It’s Kitschmas in the East Bay!

"Tis the season for giving back and sipping back!" said Stephanie M, as she relished in the "ahhhhhmazing"-ness of her unfiltered Petite Syrah, which she sipped under twinkling lights, surrounded by wall-to-wall wine barrels at Oakland's swank urban winery, Stage Left Cellars.

The scene was set for Yelp's Krazy Kitschmas Koat Drive on Friday, Dec. 2nd, where a mass of kitschily-clad Elites gathered to kick off the holiday season with some sultry tunes, wacky costumes and decadent local indulgences. They also filled four barrels full of warm winter coats, to support the charitable efforts of Emeryville Community Action Program. Enza P notes "donating just one coat and being able to enjoy a yelp event as a result is a pretty awesome deal!

Stage Left Cellars set a spirited mood with two wine tasting stations, where Elites sampled their luscious Rhone-style blends. Aaron M yelped "the wines really blew us away. Wifey liked the white blend the most, followed by the unfiltered Petit Syrah. We felt priveleged to be invited into the cellar with all the tanks and barrels!" Phuong H hit the wine jackpot when her name was drawn for the wine giveaway, and took home a magnum bottle of Stage Left Syrah!

Under a white tent covered in ornaments and lights were Peter and John of Peter's Kettle Corn, popping fresh batches of their locally famous treats. Elites were offered generous take-home bags, which Stephanie M summed up as "just enough saltiness and sweet that I wanted to finish the whole bag, tummy permitting." Local tapas joint, BarCeluna, offered a gorgeous spread of smoked salmon deviled eggs, dubbed "decadently smooth" by Bill B, and Jack C adds, "they had my taste buds singing!"

Gastronomic gratification continued with Smallcakes' pretty table of frosted mini cupcakes. From nutty carrot cake with cream cheese, to white cake with pink buttercream and rainbow sprinkles, Enza P raves it was all "sooo cute and delicious!" Honest Tea provided healthy hydration with a refreshing line-up of all-natural bevs. Jerico P confirms "the orange-mango was as good as they advertised: 'a taste of summer'. After one sip it had me longing for the summer sun!" Add to that the sultry, soulful sound of local rock-ette Lisa-Maria Johnston filling the cellar, her "smooth voice pitched perfectly for background music," adds Bill B.

"Anytime we have Elite events its always nice to give back while we schmooze over complimentary bites and libations," declares Stephanie M, while Jerico P captured his contentment, adding "a good cause, drinks and friends… what more can I ask for?" Agreed!

More savory reviews here and snazzy pics here!

Cheers to you, dearest kitschy ones,

Nique F

East Bay Community Manager