Now that was a Last Class Bash like no other, Halifax…
Our wonderful hosts at The Hunt Club were ready to rock as over sixty yelpers began to arrive on a Friday evening in December. This fashion boutique slash cocktail bar was the perfect scene for an end-of-year party as elites settled into big comfy leather chairs under the watchful eye of a deer head or two!
Jill M called the venue "perfect for a party," but I can't help but think it might have had something to do with the pair of gorgeous over-the-knee boots she "was totally eying all night." Likewise, Valerie S was "wowed" but had to leave before she "got too drunk and bought all the fabulous clothes!" The best part? The Hunt Club's delightful team of bartenders felt more like fellow party guests than staff as they welcomed yelpers to back to the bar by name and happily joined in on the good times!
Huge tables were stuffed with a "jaw-dropping" spread of "tempura shrimp, spicy chicken bites, pulled pork sliders, chips and salsa, giant onion rings, fries, pepperoni, mozza sticks, and so many wings!" Hot sauces galore helped yelpers warm up but Melanie M couldn't pull away from the "maple chipotle – smoky, sweet and so flavourful." Meanwhile, Sarah M found her snack selection of choice in the "bomb" onion rings with "the perfect crunch to grease ratio."
Want a perfect pre-holiday party? Simple – just add bourbon! Our friends at Maker's Mark and Red Stag went above and beyond with six…that's right, SIX signature cocktails for the night. From Maker's Mark Cracked Pear Martinis and Presbyterians to 'Staggerbombs' and Red Stag on the rocks, this was an instant crash-course in bourbon appreciation!
Jennifer B was admittedly "scared at the thought of bourbon," but quickly changed her tune thanks to "the Red Stag and cola, which tasted like cherry coke. I'm hoping they keep it on the menu, because I want to return to The Hunt Club and have another." Adam S is already planning to bring the party home: "I need to get a bottle of Red Stag. ASAP. Cherry makes everything taste better."
But where would an east coast bourbon bash be without a band to kick the party into high gear! The Regal Beagle Band took to the stage and delighted new fans like Sarah H who calls them "the best part of the evening, for me. Reminded me of a good ole kitchen party, and boy, do I loves a kitchen party." While the rock fiddle had already won Mike B over, "covers of Joel Plaskett (Through & Through & Through is just such an AWESOME song) and MGMT (love Time To Pretend) definitely sealed the deal."
"In the second half of the evening, they moved into their own material," and Kirk F was sure "glad they did! When you want to sing along the first time you hear a song, the artist/band is doing something very right. Pleased as punch I could pick up some of their songs as the event check-in offer."
By the end of the night, yelpers stumbled out with smiles on their faces, already forgetting that there was ever a time before the Yelp Elite Squad landed in Halifax! Good thing there's plenty more where that came from lined up for 2012!
In the meantime, catch all the reviews (or write your own if you haven't already) and check out the photo gallery, courtesy of the wonderful Michelle Doucette, to relive the magic!
Happy holidays, Halifax, and I can't wait to see y'all in the new year!
Yelp Halifax Community Manager
