Avid Yelper Lianna N is celebrating her seventh year as a member of the Yelp Elite Squad. This seasoned traveler first started using Yelp after moving to Philadelphia to earn her doctorate. In Philly, Lianna and a newfound friend shared a common interest – food. Her friend suggested using Yelp to find great spots to eat in Philadelphia, a city neither of them knew well. Yelp provided just that and Lianna was hooked!
Originally from Honolulu, Lianna left Philadelphia in 2014 to settle in Omaha, where she had lived during her undergrad studies. A self-described food and doodle enthusiast (she organizes monthly dog meet-ups in Omaha with her doodle Henri and other dog owners), Lianna loves exploring the menus at mom-and-pop restaurants serving up traditional cuisines from across the world.
We chatted with Lianna to learn about some of her more recent adventures. For gumbo in New Orleans or parasailing in Oahu, Lianna still looks to Yelp – nearly eight years later – to find local businesses to try all across the U.S. Read on for Lianna’s personal highlights of her recent top travel finds.
Kansas City
Succotash – “Succotash is a great gathering place to meet friends and have a morning meal. Try the kitchen sink if your appetite thinks it’s up for the challenge.”
Kauai, Hawaii
Holo Holo Charters – “Holo Holo Charters was a relaxing and idyllic way to see the vast beauty of the rustic Na Pali Coast of Kauai.”
Mark’s Place – “Popular among locals and tourists, this plate lunch spot is a for sure ‘grindz’ stop while visiting Kauai.”
Oahu, Hawaii
X-Treme Parasail – “If you’re feeling daring, but want something relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful, take a parasail ride with X-Treme Parasail to give your vacation that extra height.”
Los Angeles
Manhattan Beach Post – “MB Post rules the strip for their new American dishes, ever rotating menu, and their commitment to local and seasonal sourcing. My personal favorite is the broccoflower – so many flavors blasted into one vegetable.”
Omaha
Paragon – “Paragon offers up elevated homey classic dishes in a comfy, modern setting that’s sure to impress your boss, your date, and your out of town guests.”
Wicked Rabbit – “Cozy up in this exclusive space once you’ve made your way through the rabbit hole, and order a gin fizz, or two.”
New Orleans
Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop – “Ron’s takes you outside of the usual NOLA scene, and right into the kitchen of your Southern dreams. Best meal in NOLA – hats off to Ron’s gumbo, fried chicken, and everything else on the menu. You can’t leave town without trying this place.”
San Francisco
B Star Bar – “B Star Bar is the place to hit when you’re looking for non traditional brunch. The Burmese cuisine here is a perfect way to start your morning, and it’s the best thing I ate on my recent trip to SF.”
Follow Lianna on Yelp and keep up with her current adventures. Find a collection of her reviews of the above spots here.
Interested in becoming a part of the Yelp Elite community? Check out the program and nominate yourself at yelp.com/elite.
