Yelp LA Discovers the Arts

Yelp LA Discovers The Arts at The Autry!

It was a night at the museum in LA, and the only things to come alive were, of course, Yelp Elites! In celebration of LA's current-running promotion Discover the Arts, Yelpers showed up ready to take on the Wild, Wild West at The Autry. And if you’re like Richard K who “had not been back to The Autry since elementary school, it was quite a treat to be able to go back.” Indeed it was!

The intercultural center was goin’ for gold by giving Elites a chance to pan for some nuggets! While Yelp peeps might not have gotten actual capital, the night was still golden. With exhibit tours of the Autry’s latest exhibits, Pacific Asia Museum’s dragon puppet makin’ party, lighting up with lanterns from the Chinese American Museum, and craftin’ with Craft and Folk Art Museum meant no Yelper was leaving without exploring the arts. The hands-on activities allowed Amy S to “make a mean paper dragon and help connect with my inner child!” The Reagan Library and Aquarium of the Pacific were also on hand sharing their upcoming exhibits and events with yelpers and those touring the museum probably caught sight of Hollywood Museum's DVD on constant loop all night long (not to mention complimentary tickets for a future visit)!

In the cocktail area, guests were treated to the sound of dueling tunes, as Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra presented Luke Jerra’s Play Me, I’m Yours with a colorful traveling piano designed by Frank Cubillos for yelpers to get their Chopsticks on, while DJ P-Dot provided the more well-rehearsed beats! To get things rollin’ with an artsy tipsy flair, Skirball Cultural Center showcased their latest exhibit with a game of Mah Jong solitaire, and even made their own exihibit-inspired concoction of mahjtinis with vodka, midori sour, honeydew melon and sliced ginger! More drinks were enjoyed like Hard Luck Candy Vodka cocktails that were so sweet tasting, Anita L “had to keep reminding herself that there was alcohol in these drinks!” St. Germain was in the house with a “light and fruity” champagne number that was “just perfect for a lightweight drinker” like Vickie C. With a selection of IPA and DBA, Firestone was overflowin’ the Elites’ cups with their well-crafted brewery.

As yelpers were filling up with liquor, The Far Bar was servin’ up Asian-fusion samples of mini pork sliders, brown rice veggie rolls, and Juanita D’s favorite concoction of “tuna tartar crunchy taco that was out of this world!” Yuca’s was also holdin' it down with crunchy chips, spicy salsa, and traditional-style chicken and pork tacos. According to Jenelle B, “Yuca’s did me right in so many ways. I loved their tacos even thought they didn’t have cheese. The meat was extremely flavorful and I loved the spicy kick that the salsa had.” For a sweet ending, Pacific Cheesecake Company was on deck to give samples of their tasty desserts, and for someone like James S “who doesn’t really eat sweets," he's sure his "waistline increased since he couldn’t get enough.” Newcomer Heart of Tartlets was definitely a hit amongst Elites with sweet tarts made of key lime and blueberry flavors and a savory cheesy zucchini.

Our friends from SnapFiesta provided a photobooth sesh all night long of Yelpers on a faux horse, with Western-style costumes and props, to capture the wild side of being an Elite. Yee-haw! And Paul Rupp Photography captured all of the activities on the candid front.

The night ended with goodies from Justin’s (chocoalte hazelnut butter spread), Pretzel Crisps (addictive holiday edition chocolate-covered pretzels) and of course, awesome Yelp schwag! Thanks to The Autry and to all the sponsors, Elites discovered the arts and had a Yelpin’ good time!

‘Til next time, SYOY!