Think you know how LA gets her Yelp on? Well, think again! Over 1,200 elementally inspired yelpers navigated their way through J Restaurant & Lounge for LA's largest Yelp party yet! This bash was cooler than an Earth, Wind & Fire concert!
Yelp Gets Elemental provided guests with a trip through the world's most critical elements: earth, fire, air, water and of course, Yelp!
Standing in line can be a huge party foul, but when passing the time chowing down on red velvet pancake bites from The Buttermilk Truck, duck tacos from The Flying Pig, and mini pastrami sandwiches from Fresser's Hot Pastrami, guests were treated to a little taste of the party before even getting in!
Upon entering the venue, Zen Arts greeted yelpers with a full array of soaring entertainment and sexy synchronized performances that were enhanced by staging and lighting from Skyline Events. And to stimulate the senses further, Miracle Fruit USA handed out magical berries that tricked taste buds into thinking lemons and apple cider vinegar were as sweet as candy!
Taking the air concept to the next level, Kitchen12000 wowed attendees with a "Switch the Addiction" airport, complete with a neon runway, seductive stewardesses passing around gourmet airplane meals, a pilot-clad DJ, "I'm with Sue Veneer" gift area, Killer Kababs, pho shooters, and Coffee Clinic. It was truly a production of epic proportions.
Inside, the earth area became a spiritual haven for our lovely friends at A True Psychic, Heart and Soul Healing Arts Center, Moondridge Spirit, and Tree of Life Healing. While waiting for their future, guests hoovered through J Restaurant & Lounge's delicious passed appetizers, including veggie spring rolls, spicy buffalo chicken strips, bacon wrapped dates and sausages, crab sushi on cucumber, and tuna tartare. They then topped off their savories with a collection of cupcakes from Dollhouse Bake Shoppe and washed it all down with Hornitos margaritas.
Upstairs, the muy caliente fire patio was ablaze with cigars and hookah from Fumar Cigars. And when yelpers weren't smoking a stogie, they tasted an eclectic selection of chocolates (wasabi chocolate truffles, among them) from L'Artisan du Chocolat. Roasting marshmallows was also on the evening's agenda, compliments of Plush Puffs Gourmet Marshmallows. And, to further engage the sweet tooth, treats from A Little Piece of Cake prettied up the room.
The waves were made on the water-themed dance floor thanks to the hooperific Hoopadelic ladies, who mesmerized guests with hip-swaying moves to the dope beats of DJ Prince Dario.
Double-fisting was easy to do with flowing libations courtesy of Barefoot Wine and Bubbly, Deschutes Brewery, Hornitos, Maker's Mark and Pinky Vodka. And to ensure hangovers were minimal, Honest Tea was on site handing out bottles of their finest non-alcoholic bevies!
Those that might not remember the evening can thank LA Photo Party and Santiago Valencia Photography, who both captured the night's priceless moments!
Finally, because Yelp understands that it feels oh so good to do good, TreePeople joined the evening's parade of elemental times by providing helpful, "seedy" tips on giving back to the LA community.
Don't believe us? Read 'em and weep here and view some of the photos here and here.
Until the next blowout, SYOY!
Katie B and Christina Y
LA Community Managers
