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Meet The Elite: Yelp Houston Spotlight On Janine B

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Yelp Inc.
JanineB

As the Yelp Houston Community Manager, I often get asked by business owners, newbie Yelpers and other members of the Houston community: "Who are these Elite Yelpers?" Aside from being the most authentic, social and influential members of the Yelp community, Elites certainly set the standard for what Yelp's all about – having a passion for local businesses and sharing that local love and knowledge with others.

Yelp Houston will spotlight members of the H-town Elite Squad in a series of 'Meet The Elite' blog posts!

…Introducing Janine B, Yelp Elite since '12 with a whopping 589 reviews, 804 photos – and counting!

Why did you first start yelping?
Back in 2010 when I first starting dating my now husband, he would take me to all of these interesting and cool, places to eat, drink and play. He never failed to impress me when taking me out. I thought I knew the Houston better than him because I lived here longer. He finally admitted that in preparation for our dates, he did a lot of research on Yelp… He wasn't an active user, just using it to search. I, however, promptly fell in love with him (which is why he is my husband) and Yelp because I love to read and write. I love the community and the sharing and interaction along with photography and social media – so it was a perfect fit for me and I was hooked!

What do you love most about Houston?
I truly love Houston and consider myself an ambassador – just ask all of my friends! There is so much variety in the choices of our dining scene. Over the last several years, there has been tremendous population growth, which has brought such a wealth of cultures and diversity to the city; and the food scene just continues to mirror that. 

Favorite Houston hangout:
This is tough to decide, so I have a tie. These are two 'go-to' spots for me. A nice little place tucked away on Richmond called Sonoma Wine Bar & Restaurant: awesome wine flights, great food and such a cool atmosphere …It is great for date nights or hanging with friends. I hosted my birthday party there years ago and people still rave about it! A very close second is Agora, a little coffee house my husband introduced me to during our courtship. It is a great place to relax, people watch and have great conversation.

Favorite local biz photo that I snapped and shared on Yelp: 
Blue at Brenner's

What's your favorite Yelp memory to date?
It would definitely be coming home from vacation to find a message in my Inbox from Farrah (Yelp Houston CM) that a photo I took of the McGovern Centennial Gardens had been selected for the very first Yelp Houston Photo Exhibit! My husband and I really enjoyed the event and discovering the art galleries that hosted the event, along with my excitement about having my photo on display in a real life gallery. It was a fun day!

People who love ___ should follow me on Yelp! 
Cigar Lounges

Want more? Keep up with Janine B's reviews, photos, lists and tips here.

Don't forget to follow Yelp Houston: facebook | twitter | Instagram.

About the Yelp Elite Squad: The Yelp Elite Squad is our way of recognizing people who are active in the Yelp community – people that 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. You must use your real name on your account, have a real (and clear!) profile photo, and be of legal drinking age in your country. You can read more, and even nominate yourself at yelp.com/elite

Meet the Elite

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