Yelp's Oz-Toberfest @Outback Steakhouses of Chicagoland

G'Day, Mates! Is there any better way to ensure a bonzer October than with TWO Yelp Elite events happening simultaneously at two different suburban locations? Chicagoland Elites channeled their inner Mick Dundee and kicked off October Aussie style at Outback Steakhouse of Schaumburg and Villa Park, and were among the first in the country to previewing The Bar @ Outback's brand spankin' new '$4 Finds' menu, debuting to the public this week.

100 Elites feasted on a massive menu of munchies, including some new takes on old Outback favorites:

o Coconut Shrimp with Creole marmalade
o Short Rib Steakhouse Nachos – Crispy kettle chips topped with BBQ seasoning, cheddar sauce and short rib
o Margherita Flatbread – Crispy flatbread topped with Monterey Jack, Parmesan, fresh chopped tomato, basil and balsamic reduction glaze
o Homemade BBQ Chips with jalapeno ranch sauce
o Bloom Petals – Bloomin’ Onion petals served with spicy signature bloom sauce
o Chicken Artichoke Flatbread – Crispy flatbread with wood-fire grilled chicken, spinach, artichokes and Parmesan
o Bushman ‘Shrooms – Lightly battered and fried mushrooms served with spicy ranch sauce

You can read all the 5-Star reviews right HERE and HERE, and peep a few of our favorite quotes from the night:

"I enjoyed the coconut shrimp, Margherita flatbread, bloom petals, and
Bushman 'shrooms. I even tried the dip that came with each item and
loved them! Normally, I'm not a dip person, but Outback must have that
special something in their sauces." ~ Laura N

"My two favorite items I sampled were the coconut shrimp with marmalade
dipping sauce and the Onion Petals with Bloomin Sauce. I am a sucker for
shrimp covered in coconut. Why does that combo taste so good together?" ~ Anthony M

"Their new menu is pretty great – I don't think I had a drink or snack I
didn't like! The punch was definitely my favorite, along with the
breaded mushrooms that we demolished." ~ Danielle S

"All the cocktails were good, and I'd give any of them a try next time I
visit Outback. But the Aussie Rum Punch was the clear winner in my mind,
followed by the Jacobs Creek Moscato." ~ Grant P

Thanks to the 2013 Yelp Chicagoland Elite Squad for coming out, a big thanks to the entire staff & crew at Outback Steakhouse Schaumburg and Villa Park
for the flawless execution of everything from edibles to service, to
presentation and atmosphere, and more, the Australian Consulate-General for
providing some seriously awesome Aussie information, and an extra
special thanks to Elites Ericka A & Sarah S for hosting the
Schaumburg event.

Thanks to photographer & videographer Andres D in Villa Park and photographer Phill C & videographer Dalibor Z in Schaumburg for capturing all of the evening's Elite attendees, sips, and bites. You can check out all of the night's memorable moments, photos, and reviews below!