Tapas and Tinsel at Jacksonville’s First-Ever Elite Event!

40+ Yelpers poured in to the inaugural Holiday
Elite Event @ Tapa That, unsure what to expect. Funky tunes and Santa Hats greeted them,
along with some delicious local brews poured by Tapa That owner
Michael Coutu.  Amanda M admits “most in attendance
were uninitiated when it comes to Elite events, including myself.” Guests
perused local art positioned on exposed brick walls as many of them met each
other for the first time off-site.

Glasses clinked and hugs
were exchanged as everyone waited patiently for the first round of munchies to
manifest. And then, ah-ha! Olive Tapenade, Bruschetta, and Braised Chorizo swirled
into the crowd, enveloping the room in a delightful dance of aromas.
Morgan H was especially taken with
the tapenade and bruschetta, exclaiming “I could've eaten plate after plate
after plate of those two dishes!”

Bold City and
Intuiton Ale
Works beers were flowing, and a pint that mixed Bold City Dukes Brown Ale with
Woodchuck Pumpkin Cider was the favorite ale concoction of the
night! Steve G observes “the local
beers and wines, as well as the local art on the wall were great.” Coastal
Vines Cabernet and Chardonnay, Carmenet Caberney and Protocolo, a Spanish white
blend were also flowing copiously throughout the evening. 
Black Bean Cakes, BLT
Quesadillas, and Dukes Brown Ale Slow-Cooked Chicken Tacos rolled out next, and
the crowd
responded with hungry enthusiasm as music by Curtis Mayfield, Ghostland
Observatory, and Queen wafted overhead. Finally, Chef Arielle’s
specialty, Banana Beignets were served in delicious brown-sugary piles so
magical that they disappeared right before our eyes

All in all, Jacksonville’s inaugural Elite Event was a huge
success! But don't just take our word for it, check out the reviews here and find out what it takes to be Elite here.

Until next time,

Katie C

Yelp Jacksonville Community Manager