The Hampton Roads Yelp Elite Squad got the ultimate ube experience at Jollity & Co Party Boutique for Yelp’s Purple Party! Ube (pronounced oo-beh) is a Filipino ingredient trending throughout Coastal Virginia and on your social media feeds. It is a purple yam with a sweet flavor, making it the perfect ingredient for wow-worthy desserts.
Jollity & Co Party Boutique set the scene welcoming guests with a delightful purple balloon arch over their front doors. They specialize in carrying the cutest, photo-ready party supplies that can be picked up in their store or ordered online. All of the perfectly purple plates, cups, napkins, and table decorations used throughout the evening came from their shop. They also have a dedicated event space where they created an amazing ube wall showing how they can turn just about any theme into a trendy party.
The Eliza Hope Foundation joined us as our charity partner for the evening. Aimee Darby founded the Eliza Hope Foundation in memory of her daughter as a resource and community for families whose child has been diagnosed with autism. To kick off the event, Aimee shared her daughter’s story and the powerful impact that The Eliza Hope Foundation is making in the Hampton Roads Community.
As Yelpers mixed and mingled with each other they were invited to try six different ube desserts provided by Jack Eats and Auntie’s Tiki Bar and Restaurant.
“We met the owners of Jack Eats, Jool and Justin, self proclaimed foodies who were inspired by their love for food, quest for the best donuts, and the desire to not have to drive four hours to satiate this hankering to start their pop up business. A friendly and supportive nudge from their friends set this magical Filipino infused fusion eats. Biting into their ube trio of crack blondie, creme brûlée, and snickerdoodle was a fantastical culinary ride to the PI (Philippine Islands).
We then explored the tastings of Auntie’s Tiki bar. Furthermore we learned about Doddie’s love for the history of the Tiki bar and his ube flare of cinnamon rolls, ube truffles and of course, my favorite of the three.. the panna cotta, I want more lotta.. It was adorned with a dusting of coconut flakes that added the crunchiness to compliment the smooth creaminess. ” -Yelp Elite Janice T
Local sneaker artist, Kapitol Art, also joined in on the purple action! Malik Sparrow and his assistant provided a live sneaker art demonstration and shared the buzz on the rapidly trending sneaker scene in Hampton Roads. The two winners of the best purple party outfit, voted by the Elites and business partners, were given a pair of custom sneakers designed by Kapitol Art!
Yelp Elite Jason P said, “I ate so much ube tonight I think if you cut me, I’ll bleed purple.” Everyone left with new friends, their bellies filled with purple treats, and their hearts filled with love for these great local businesses.
Check out the purple reviews and photos here: Yelp’s Purple Party and visit yelp.com/elite to learn more about the Hampton Roads Yelp Elite Squad!
Yelp’s Purple Party wouldn’t have been possible (or quite as purple) without our incredible partners: Jollity & Co Party Boutique, Jack Eats, Auntie’s Tiki Bar and Restaurant, Kapitol Art, and The Eliza Hope Foundation. Thank you!
