Haha. Don't mess with me when I'm in hoarding mode! mMmMm free food....
Best part of the night: Giving out heirloom tomatoes.
Why it was great: It was like giving presents to people, but they aren't my things, and I didn't have to spend any money on them, and they were somewhat expensive (According to Jessica) and people enjoyed them.
Totally a 5 star event!
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It was quite the trek to MacArthur Park. Not because the event was all the way in Palo Alto [Thankfully, not much traffic!], but because once we were in Palo Alto, it was a task in itself to find our way from the Caltrain parking lot to the restaurant. Building AND road construction, the train station, the bus station, fences, underground tunnels, lots of loops, Achilles tendinitis, shrubbery... You name it. It hindered us. By the time we were at the event, it was just a little after 7:30 [took us 20 minutes to find our way!], but a lot of the food was already gone. You Silicon Valley Yelpers start early and move quickly!
It was a rare occasion where I stepped out of my safe little cocoon of SF, introduced and reintroduced myself to some South Bay folks, and of course, had a blast. Why don't I do that more often?
In terms of food, I think I consumed more desserts than actual savory items though - creme brulee to start, then lots and lots of cookies and cheesecake bites. I DID try the ribs, and even for a gal with braces, I could tackle them. Polenta fries [came with a yummy sauce], mac 'n cheese [so good!], onion strings [a tad oily]... The chardonnay was great too.
Thanks for a great time, SV Yelpers and Yelp! Thanks for the +1 [See, I don't get in or RSVP every time! Sometimes I have to grovel for a +1 too...] and the ride, Mr. V.
We left with smiles, happy hearts, and heirloom tomatoes... And now a little bit of a history lesson - The building in which MacArthur Park resides, originally a WW I YWCA Hostess House and designated a California Historical Landmark [#895], was built in 1918. It was designed by Julia Morgan, the first female in California to receive an Engineering degree from the University of California. First female architect too! The restaurant's original chef, Faz Poursohi, and restaurateur Chuck Frank, who launched MacArthur Park in 1981, acquired the restaurant in April of 2008. Their website told me so!
Photos: Updating...
Mine: http://flickr.com/phot...
Carol L: http://gallery.me.com/...
Dave K: http://flickr.com/phot...
Henry L: http://flickr.com/phot...
Victor C: http://www.flickr.com/...
Highlight of the Night: Piggy-back rides [I know Connie got one of those!] and being carried around. I guess having Achilles tendinitis isn't ALL bad. :)
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The Italian Job....
http://www.youtube.com...
So while all you elite yelpers and your plus ones and twos were sipping the merlots , taking pictures, talking stories, welcoming back Jamie and Jaye C, doing shots, and swarming over the tasty grubs, the Triple Threat was stealing Chef's Faz's secret BBQ rib recipe. And yes, we got it! HA! You want RIBS?!!! We'll have your RIBS right here! It was all a ploy!
John Michael - The Distractor
Mikey - The Look Out
Walter P - The Recipe Bandit
Connie C - The Mastermind
* everyone drives away in their mini coopers *
http://www.youtube.com...
Three Useful Highlights that were missed by most Yelpers:
1. Valet Parking is $5.00. No self-parking is available. And yes, you're walking at least a one block away.
2. If you're visiting MacArthur Park for the first time, call for directions or use your GPS. It gets tricky at night coming from Univerisity Ave or El Camino Real.
3. No working ATM onsite and its walk down two blocks on University Avenue for the nearest bank.
Three Funny Highlights:
1. Group pictures involves alot of touching and butt grabbing. Yes, I almost caught the ass grabbing bandit...but she fled too quickly.
2. Vijay is going to be the new Brandon H.
3. Was it love at first sight for someone? hahahha!!!
Three Cool Highlights:
1. Patio event. Gosh I wish we brought the cigars to go with my red wine!
2. Raffle drawing? Now why couldn't we have this sooner!
3. New SBC's are rolling in for the Fall 2008! And yes, we're growing my the hundreds now!!!!
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I'm safely at home.
That's a strange, albeit comforting sensation, seeing as how I don't concisely recollect HOW I got here.
I do recall lots of hugging ( I DO adore you people so!!) and perhaps some zealous flirtation (I DO adore you people so!), but beyond that, I regret that I'm a touch out of sorts...
Can we do it again soon, please?!
-mikey!
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*before I lose feeling in my fingers
Hello Ladies!
Hot Damn last night was fun!
Great times with great people....yes, you!
Oddly, I remember all of it....at least I hope I did.
Finally got to meet SF folks - it's on my list of things to do at these events.
My "brother" john, who was working last night was great. AMF's!!!
Sorry for cutting out...I was fighting the call of more sake bombs.
Grace had it coming to her...i scratched her brain.
Tomatoes are juicy.
WOOT!
*alright, falling asleep at work
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Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you to:
Yelp, Connie "I am on lunch," and the gracious MacArthur Park staff.
What a well organized event! Location was fresh, chill, and the layout of open space and tables was perfect for mingling.
I would also like to thank the working folk of the night, Chef FAZ-a celebrity in his own right, Carlos-my man with the drinks, the serving folk risking their lives with the food, and all people working the camera's.
Again, we truly do appreciate YOU making us look good and feel good!
Parking was a little treacherous, but everyone seemed to manage.
Mac & Cheese was tasty.
Burger blue cheese bite was divine.
Nibbles of cheesecake and fruit was a perfect ending.
This was the menu for my night.
AND don't forget the delicious wine. Yumm yumm!
Lots of familiar faces, sprinkled with some new ones. Wink and a smooch-you know who you are! Thanks for the hugs, conversation, and laughter.
Highlight of the night: getting Mara T to convince Dave K to take a Mexican photo. HI-FREAKING-LARIOUS! So many crews on yelp, but it's all good. I mean, I am not even Mexican so go figure! KEEP IN MIND:YOU ARE ALL WELCOME AT YELP!
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What a lovely venue for an elite event! The outdoor patio and the balmy weather plus an amazing group of friendly folks makes for a great evening. Thanks to the hard work of Connie and her Yelp staff for putting this together for Yelp Elite and their +1 guests.
Generous appetizer portions came whizzing out to the stations, being refilled throughout the night. The wine station was pouring cabernet, merlot and some white wines (don't drink white so I don't know what types were available). Chef Faz himself and his general manager came out and went around introducing themselves to the Yelpers...a nice touch which could bring folks back to try the rest of the menu.
Photogs in residence tonight snapping away.....kind of like an after party for the Emmys :o)....fun all the way around!
I met some new Yelpers (looking forward to seeing you soon!) and caught up with the familiar Yelpers (some whom I partied with at Red Crane two nights ago at Noelle's unofficial yelp event)....such a fun time!
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Over the hills, through the woods, to MacArthur Park we go.. (actually around the block, through construction, behind the fence, along the train tracks, under the bridge, across heavy traffic and finally through the jungle...) Finally, we arrived.
First time, in a while, that I've actually tried to meet more South Bay yelpers... :( I'm shy and I can't help it... :'( But, I'm glad I did try! I think the wine had something to do with it. *waves* Really, you can ask Tinna.. I'm normally really quiet.. Great meeting all the people I've seen, and never spoken to, and all the new people I've never met before. Great seeing all the old faces of course.
The food was fantastic (when we could get our grubby hands on it). The rib, and the bleu cheese beef thing.. yum. I went to the bar to buy a drink after the wine stopped flowing, and one of the managers (i think) just asked me what I wanted and gave me another glass of wine. :) How nice is that.
Another great event... no dancing this time, but intimate and more mingling.. perfect :) Looking forward to the next SB event!
People thought this was:
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- Cool (22)
Highlight of the night:
Me winning the raffle business card drawing! I knew they were good for something. Yay, free lunch/dinner for two (I think? no amount was specified...).
OK dang, was that fun. I need to go to elite events more (please elite me or let me be your +1)
Food, booze, and socializing, what more could you want? Grace Y. had more success scoring food than I did. Everyone was circling the waiters when they had platters of food. Those corn meal things were good and I thought they tasted like tortillas. The little mac n cheese dishes were hot to hold. The creme brulee tasted interesting. The open-face burgers had too much bread:meat ratio. Was there ever the artichoke dish?
THANK YOU MacArthur Park for hosting this event. The food was good (though sparse and sporadic), the service was great, and the waiters/waitresses were stupendous. Also liked hearing about the history of the restaurant and the female architect who designed it.
Nice to meet you peeps (betty, walter, cobber, connie, etc) and good to hang out w/friends again (grace, ruth, tetsu, jmc, mikey u, noelle, etc).
After party at Miyake:
Thanks to vijay for sharing his roll, and others for sharing the sake bombs. JMC, you totally disappeared on me after smearing your sushi rice on my arm.
BIG Thank you to Grace Y for letting me be your +1. In return, you are my +1 for the free dinner.
Oh yeah, why is there an heirloom tomato in my pocket?!?
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One word to sum up the night,"Interesting!" To be continued...
It was a very fun evening to see the usual faces as well as new ones. Food was very good if you like ribs and potatoes. No offense but there was definitely more people than food available. I did like the ham wrapped around cantaloupe. Johnny(who was one of the servers) was nice enough at the end of the night to bring out some mac & cheese which was delicious. We will definitely come back and check out that spot again. And BETTY, your off the hook! HOLLLLLLLAAAA!!!!!!
People thought this was:
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Connie and the Yelp staff thank you for another wonderful event. You guys sure know how to throw a party.
It was so nice to see everyone! Some I have not seen for awhile. I had a ton of fun and it was nice to met some new Yelpers and Yelpers from SF. Thanks everyone for all the love and yes I am feeling much better.
The food was great! Ribs was good and everything else. I didn't try the Mac and Cheese but I thought since I ate two Cheesecakes already that it was alright.
Some Highlights:
Margo -Sorry! Send me the dry cleaning bill.
Caroline - Thanks for being my date and the $20 bucks.
Teddy and Louie - So nice to met you!
Eli - I am not contagious anymore!
Mikey U - You are to sweet. Thanks for the big hug and kisses!
JM - Nice polo dancing skills, but I think you need some practice
Carol, Henry, Victor, and Dave - Thanks for taking pics. Sorry Henry I thought you was Victor. Sorry Victor!
Mara - I hope I didn't get you sick before Mexico and thanks for offering to take $20 bucks from Caroline
Walter - Nice hair cut! Me likey!
Donna H and Donna P - You guys know it was a great event when you have 3 Donna's there
Lu- I can help you write reviews, so what's the password?
Cobber - Congrats on your Promo! WOOHOO!!
I had a wonderful time with you all as usual. See you at the next event.
People thought this was:
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RIBS! RIBS! RIBS!
Yes, I was supporting the Ribs Movement and I wanted the world to hear.
Thank you, Master Chef Faz for the wonderful food (aka RIBS!), wine, and tasty desserts (I liked the cheesecake and lemon creme brulee the best).
Special thanks to::
- Connie and Jess. Buy them Uggs!
- Matt G. and Vijay for the GG shots. Your generosity does not go unnoticed.
- Noe, did I really spank you? ;)
- Mara, thanks for sharing the mac cheese, it was sure tasty.
- Coolest Table Crew (you know who you are)
- Photogs: you made me feel like a super star! ;)
- YOU for making it special for ME!
The patio was beautiful with some greenery and dim lighting, perfect setting for another fun-filled Yelp event.
It was nice meeting you all!
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Blue drinks, Grey Goose shots, squeals of laughter .... light bulbs flashing all over the damn place.
That was MacArthur park around 9pm ... oh yeah, the event started at 7pm. And when I got there at 7:10 the ribs and mac and cheese were already gone. SAY WHAAAA?? Ya. Well luckily the ribs and mac and cheese came back later, along with oodles of everything else. Yes..food! Polenta fries?! OMG.
I'm not a wine drinker, but it was freely flowing and Yelpers were happy. I also caught sight of a fun pink drink in a martini glass, but that was all it was...a fleeting glance. So sad!
The patio on this place is beautiful! Awesome...there was lots of space for Yelp Elite to spread out, get their drink and grub on, and mingle. Lots of tables, a posh couchy loungy thing, a long bar setup with a ton of fresh fruit, it was swank!
Chef Faz and the crew working the event were all smiles, and chattylicious. Fab waiter Carlos was spot on with the shot bringage and the smileage for the photos. Fun to see familiar loved Yelpy faces and meet some new peeps as well. Thanks Miss Connie and the Yelp team for a memory filled night!
Valet $5. Not having to remember where you parked your car in the mad dash to arrive=so priceless....as was running into cupcake-loving cutie Lily in the valet line and chatting about sweets!
Def coming back for some dinner, I hear their fish is divine. Brownies ...not so much, but OMG I ate eight 8 cheesecake bites!!! Yes...EIGHT!
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Four stars even if I missed most of the appetizers and I woke up with 5 a.m. the next morning with a serious case of food poisoning (I think I got an unlucky piece of ham or something). It was nice to be reunited with the SBC after a long hiatus. I had a lot of fun and met two new friends with whom I'm conspiring to set up a dating service... I even ran into an old college buddy (Chris T.) who I haven't seen in years.
BTW, John-Michael C. informed me that he and Ed H. are dressing up as girls and heading to Santana Row on the 24th. Just a heads up. Bring cameras to obtain priceless blackmail material.
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Man you South Bay people swarm to food like flies on poop. Drunk, lactose-intolerant flies on scarce, heirloom poop.
First Yelp event I've ever been to without a +1, it was also my first real time out sans glasses since getting LASIK the previous Friday. After being behind glasses for 25 years, it was a new world for me. Fortunately people are friendly and I deftly used my camera as a way to butt into every conversation. I saw my co-workers M and V, and ran into some familiar faces like Tinna, Connie, and Walter. I finally met some Yelp buddies like Noelle, Beth, and Grace. And then I just met some other people I had never really known before but certainly hope to meet again.
Despite the dearth of real food, the event was great. Vino was flowing for the first half of the night and I had my fair share with hardly any food to soften the blow. Nothing fills you up and screams elegance quite like red wine and onion strings. Seriously, no mac n' cheese, no burgers, no melon and proscuitto. I'm not a little whiner like all the people at Mandaloun a few months back complaining about the lack of FREE food. The bottom line is, Connie planned a great event and MacArthur Park gave us free stuff. Cool people, great time, I see some of the pics online and don't even remember them which means it was a good night.
Had a few issues with finding the place and parking, but I'm reviewing an event and I can keep the issues with the restaurant with the review for the restaurant.
Food is nice but what makes Yelp are the people. That's the motto, right? Real people. I've been out of the Yelp loop for awhile but it feels good to be back. Thanks to Noelle for edumacating me on just what a Yelp social leper I've become.
And a huge thanks to Connie for yet another great event!
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I had a "You're Funny!" sticker stuck on the inside of my forearm and didn't notice it until I was walking out the door to work.
You know what that means...
Last night was a good one.
In fact, this event was amazing! Loved the Cannonball chardonnay, and those mac & cheese teasers where just mean. Anything that good should be laid out in 10-gallon pots. Looks like I'll just have to come back for more.
1 official event, 1 after party, 1 after after party, and one VERY necessary Taco Bell stop later, I somehow got home.
I heart you guys! (Something I probably annoyingly expressed too many times last night).
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One word! Finger licking good, humm I meant "RIBS!" that's one word.
It's nice to see fellow Yelpers at any event. But not too often you can see us licking our fingers, in public! And those mysterious ribs did the trick! It got us all clamoring for it, and when we're done, we all lick our fingers!
Oh, don't forget those super sized chips, Mac & Cheese, delicious desserts! Each and every one are marvelous!
Last but not least. The wine is excellent. Although I only stick to the Merlot all night but from what I hear is they are all good!
Thank you MacArthur Park for hosting this event! Thank you Connie, Jessica, and the Yelp team for making this yet another wonderful night for us to remember, especially when I was falling asleep sucking my finger last night! :P
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Sounds like the South Bay YELP Queen threw a great bash last night...
Oh man, I was invited to go, emailed Connie about my hoodie and was getting primped and prepped to make the drive down 280 to Menlo Park for my FIRST YELP ELITE EVENT so I could finally meet everyone and put faces to the reviews, then disaster struck as my company database started producing strange data, I couldn't get the right information out of it and had to try and figure out where the problem was. Still haven't either.
Now after reading all of the great, awesome reviews, I really feel bad that I missed everything. All the food, people and pictures sound like so much fun. Please post as many pictures as you can so I can feel worse will ya'.
Love me some ribs. Missed me some ribs.
terry h
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According to the criminal justice system, it's a felonious act not rating the recent Yelp Elite Event @ MacArthur Park a 5-star.
Meeting a bunch of Yelpers from the various parts of the bay area including another yelper name: Matt G, can't get better than this past event. Even with my wife needed the van that evening, I still manage to attend the great event via through Cal-Train, which is crawling distance away from the Palo Alto Station. For those of you procrastinating Yelpers who didn't RSVP, shame on you for missing another fun event.
Located in the back patio of the historical restaurant, you yelpers also missed great side orders, which includes pork spare ribs (mmm.), freshly fried potato chips with fresh homemade dips and freshly made Creme Brulee and other desserts just to name a few. Also free wine was serve, complimentary from the Cannondale Winery (no relations to the bike company). On top of that, we were very fortunate to meet the owner/head chef from the historical restaurant. Hey, just by hearing his inspirational story on opening the restaurant some quarter of a century ago with just nickels and pennies can be a reality for some of us.
Inside the restaurant, there were a full service bar, despite every beverage were full price. I did spend big bucks on $10.00 shots of Grey Goose Vodka to some of my favorite yelpers, including Connie C, in which she definitely deserves with her hard work and strong heart on organizing another fun event.
There were no dancing at this event, just a quiet, sophisticated and mellow gathering with yelpers from various parts of the Bay Area. Another great Penninsula event organized by Connie and Jessica: and a job well done!
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Wow, an event practically in my own backyard! Great spread, lots of good bites to be had, including an entire table of fried goodness, which included "elephantic"-sized chips, huge potato wedges, crisp fried onions, and yummy sauces. Later in the evening, polenta "fries" were brought out on that table--mmmmmmm goodness. Besides the fried foods group, I enjoyed the tasty merlot, kicked up mac and cheese, and dessert table including a gingery and not-to-sweet créme brûlée. The highlight of the evening was hanging out with some really cool Elite folks--Veronica G., John H., Tinna H., Xtina +1 winner of a dinner for two! from the drawing, Donna H., Keane L., and definitely not last nor least in my book, Ryan V. (yay for the namesake guys!).
Lookin' forward to the next Elite event!
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Real People. Real Reviews.
Last night's event highlights the incredible community that I love which has been created by Yelp!
Yelp Elite Events Never Disappoint...
Great venues, great food, great drinks, and most of all great people!
Kudos to Connie C. and Jessica for a lively evening of hors d'oeuvres prepared by Chef Faz and generous pours from Cannonball Winery at MacArthur Park.
* * * * * 5 STAR ALL-THE-WAY!!! * * * * *
more laters with the shout outs...
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Thank You Noelle W for the + one Invite... I want my name tag back. This was my first Elite invite, and I really had a great time meeting my fellow yelpers. Thanks Betty N for the privilege of doing shots in your presence, and your Hubby Ryan O will definitely take care you in your inebriated state of mind :)
Always a pleasure meeting my yelper friends:
Ruth C the glamorous one!
JMC the MAN or WOMAN! (Still questioning that one)
Mikey U the Man Whore
Walter P the guy everyone knows
Grace Y the sweetheart
Pat N the Darling one (Tetsu's +1)
Tetsu N the Stud!
Cindy N who needs to write more reviews :)
Sab L the sophisticated one, but truly the hottie :)
Xtina who is the "X"
Venus H the Cool one
Akemi D who really needs to post a review with a picture :)
Last, but not least Noelle W "Allergy Food Friendly" who invited me :)
I really had great time bribing the waiters to bring ALL the +ones, "Virgin elites in training," the ribs first :) And the endless supply of booze...
BTW Betty N...It's RED and NOT Pink ;) Check again...I can never forget those ;)
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Once I got past the fact that it took about twenty minutes to find the proper route to get from the Caltrain parking lot to MacArthur Park Restaurant (which was literally about 200 feet away), this ended up being a really good time.
It was definitely more chill than events in the past. The nice thing about the Silicon Valley events is that there isn't a huge rush to get in, they're not totally overcrowded and you can actually sit there and enjoy yourself.
The food was good and the wine fantastic. Even though I'm not supposed to be eating meat today, I had to put that on hold for a pork rib. I'd eat my own rib if it was so deliciously cooked!
I then spent the night picking up people, which will undoubtedly surface in pictures, haha. I think it has become my newest gig.
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First and foremost let me thank Sabrina for letting me be her +1. Despite the best of my effort I'm gaining the reputation of the perpetual +1 that follows Elite members like a puppy dog.
Then of course many thanks to Connie for organizing the event. We had a really good turnout as usual. The location couldn't have been better - a large outdoor dining area designed to host Yelp events. No not really, but still, walking distance from my Menlo Park nest, vibrant Palo Alto night scene, and some prettiest people around.
It also helped to end up standing by the "coolest table" with Betty N, Margo, Caroline, Dennis O and a few others. Tetsu goes around greeting everyone as usual, this time with a few I'm cool, I'm hot, I'm funny stickers on his forehead, as if those stickers were more convincing than his natural disposition. Kelly and Walter P showed up later, one with a new date the other with a new haircut. Awesome.
I also had the largest glass of merlot in my life. The dude who poured the wine for me really wanted the world to know how good that merlot was - and it is really good. So good I forgot to try any other red wine.
Well there are a couple minor quirks. We are a bit underfed and underwhelmed with the food. Underfed is cool for me as I pursue the impossible BMI of 22, but for all the other beautiful Yelpers that was a bit of a problem. Underwhelming food is an even bigger problem for a crowd with possibly the most polished taste in the South Bay/Pennisula. Good Salsa, that's all I can remember since I ate lots of it to fill my astronomical stomach. The ribs and the tiny steak burgers are great, but they vanish before penetrating two layers of the crowd. I mean we are foodies, not elephants. I thought the restaurant could have fed us without going bankrupt, right?
Secondly, the wine was out twice. Once at 7:56pm (I know I'm a nerd, so what), once throughout the second half of the event. Liquors are a social lubricant, if you decide to provide an open wine bar, don't ever let it run out. Cranky people don't like each other.
Of course nothing could have spoiled the event with a fun crowd like this. It was pleasure meeting you all, peeps. Next time my perennial -1 Crys B couldn't make it, definitely gimme a holler so I can squeeze my arse in again. You never know, maybe a lazy bugger like me can even make it to the elite status some day.
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Friggin' awesome. That's all I have to say.
Oh, Xtina and I decided that out of everything, we liked those weird cornmeal thingies. And it is fun eating heirloom toh-mah-tohs as if they were apples.
Y'all tired me out. I must go pass out now. Bye.
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I'm going to lame and talk about the food first.
- "BONES": If you were the fried potato thick chips type things... OMG why weren't there more of you? Hot, delicious, salty; wow, there went my diet.
- "BABY ARTICHOKES with herb sauce": Where were you? I looked and looked and looked, and no artichoke to be found.
- "MINI MAC and CHEESE": Why can't my Mac'n'cheese be a cheesy as this one?
- "HOUSE MADE DESSERT SAMPLER": I realized that someone next to me had a cup of mocha creme brulee, I freaked out, ran up to the dessert table and was greeted by a wall of empty cups. I hope you people enjoyed those, because I was so jealous. Why, oh creme brulee, did I miss you?
Mr. Bartender, you were awesome. Thanks for offering to come to my table to reuse my glass when you ran out of clean ones. And thank you for being so nice, cheery, and good natured when you ran out of wine completely. I wish I tipped you more.
YELPERS: Wow, everyone was awesome. This was my first elite event and I had such an awesome time. I look forward to more!
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It took awhile for us to get to the location, but it was well worth it! Like Janel Y., I would have to say that the Mac and Cheese was divine! I got to try the cabernet and chardonnay wines, and they were pretty tasty, too. The melon and ham was not my thing, but it was a refreshing change.
I didn't get to see Miss Connie until she made the announcement, but she and the gang did an awesome job. I even got to meet an awesome elite Yelper, Tammy A., and catch up with the mom and daughter duo that is Beth and Noelle. We couldn't stay the whole time, but I'm so glad we got to check out MacArthur Park. It's on my list of possible reception sites.
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My 1st elite event and it was fantastical!
Thanks to Connie and her helpers! Connie greeted me at the door and had my sweatshirt on the table. Yay for the sweatshirt!
My +1 bailed so I was flying solo. After the initial high school flashback of being the new kid and having no friends and not knowing where to sit and all that junk, I saw some people that I recognized from other UYEs. Thanks Donna for letting me sit at the cool kids table! No worries about the shirt.
Luckily I got there early so I got to sample the ribs, potatoes and dip, melon and ham, hanger steak mini sandwiches, mac & cheese (thanks Eli for getting me some, hope you didn't burn your hand too much) and the merlot. The merlot was delish! Thanks Lu and Bobby for getting me more merlot. Betty kept saying the cheesecake was the best dessert and she was right! I had 3 pieces, along with the ok brownie and the coffee crème brule. Thanks to the chef for creating these dishes and giving us a history lesson.
Once I was done eating, the socializing began and yelpers know how to socialize! Everyone I met was nice and outgoing and everyone I reconnected with was warm and cheerful. Sorry if I don't remember all your names but I don't forget a face. It was awesome to meet everyone. Quick shot outs to the cool kids table! Woo and hoo! Another shout to MI GENTE! Great to meet and connect with you guys.
Thanks to everyone, I had a great time and I'm looking forward to the next on.
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Just like the good old days.
Intimate, classy and oh so fun Yelp event! Now that's what I was used to!
Thank you Connie, Jess and MacArthur Park for putting such a wonderful event together.
I didn't eat much b/c I was running around saying hello and FINALLY getting a chance to meet my yelp buddies as well as some new faces. (Flor, Mara, Beth, Noelle, Watani, Eugene, Mikey, Yvonee and so many others!! hi guys!)
I DID try the ribs, mac and cheese and the fried polenta fries. I am going to come back for dinner to get the full experience. The inside of the restaurant is really nice as was the patio where our event was held.
Can't wait for the next event! See Ya'll there!
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Yelp is good. Yelp is great. Thank you for the food (and wine). Amen.
MacArthur Park is off the beaten path, full of history. A nice good sized venue so we could easily mosey around and mingle with old yelpie pals and new ones too. Kudos for great friendly service and a wide spread of food. And to Cannonball for the wine!
AMEN.
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It was a great event that Connie put together and I loved the Cannonball Merlot Wine! YUM!!!
Also enjoyed the steak and when I finally got some ribs those as well. I love how all the Yelpers would pounce when they would come up in some random corner suddenly. The staff was great being very gracious despite us attacking them at times. It was great seeing a huge crowd of folks since the events are all about the people! Great meeting new folks and seeing old yelpers.
I loved the outdoor seating at MacArthur Park! I always go here in the summer and love their pear salad and well as their fish dishes. They have the best wine list in Palo Alto! I will come back for lunch or dinner since I just adore the food here!
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W00t! Another super fun event! Big thanks to Yelp, the staff at MacArthur Park, and of course, Chef Faz. Faz was a super nice guy. He made sure we got an amble supply of the spectacular ribs. *drool*
As always the crowd of Elites was awesome. You guys are a super fun bunch to hang out with. The weather, the finger foods, and the wine made it a perfect night to hang out on hump day.
I took a bunch of photos and posted them to my flickr: http://is.gd/3sGw/MacA...
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The MAC AND CHEESE!!! OMG...this was the reason why I headed out and sssoooo glad I swiped the last ramekin! And how come they only came out once?!!! I even asked one of the waiters if they were coming out again and he said he was gonna check, but I never saw him again. *waaahhh* 'cause that mac and cheese was darn good! The ribs were finger-licking-good as well and the melon and ham eh, not so good. Heard from Danvin R. that the hanger steak was pretty darn delish, but couldn't seem to find it anywhere.
The event was fun, lots of fellow Yelpers getting their grub and drink on with three party fowls (aka people dropping their wine glasses) occurring throughout the night. It was a good night to schmooze with appetizers and a glass of chardonnay, although parking was a bit iffy due to the small parking lot being full. All in all, a good night to enjoy MacArthur Park's patio! Thanks Connie C. (glad you had a relaxing vacay!) and Yelp!
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Classy. My kind of event, intimate and laid back. We sat in the front so we got first pickings on a lot of food. It worked out so well, I tipped one of the servers.
Food was great, variety was excellent, and the Cannonball Cabernet was really nice. Too bad they ran out with the generous pours they were giving, but the different Merlots kept us happy.
The chef looked very happy that everyone was enjoying his food, and the Yelpers made him feel extra special during his speech (Yelpers are just cool like that).
Lastly, I got to meet some of my Yelp friends, woohoo! Our +1 kept commenting how awesome the event was. We thought so too!
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Thanks Connie C. for a great event!
My very first Elite event, and sorry I didn't stay too long (only half an hour) but my +1 and I (Angie K.!) were itching to try out Evvia in downtown. Got to chat a bit with the wonderful Connie C. and see the gorgeous restaurant. I also got my Elite hoodie, thanks Connie and Jessica!
The appetizers were pretty good - I only had the mac and cheese, burger(?), melon and ham, and a bunch of fried things. Mac and cheese was great! Being lactose intolerant - it was a debate whether I should try it... but it was worth it!
The desserts were ok, had the cheesecake which was pretty ok. I had a glass of the chardonnay which was quite nice as well.
A classy and historic restaurant that is quite hidden and overshadowed by downtown Paly, I will definitely consider returning. The valet parking is easy to avoid since parking garages in Downtown are pretty close. A great place for events so great choice!
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First of all, thanks Tetsu for letting me be your plus one! It was an awesome experience for my first elite event and I hope there are many more to come. (*wink, wink)
Second of all, thank to Vijay for making friends with Juan and Johnny to bring us all in the back corner some food. I can't believe Johnny actually came through the back door to deliver us some sliders. That was great!
Third, thanks to all the people who came to talk to the wallflowers like me in the back corner. Though I can't remember all your names, it was nice meeting you! And it was great to see some familiar faces from just a few days before.
Lastly, the event was well organized, in a beautiful setting, and just great fun. It was nice to take advantage of the waning days of good weather. As a newbie to the Yelp events, I was excited by all the Yelp swag...stickers, lip balm, tip guides, etc. :D Hope to do it again soon!
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The event was great!
Awesome job by Connie and the team in setting up a fun and delicious event.
MacArthur Park is a great venue. You can feel the history of this place, from the beautiful architecture to the details in the decorations in the restaurant, it was a great atmosphere.
The food was abundant and delicious. Highlights of the night include the Mac n' Cheese and the marble cheese cake. Yummm. The Merlot was excellent and rounded the evening off quite well.
The patio of the restaurant was the place to be. An intimate hangout spot for diners and party-ers alike. Big props to the wait staff. They were oh so helpful and courteous.
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Yet another awesome party to my second Elite event as Donna Y.'s +1!
Thanks to Connie and Chef Faz for this fun evening! Yelpers everywhere you turn, I had a great time catching up with the SBC crew and meeting new faces. The weather was perfect to mingle outdoors in this beautiful historic hidden location. Appetizers and desserts just kept coming ...the servers kept getting mobbed as the plates were brought out, especially those BBQ ribs!
You Elite people sure know how to party in style! Looking forward to the next one...
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