Yelp’s First Look For Foodies

It's a new year
of Yelpiness, and the Elite community started things off with a tasty bang!
Over 100 Yelpers came together at Yelp's First
Look for Foodies, a delicious sneak preview of Kansas City
Restaurant Week. One of the most unique event spaces in the city, host
venue The
Bean Hangar opened its doors to the Yelp community as some of the
city's best restaurants sampled out selections from their upcoming Restaurant
Week menus.

When Melisa V noticed Chef
Celina Tio serving house-smoked salmon with deviled-egg
salad from behind her restaurant Julian's station, she was thoroughly
impressed. "It just shows how much she values and respects the opinions of
the people who dine there." Meanwhile, Kay L couldn't get
enough of "the monstrously sized shrimp" from The
Final Cut. Andrew M opted
to eat dessert first, noting that "the frozen peanut butter chocolate
bars from Starkers are amazing!"

Since all of
this sampling can work up a thirst, a triple-threat of beverage providers made
sure everybody kept hydrated. Quintessential
Wines was on hand to offer perfect pairings, while Boulevard Brewery
helped us drink local by offerings pours of both 80 Acre and Nutcracker! And of
course The
Roasterie turned up the heat by offering complimentary cups of coffee,
roasted just on the other side of the venue's huge glass windows!

And because
what's an event without an activity, Yelp Elites played a matching game
of epic stakes. Each participant had to match a variety of pictures (pulled from
Yelp, of course!) to the correct participating restaurants. The winner – who
only missed one match – won a free night's stay at The
Hilton President Kansas City Hotel plus dinner at Providence
New American Kitchen! But since we think that all Yelpers are
winners, everybody left with a swag bag full of coupons and gift certificates to over a
dozen KC area restaurants!

Thanks to The
Bean Hangar and to all participating restaurants for making this event a huge
success. And of course, keep your eyes on Yelp to see what other surprises the
Elite Squad can look forward to in 2013!

Your Friendly
CM

Matt E (pictured
with the big contest winner, Elaine
D!)