Austin Yelp’s First Gold Elite Party

Five years ago, something magical happened: our fine city got a Yelp Community Manager and the Austin Yelp elite squad was born with Kevin Newsum. So of course, in the ways of all things Yelp, this year we threw a party for those folks that have the shiny gold badge on their profile. Shoreline Grill, an Austin institution, offered to host these super elites for an evening of feasting, cocktails and reminscing. Susie G writes with nostalgian: "It's pretty crazy to think it has really been more than five years since yelp became a household name and a super awesome part of my social scene."

Garrett Mikkel of local cocktail fame created custom cocktails with Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka, Maker's Mark, Bombay Gin, Black Seal Dark Rum and champagne. Cocktails were heady creations featuring fresh fruit and delicate blends, shaken and stirred by his expert hand. Delectable gourmet appetizers were circulated around the hungry crowd. Tofu corn dogs, fresh ahi tuna on crisped rice, mini crab cakes, gulf shrimp nachos and mini smores. Shanna P calls the apps "outstanding. I need more of the mini crabcakes STAT. The ahi tartare was amazing, and my husband loved the shrimp nachos. Those corndogs and s'mores were pretty dang delish, too."

Of course, as with any Yelp event, Jonathan Garza was snapping photos to commemorate the event with action shots and photobooth fun. Take a gander at the reviews here, the pics here and then make sure to have a drool wipe ready. Monica O signs off: "A big thanks to Shoreline, Garrett and Jonathan. You made last night feel like returning home after a hiatus of self-discovery and good old experience."

Until the next fabulous affair, SYOY!

Kelly S