Yelp’s 100 Days of Summer – Kickoff Party 1

Monday night we had our first of 4 kickoff parties for Yelp's 100 Days of Summer.  Theatricum in Topanga Canyon set the stage – literally, for what proved to be a night filled with music, laughter, improv and a huge array of savories, sweets and beverages. Read reviews from new and returning yelpers here! Guests were greeted by a harpist, Carolyn Skyes, who literally played music to our ears throughout the evening.

Five food trucks created a half-moon circle that insured not a soul left hungry. Burger Lounge was serving their panko crusted onion rings as well as choice of a veggie burger or their grass-fed beef patty. They also gave out $10 gift certificates to all attendees! "The Burger Lounge was a clear favorite, with the longest lines of any of the trucks, and rightfully so. Their quinoa veggie burger was delicious! As were their french fries, onion rings and homemade ranch. The man taking orders was so friendly," shares Nicole L. It was hard to get enough of the Rosa's Bella Cucina who made a mean chicken parmesan sandwich, in addition to spinach and meat rice balls and fried zeppole (Italian donuts!). Jen H loved chatting it up: "I love the server that was outside introducing all the food that was available. I can really feel the Italian love there! They always came out with hot dishes! Their meatballs were awesome and their donuts were fresh and crisp!" The Komodo Truck was speaking Debbie H's language with their Asian fusion chicken and steak tacos. "Tasty Chicken had rice and oranges in it- wow!  You wouldn't think it, but yeah the play on Asian flavors really blew me away. The steak tacos with corn, onions, jalapeño's and a really flavorful sauce had so much flavor going on."

Noemi M is now a fan of Indian thanks to the No Tomatoes Truck. "I had the chicken biryani and a spinach with paneer samosa. It tasted authentically Indian. I'm pretty picky when it comes to other than typically American cuisine, but I was impressed!" The Boba Truck was a hit as well and Kristine B shares, "They have the most unique flavors of milk, black and green tea boba drinks. A definite must if you happen to bump into them." The Sandwich Spot was set up near by, with an assortment of their most popular sammies. Rena J couldn't get enough: "Their sandwich had my husband exclaiming, 'This is the best sandwich ever!' And I went back later in the day begging for another chocolate chip cookie." Catering company Bon Melange did many mini bites including fig tarlets and chorizo sticks as well as brown butter cookies. Angela D notes "Fancy schmancy. The lamb was tasty and the chocolate truffle was delish!"

Further over into the Theatricum yelpers found the beverage garden. Gerolsteiner kept us nice and hydrated with their beautiful displays of mineral water. Freixenet had lovely bubbly flowing in their sexy cups and had super fun giveaways like bubbles, and picture holders. flipflop wines were poured and adored and Angel City Brewery let us try a test batch of their Belgian Style Wit.

What's a Yelp event without some sweets? The Crumb Fairy Bakery had it going on with their mini ice cream cone cupcakes, milkshakes in edible cups and Elephant ears. Anne A felt they had an "awesome presentation! The kind and friendly ladies had a delectable presentation of sweets. I tried the passionfruit push pops (fun!) and the cake that looked like hamburger." Beachy Cream helped us all cool down with their delicious ice cream. Sondra B was a fan, "Organic ice cream sandwiches were wonderful, so homemade you could taste every ingredient." Nothing Bundt Cakes were serving up tantalizingly sweet bites in flavors like chocolate and red velvet. "The cake was so good. I've had them before and their consistently moist, delicious cakes always bring the fat kid in me out and ready to play," notes Anita W.

And photos complete an event! We had our great friends from Picture Healing on hand and you can see all the fabulous shots they got here. Flash Life Photobooth was also present giving everyone fun printouts of the event.

Until next time,

Brittany B

LA West Community Manager