Welcome to Meet The Elite, where we let you in on the lives of some of our top community members. Today we meet Savanna M, a Yelp Elite since '13, who lives in sunny Broward-Palm Beach. Originally from the Bahamas, this shopaholic is a scientist by day and an avid Yelper by night. She considers herself part mermaid and enjoys scuba diving, spearfishing and freediving.
1. Why did you start yelping?
I initially created a Yelp account years ago after realizing how helpful the "Bookmark" feature was for keeping a list of all the places I wanted to try. After attending a Community Manager Yelp Event, I realized there was a lot more than just bookmarking and writing the occasional review, and that there was an entire community with people who shared my passion for food and fun, inspiring me to write more!
2. You are the UYE (Unofficial Yelp Event) queen! What motivated you to start planning your awesome UYEs?
I think my UYEing (that's a word right?) stemmed from wanting to create new friendships, and the best way to do so is to bond over food. I love trying new places, so planning UYEs for others to join me only seemed natural.
3. How would you describe a UYE to someone who has never been to one?
A UYE is going to look like a bunch of strangers meeting together at a place to hang out, whether it be over food, drink, karaoke, stand up paddle boarding etc. It may seem intimidating at first, to essentially meet up with strangers, but trust me, attending a UYE will introduce you to a new circle of friends and open up your world to lots of future good times.
4. What are some of your favorite Yelp memories?
Looking at my Yelp list of events, I've attended more than 75 events (official and unofficial) and each and every one has its own inside jokes and memories. Some of the highlights that initially come to mind are:
Speed Friending Event: This official event had Yelpers rotate seats with every course that came out from the kitchen. This really ensured I got to sit and talk with everyone in attendance, resulting in real conversations with almost every single person in attendance.
Yelp Spring Break: Of course I have to mention the event(s) of the year! Not only did Spring Break mean meeting yelpers from all over the country, but I also got to play a role participating in some of the UYE planning. This really made me feel like a part of the Yelp community as a whole.
Halloween (First year, second year): Rumor has it that BPB has one of the best communities for dressing up. This has been clear over numerous costume parties, but of course, it was best highlighted at the two Halloween parties I've attended.
5. Describe your ideal day in Broward-Palm Beach.
My ideal day would, of course, be focused on food. I'd start off the day at The Foxy Brown for brunch. Hopefully I won't be alone, because I'll need to order at least three different dishes to share. From there I would head over to The Downtowner Saloon for the waterway views and the make-your-own Bloody Mary bar.
Lunch would need to be spent with a beach view, so I'd head over to Casablanca Cafe to dine on their upstairs balcony and take in the sights over mussels.
Happy hour would be at Riverside Market, where I would enjoy a few beers and a small snack.
For dinner, I would get all dolled up and dine at Valentino for some pasta and wine. Service there is top notch and if I'm lucky I'll get to dine at the kitchen-view countertop.
As the Broward-Palm Beach Community Manager I am so proud to have Savanna M on my Elite Squad. She is the epitome of an Elite Yelper — she supports local businesses, loves this community and most importantly goes out of her way to meet new Yelpers and make them feel welcome. Thank you, Savanna. I raise a glass of the finest Berliner Weisse and toast to you!
– Blue A.
What does being a Yelp Elite mean? Aside from a sparkly badge that you get to rock with pride on your Yelp profile page, you'll get the opportunity to attend exclusive events, meet Yelpers from your community in-person, and discover a variety of local businesses you may not have previously tried. You can read more, and even nominate yourself or a fellow Yelper at yelp.com/elite
