The Gloves Come Off for Yelp East Bay’s Love is a Battlefield @ Prizefighter!

Black eyes, boxing gloves, Gogo with the Crazy 88's from Kill Bill, samurais, a heartbreaker, members of Fight Club, Shaun from Shaun of the Dead, Superhero snuggies and a plethora of other sensational costumes, poured into Emeryville's hottest new bar – The Prizefighter for an epic afternoon with a strong punch this past Sunday for Yelp East Bay's "Love is a Battlefield" anti-V-day celebration!
s

Yelpers were able to make their way up to the phenomenally stocked bar to sample three fruity  Plymouth & Beefeater gin punches that definitely left a lasting impression. There was Brass Pineapple, Tropical Honey and Apple Orchard. Lisa I's favorite was the Apple Orchard which she remarked tasted just like Christmas. Grace L swooned over the tropical pineapple mango punch that took her back to her days in Hawaii.

With bold punches in hand, yelpers were able to explore Phat Matt's BBQ's brisket sliders and bacon wrapped meatballs. Anne M ate so many of Phat Matt's bacon wrapped meatballs that she guilt tripped herself into a 9 pm gym trip later on the evening. Ike's Lair, Oakland dished up an abundance of their famous sandwiches. Amy J couldn't get enough of them, swooning over their well renowned dirty sauce. Jeffrey S applauded Reuschelle's luxurious cheesecake. His wife adored the banana rum, while he couldn't get enough of the caramel apple.  After learning about the illustrious White Chocolate Raspberry Chocolate Chip cheesecake from Victor the owner – he's been pining for it ever since. Vice Chocolates made mouths water with their gorgeous and decadent Cherry Bombs comprised of Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate Ganache infused with Organic Espresso, stuffed with a Dried Cherry, slivered Almond and dipped in 65% Dark Chocolate. To round out the impressive array of sugary treats was Angel Cakes with miniature "heavenly" Hazelnut Cupcakes made with real Hazelnuts and Buttermilk and Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cupcakes. Akvile H gave a big nod to Jen from Angel Cake's baking ability: "tasty, fluffy, and sweet just the right amount!"

What fighting themed event would be complete without some competitive games? There were colorful Rockem'-Sockem' Robots games at each indoor table, while brave souls battled it out – outside with Bay Area Jump's sumo wrestling matches. Diana V gushed:  "it was exciting to see people fighting, and also seeing their energy afterward. If you have never done this, I totally recommend it. It's an adrenaline rush!" Grace L added that the "sight alone warranted roaring laughter as people belly flopped on top of each other." For a better idea of the Sumo Showdown – check out Jimmy C's video here.

With festive high energy songs playing in the background, yelpers were able to indulge in the rich spread of food, enjoy one another's creative costumes (Jessica P and Lorrayne L. both walked away with tickets to Dark & Delicious with their wowing warrior get-ups) and even were able to donate and learn about the exceptional non-profit Citizen Schools. Citizen School's East Bay chapter, helps to expand the learning day of children in low-income communities across the country. Both of their friendly volunteers even rocked some prize-winning wear for the occasion!

Teresa P summed up the event perfectly: "this was a knock out event….a great way to raise money for Citizen Schools and a perfect occasion for me to carry my ninja sword umbrella.  ;)  The Love is a Battlefield YEE is pound for pound in my book! " Check out all of the exciting reviews here and peep pictures, compliments of Bill Bankhead and Basil Glew-Galloway, here.

Keep fighting the good fight,

Nique F

East Bay Ringleader