Ok, lets be honest – it's summer in Florida until Thanksgiving, but let us pretend to be normal for a day. It's mid-August, school is soon to start, and we're just around the corner from tailgating for football games again. What better way to say "arrivederci" to the hot-season, than with a Yelp soiree? theAvenue played the ultimate host to this festive summer celebration, which was most articulately illustrated by Thomas A. "Rather than entering a mere bar and grill, I found myself swept into a swirling, festive atmosphere where sunglasses were worn indoors, and the menfolk of the tribe were shirted in floral cloth of a Hawaiian nature." That's right, Yelp doesn't mess around.
There's a reason we say, "It's neat to be Elite!" Diana C backs that statement up – "What a glorious experience! I loved the company, the food, and the fun – obviously! It was such a great experience to be a part of this amazing group of people. Can't wait for my next Yelp Elite event!" And everyone knows that no Yelp party is complete without massive amounts of schwag!
Of course, Yelp would be nothing without Yelp-nation showing up in herds, and Caroline C echoes those sentiments, "The Elite squad was brought together for a sweaty good time at theAvenue. I had a blast seeing so many of my Tampa Bay Lady Blogger friends, as well as my fellow Elite buddies who have become friends over the past few months. Everyone is always such a blast!" Well, we think you're just swell, too, Caroline!
What are the three favorite words of any given Yelper? Food, drink… and free! Our generous host provided a drink menu that consisted of Corona's, White Sangria, Red Sangria, and the signature Hunch Punch. Zach H enjoyed the drinks, but raves about the food – "the Mac N' Cheese Slider was uh-mazing! I'd consider making a trip across the Bay, to theAvenue just for this slider. The fries were some of the best in the area – well seasoned and perfectly fried… crunchy on the outside, and a silky texture on the inside."
Entertainment was provided by some great local vendors! The sweet sounds ringing throughout the night were courtesty of the musical stylings of Chris Cox. Chris has been doing shows in the Bay Area and all over Florida for the past 3 years. Influenced by the likes of John Mayer and Dave Matthews, Chris knows that music has the power to speak to our souls in a language, like nothing else can. You can find Chris playing live at theAvenue every Friday night from 9p-1a, as well as many other Bay Area locations every week. Check out his full schedule here! Yelpers that were brave enough to pull back the curtain, found themselves a photo booth, strategically placed next to the bar (of course!) Fabulous Photo Booth was providing laughs and many photogenic moments throughout the evening. Victoria A couldn't agree more, "the photo booth was one of the highlights from the night. After some drinks, we ventured over and it was so exciting- I've always seen them but never had never taken advantage… until now!" Fabulous Photo Booth has been crashing parties all over Florida since 2009 and is ready to hit up your next event! Between weddings, corporate events, holiday parties, bar mitzvahs, and any other kind of celebration – Fabulous Photo Booth is there to add to the fun. Last but not least, the beautiful photos you see were shot by one Gerardo Luna. Gerardo has loved photography for years and enjoys nothing more than getting behind a camera and making the magic happen! By trade, he's actually a Real Estate Agent for Signature Realty Associates, where he has been helping people find their dream home across the Tampa Bay region for the last three years.
What can be said that hasn't been already? Great people, endless fun, phenomenal entertainment, and a venue generously hooking us up with scrumbscious treats all evening. What club is better than this one? Not one that I'm familiar with.
Until next time, we'll just be SYOY (Seein' Ya On Yelp)
Yelp Tampa Bay – Community Manager
