It wasn't San Diego's first dance with Yelp Drinks, but San Diego Yelpers took to the streets and made this week-long festivity shine as bright as ever. Complete with outstanding libations of all kinds, great food and stellar entertainment, Yelp Drinks left San Diego with tired livers and plenty of memories that will surely never die.
Photo Credit: Sara Norris Photography
After two days of rest, a group of truly Elite Yelpers finished off the campaign at The Counter Custom Built Burgers for the Yelp Drinks Landing Party. To celebrate a job well done, samplings of The Counter's custom cocktails were flowing and of course there were massive amounts of what they are known for… their finely crafted burgers! The restaurant was decorated to Yelpish standards and a gigantic chalk drawing welcomed the Elite squad letting them know that they were in the right place to get the party started!
Photo Credit: Sara Norris Photography
Once checked-in and badged up by Taylor at the front door, the crowd was handed their first surprise/drink of the night by a gentleman holding a tray full of thin mint milkshakes. Uh, these weren't your typical milkshakes — there was alcohol in these bad boys and they were de-lic-ious! After polishing off one, two or three of the little guys, the bar was surrounded and the rest of the drink menu had to be tested… for quality control, of course! Rounding out the night's drink menu was the Counterball (with Fireball whiskey, Stoli Vanil and Coke), Blueberry Lemonade (with Stoli Blueberi, Blue Caracao and lemonade) and a selection of tasty beer and wine including the Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA, Oskar Blues Dales Pale Ale, Oskar Blues Mama's Lil Yella Pils, Guenoc Pinot Grigio and the Gnarly Head Merlot. With a list like this, there certainly was not a thirsty Elite in the house.
Photo Credit: Sara Norris Photography
And then there was the grub! During the two-hour event, the guests of honor were treated to two fry stations serving up a selection of sauces with french fries and sweet potato fries, and burger, after burger, after burger. Who's complaining? That's right, nobody! Appearing on trays from all angles were some of the best burgers to grace this city and there was an option for everyone's burger loving palate.
Photo Credit: Sara Norris Photography
How about an all-natural Red Angus Beef with Tillamook cheddar, topped with organic mixed greens, crispy onion strings and served with sweet barbeque sauce?
Or an organic grass-fed Bison with Danish blue cheese, topped with baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers and served with roasted garlic aioli?
Possibly a lean Turkey patty with Greek feta, topped with organic mixed greens, dried cranberries and served with basil pesto?
Perhaps an all-natural Chicken breast with jalapeno jack, topped with baby spinach, Bermuda red onion, roasted corn & black bean salsa and served with chipotle aioli?
Or finally a vegan Veggie patty topped with organic mixed greens, sprouts, roasted red peppers and served with ginger soy glaze?
Enough burger options for you? We couldn't agree more but the fun didn't stop there! The Counter Elite Burger was created on the over-sized menu and all the "Elite" selections were made by those in attendance. The result was an epic creation prepared and displayed for all to see by that aforementioned gentleman, Tom the owner. Not only did this burger look delicious but it will be on the actual Counter menu for a limited time. Round it out with $10.00 gift certificates in the raffle and some surprise ice cream sandwiches and we think it's safe to say… that is some serious Elite treatment!
Photo Credit: Sara Norris Photography
So, we bid Yelp Drinks 2013 bon voyage with another fantastic event with more than generous hosts and an exceptional staff as we reminisce over the many cocktails imbibed, glasses raised, high-fives given, photos taken, warm welcomes received, and great memories. It only speaks in anticipation for what is to come for the rest of 2013 and for Yelp Drinks 2014!
Event Pictures: Here!
Event Reviews: Here!
Thank you and S.Y.O.Y.
