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Meet The Elite: Michelle D, Madison



MTE Michelle D

Welcome to Meet The Elite, where we let you in on the lives of some of our top community members. Today we meet Michelle D, a Yelp Elite since ’15 with a whopping 128 reviews and counting.

meetmichelled

Why did you start yelping?
Corey D, the former Yelp Madison community director, was on a local news show promoting a week’s worth of events all starting with the letter “P.” I went to Yelp and signed up for a few events. While I was there, I checked out some reviews and other events, and thought it was pretty neat. I was accepted to attend the “P” Party at American Players Theatre. It included dinner with pizzas, a tour of the production buildings, and a ticket to the play Two Gentleman of Verona. I met several Yelpers and everyone was so nice and interesting. I found that the reviews are written by real folks and every experience is worth a note.

What is your favorite Yelp memory?
My favorite Yelp memory was traveling to the past with the Totally Awesome ’80s Night at Geeks Mania. I love pinball and to be in a room full of pinball machines was heaven. I don’t know if I would have found Geeks Mania without this event. From my side ponytail to Labyrinth on the screen, it was so fun. Oh, I cannot forget the delicious food served by North and South.

Why is it “Sweet to Be Elite”?
I am always up for new experiences and love that the other Elites I have met along the way are adventurous too. It’s like having a group of like-minded friends who are excited to try new places and things, and have lots of fun. Also, I always feel comfortable attending events alone.

What is your dream Yelp event?
My dream event would be a boat trip on a Betty Lou Cruise or the Mendota Pontoon. A tour around the lakes with great food and a beer or wine tasting.

What is your favorite local business and why?
I have two that I really lean towards. Yahara Bay Distillers on Kingsley Way is a family-run business. They use their front bar area for art installations and fundraisers. Their Thursday night open house usually has a drink special and something going on like a band or art show. They make over 20 types of liquors and spirits that can be sampled. Their business has really grown in the last four years and will be moving to a new facility this fall, which I am excited to see.

The other business is Macha Tea Co. on East Johnson Street. Anthony and Rachel are beautiful people who take great care of their customers. They are very knowledgeable about the products they sell and produce. I always enjoy my visits to Macha Tea and wish I had it in my neighborhood.

About the Yelp Elite Squad: The Yelp Elite Squad is our way of recognizing people who are active in the Yelp community – people who are role models both on and off the site. Elite-worthiness is based on a number of things, including well-written reviews, high quality tips, a detailed personal profile, an active voting and complimenting record, and a history of playing well with others. Elites must use their real name on their account, have a real (and clear!) profile photo, and be of legal drinking age in their country. You can read more, and even nominate yourself at yelp.com/elite

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