Tucson's Elite Squad kicked off the month of August with a smashing garden soiree at Terraza Patio and Lounge. Upon arrival, elites and their guests were greeted by the lovely Miss Piggy (one of the horses from the stables on the property) and then escorted to the lush patio to get the party started.
Once guests checked in, they were treated to unlimited pours of crafty cocktails including; Blood-Orange Press, House Margarita, Rhubarb Sour and Larry's Leisure Suit. Also awaiting the Yelpers were house-made chips, salsa and guacamole to get their appetites going. Did we mention that Tesoro, a Tucson favorite, was their surprise entertainment for the evening? Smooth Flamenco tunes kept this bash alive all night. And that's just the tip of the iceberg!
Passed hors d'oeuvres were abound. Guests savored delights such as crisp calamari with jalapeno-tomato relish, gazpacho, and quesadilla bites (chicken and vegetarian). In between sips and snacks, Yelpers socialized and got to know each other. An elated Vivian K said "It was so cool to see everyone getting into the spirit of the garden party with beautiful dresses, sophisticated hats, and gardening outfits. Yelp elites and their plus ones really know how to party!" Just when they thought they were full, they were graced with gourmet food stations galore. Yelpers easily made dinner out of the fresh fish and marinated beef tacos, shrimp and chicken enchiladas, and pan roasted tenderloin. Sweet toothed Yelpers topped off the night with S'mores, Brownies and Prickly Pear Cheesecake. Even Mark S, who claims he's not a dessert person, "stuck a brownie in his pocket for later."
The fun doesn't end here. Yelpers decked out in their finest garden attire were rewarded accordingly. A "one-night stay for two" (originally the grand prize) was awarded to Shawn O as well as runners up, Rachel R, and Tiffany S. A quick round of trivia gave the rest of the gang a chance to win other fabulous prizes from Hacienda del Sol including gift certificates for horseback riding, massage, and dinner. Basil plants from Victory Gardens and veggie baskets from Breckenridge Growers were also awarded to Yelpers. Tours of the historical guest rooms and garden followed the costume contest and trivia.
An immense thank you to Sara, Matthew and Randy, who helped coordinate this smashing soiree, the ever so talented Terraza culinary team for truly wowing the group, the enthusiastic waitstaff, Owners Rick Fink, Jeff Timan & Tom Firth for their generosity, musical talent Tesoro, Gabi M (who drove down from Scottsdale), newbie Howie K (flew in from NM), Native Seeds SEARCH for donating the lovely seed packets for Elites and guests to take home, Victory Gardens, Breckenridge Growers, and last but not least, Ali Megan for capturing the memories on camera all evening.
Joyce C sums it up nicely yelping that "there could be no friendlier staff; they were always on the spot with smiles and tastes of cocktails and delicious nibbles. Absolutely nothing was left out of the soiree of the season."
Read the reviews and write one here.
Check out the pics here and learn more about Ali Megan Photography here and on Yelp.
Learn more about Tesoro here.
Read up on Native Seeds/ SEARCH here and here
Until next time Amigos y Amigas!
Bella J
Tucson Community Manager
Already dressed for the next Soiree
