Jacksonville’s elites were dressed in their cocktail and holiday best for the 1st annual Yelpie Awards held at The Jacksonville Landing last Friday evening. With a private balcony overlooking the 57 ft. tall Christmas tree and St. Johns River, we were entertained by the angelic sounds of children's choirs while we partook in unlimited libations and a complimentary and massive spread from all of the restaurants in the landing.
“A formal Yelpie awards event to end 2013 and the weather was perfect!” said Jimmy P. "The landing really took care of all of us Elite Yelpers. We had such a good time connecting with new yelpers and seeing the town's Best Elite Yelper Class." Mark B.
Before the awards commenced, in true Yelp fashion, it was time to eat! It was Jennifer G's first Elite event and she shares, “There was a variety of food options, from sushi boats, pasta, salad, wings, Shepard's pie, seafood jambalaya, yummy garlic rolls, chips and salsa, spinach dip, and so much more." Brian H adds, "The real kicker was the Shepard’s pie form MacCools… I loved it!" And Kathy C, "my friends and I were stuffed!”
After some sips and nibbles were had, it was time for the awards!
First up was special recognition to those that hit the 100 reviews in 2013 challenge. Congrats to: Mark B, Diana M, Daisy D, Marie F, Michael C, Amy S, Amanda M and Chris P.
And the Yelpie goes to… There were five categories for the Golden Yelpies and the most dedicated Elites walked away as winners.
Talker of the Year: the engaging "engaged" Ruby A, with 308 talk posts.
Complimenter of the Year was Amy S, with an astounding 3298 compliments sent!
Reviewer of the Year went to Mark B, with a jaw dropping 326 year to date reviews.
While our Rookie of the Year was unable to attend, we still gave big props to Naomi B, who had 380 compliments, 67 tips, 240 talk posts and 63 reviews for 2013.
The most exclusive and coveted Yelptime Achievement Award went to Diana M, with 768 lifetime reviews. That's some blood, Yelp and tears folks. There were even more winners, as the Landing raffled off ten gift certificates too. Congrats to all.
I’d like to thank the Jacksonville Landing, it isn’t easy finding a spot to hold all of us Elite yelpers, but they did so with such generosity. Also, hit of the night, was the iSnap photo booth, brought to you by marketing guru extraordinaire, Tiffany McDonald of Tiffany McDonald Inc. and her amazing beau, David McDonald (who you might know as "The Jacksonville Food Critic.") And thank to you Nate M, elite and Yelp's go-to photog.
And last, but certainly not least, thank YOU, YelpJax. We have the first Yelp Helps drive going on for the Ronald McDonald House and I was blown away at the number of items we collected. We are not only a Yelp Community, but also important and giving members of Jacksonville as well. And personally: This has been an amazing year, filled with fantastic food and new, but instantly dear friends. I wouldn't be here without you, and it is an honor to recognize your consistent hard work and dedication… Your love and support means more than you will ever know.
I'll leave you with this quote by Jerry T: "There was some caroling going on below us, and an awesome Christmas tree. A few drinks later, and we were unleashed into the wild. Well played."
See you in 2014 Elites!
Allie A
PS. Check out the event on:
Yelp (be sure to leave your review if you were there!)
Facebook
Twitter
Flickr
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