Elite Event @ The Mexican Antojitos y Cantina

It was awesome to meet our new community manager Robin at this Mexican theme Elite Event. She put in an amazing effort and she did an excellent job!
Watching salsa dancing, piñata bashing, and a live band made it extra fun! I really enjoyed playing Unilocal-​O, meeting new and old Unilocalers. The Mexican food was wicked too — lots of fresh ingredients by people who really know to make great Mexican food.
I can’t wait to attend more of Robin’s Elite Events.

First off big thank you to Robin (and The Mexican!) for putting together this event and making sure I had a drink in hand despite there being a massive Sangria hungry crowd at the bar!
I am personally a huuuge fan of pink unicorns so, pink unicorn piniata FTW! Although it hurt me a little to see this poor thing get beaten to death (not to mention the horror of being in the firing range of that Unilocal broom handle) it was good times all around!
Overall it was a good evening, a little full which made me wanna stick around the few people I already know rather then exploring the glory that is Vancouver Unilocal Elites!
Didn’t really try the food but the drinks were fabulous! Looking forward to our next encounter Elites!

mucho mucho gracias Robin for a ‘hot’ party!
Time and time again, I’m pleasantly surprised about the wonderful company a Unilocal party can bring together. Good food, good drink, and good people, tell me– can it get any better?

«That’s Robin, the first Unilocal party she throws
How do you say ‘broke’ in Spanish? Me no hablo»
Delicious food. Free flowing sangria and cervezas. Awesome people. Me gusta.
After a far too long of a hiatus, glad to see Unilocal Elite events are back and with the capable Robin at the helm — alternating between bodychecking through the small front space greeting guests and running to the back to ensure the flow of food and booze. Seems like the new CM learned:
1) Ponchos are uncomfortably hot.
2) Like a black hole — nothing, not even generous servings of food and drink, can escape the gravitation pull of voracious Unilocalers.
The last second audible to bring out cervezas in ice buckets to sate the crowd — not sure if that’s a new high or low for us — but a wise move. «I don’t often drink free Mexican beer — but when I do, I drink Pacífico.»
If the incessant feed frenzy didn’t scare her off, I’m sure Robin will make a fine CM — the right lead-​off and she’s one bad hombrette. And thanks to The Mexican for being gracious hosts and putting up with our gringo asses.

It had been awhile since the last Unilocal Elite event, because Vancouver has a brand spanking new community manager, the boisterous Robin.
For her first outing, billed as a «Tequila Tasting Throw Down», she kept it small with a fiesta at The Mexican complete with sombreros (one of which I totally stole), a deceptively durable piñata, Mexican beer and food.
Birthday girl Gina started things off, but Colene really went to town on the piñata and it got dangerous. She narrowly missed rifling me square in the groin on a missed swing. True story.
Eventually, we managed to break out the goodies inside for a Mexican-​style celebration. As you can tell, I decided to pose for some increasingly unflattering photos with the most furled expression I’ve ever displayed.
It sure was a party with some salsa dancing. Some complained about the warm, cramped conditions, and being hard to live up to some of past, «classier» parties of late. However, I really dug it, precisely because it was different and fun! I think it reflected the new CM’s fun breakneck attitude and breezy nature. I expect things to only continue to build and excel from here.
We had lots of fun in our silly hats posing and dancing to the band. The moustaches really added to the flare. Dennis was not impressed with my humourless sombrero glare. I thought yet another furled expression was a good idea for some reason. I blame the sombrero.
The snacks were excelsior too. I dig authentic Mexican food and heartened by more and more joints like La Taqueria, Salsa & Agave, and The Mexican.
The night ended with a rousing musical medley and various of us Unilocalers pitching in, but Colene went to town on the bongos and shakers.
It was a blast. Things got better toward the end of the night with a little thinning out of the crowd for easier mingling and less sweaty times.
I look forward to more and the new direction Robin as CM will take our fair city’s socially industrious community.

I am so glad we had a party here! I’m always on the lookout for great Mexican food, and now that i know about The Mexican i am going to be there like you wouldn’t believe!
I didn’t end up sampling too much food (honestly, i ended up spending a good chunk of the time helping my bff Lex B get a spilled tray of delish pink margaritas out of the back of her shirt!) but everything i did try had that fresh, simple taste i love about Mexican food! The green sauce (what WAS that anyway?) was my favorite, and i loved how everything there, even the nachos, seemed homemade! I took a glance at their menu on my way out and was impressed by their prices too!
Their Sangria was GOOD. Really good. I think i could have drank a pitcher of that to myself! The tangy lemony margarita was my next favorite! It was perfect– not too sweet, not too sour!
The party had so many fun touches! I meant to get a mustache on my way out but forgot, but i did grab some candies from the unicorn piñata!
Thanks for the fantabulous party Robin! :-)

WOW, the very first Unilocal Elite Event thrown off by our NEW community manager Robin! I was so happy that I can finally see her in her whole « Unilocal» scene of things! I was totally excited to finally see what the fruit of her looms has made! :D
The party was fun and full of energy and it was GREAT! Everyone had a great time and everyone enjoyed it! You can tell at the end the party was ending on a good note with everyone just chilling and having talking with each other again!
One thing I realized at the party was lacking of tissues and tequila. which was kinda sad… I wanted tequila shots for the night and fall dead on the floor at the after party, but that didn’t happen.
Overall the night went AMAZINGLY well! Tons of blackmail… I MEAN PICTURES were uploaded and it was good to finally see the Unilocal Community come together again and talk and eat and just hang out!
See everyone at the next Unilocal Elite Event! :D

Thanks for the fun party — great job, Robin! It was a pleasure meeting you, and it was great to get a little hot Latin flavour into our dreary Vancouver «summer.» I loved the mustaches.
Unfortunately I missed most of the party in the bathroom with the lovely Rheanna trying to clean the tray of bright pink strawberry margaritas that was toppled over from all over the back of my light yellow shirt. Luckily I bought my pants two weeks ago and still haven’t run them through the wash, so the 10 or so drinks beaded right off of my ass and into my shoes, which hey, are flats and we all know those get disgusting over summer (right ladies, you know it) so I’m sure the strawberry only improved their overall condition. (And yes, I’m wearing the same pants today.. .) First world problems, everyone.
I can report that the paper towels were very well stocked in the ladies room.
Anyways.
The spicy green sauce was awesome, and I dipped almost everything I could in it. The guacamole was super delicious, the little tortillas with re-​fried beans were delightful. I also loved the sangria — I’d say it’s one of the best in Vancouver.
The ceviche however was. well, honestly this is the first time I didn’t enjoy ceviche. There was a less-​than-​awesome sauce all over it and I could barely taste anything else. Sorry. Not my favorite, and I wasn’t the only one. I loved the presentation though — just the sauce was a little too close to fast-​food barbecue dipping sauce. (Please take this as constructive criticism — I’m not trying to be a jerk.)
Thanks again for another great Unilocal party!!!

All the things that make Elite Events worth going to. And it was the first event for our new CM the capable and cute Robin. We’re all looking forward to seeing you on the town.
A nice surprise for me was meeting an old work acquaintance from a Spanish tour operator that I do business with, Roger, who is now the owner of this cool, little restaurant. He was a generous and gracious host. Good luck with the new place, Roger!

Thanks for hosting a fun party. Despite the cramped room the atmosphere was definitely ‘fiestive’!
I didn’t eat a lot but what I did try makes me want to go back. It was very authentic. The staff were all so lovely and friendly. I had to order them to put out a tip jar which I hope everyone filled up.
The music was a lot of fun and watching everyone’s attempts at Salsa dancing made me glad I wasn’t up there — two left feet. The piñata filled with Unilocal swag and candy was a great idea!
It was good to meet you Robin and I hope you got to relax afterwards!

Olé! I do love me some Mexican food, so when I heard Unilocal was doing a Mexican fiesta, I was in! I convinced Luisa, Rheanna, and Emily-​Anne to come by my place first for some Día de los Muertos makeup, which ended up making us about 20 minutes late… oops! But by the time we arrived, it meant that the party was already started.
I had a taste of the sangria, which was super yummy, and I also had a strawberry and a lime margarita, and both were really good — not too sweet, which is important if you don’t want a hangover. I also had some of the chips and salsa and the green sauce (not sure what that was called, but it wasn’t guacamole) and both were tasty. I liked that they were using real corn chips, and not the bland tortilla chips you can get at the store. Most of the foodies that passed by me were tainted with meat, but I was able to grab a small burrito with beans on it, and that was pretty good, so I am definitely curious to try out their regular menu, which I stopped to gaze over on the way out.
Thanks Robin, for making the event so much fun, with moustaches, and Unilocal Bingo, not to mention the awesomeness of the piñata being smashed in the middle of the restaurant. I thought for sure someone was gonna get hurt! The live band was great! I wonder if they play at the restaurant on weekends? And a big thank you to the Mexican Antojitos y Cantina for having us invade your restaurant! Muchas gracias!

Arriba Arriba! Get me another sangria!
Congrats to Robin for her first Elite party, it literally had everything that you would hope from a mexican-​themed party. Except maybe a Mexican beach and sunshine, but while Robin can pull off great things we can’t all have magical powers. The food, the refreshingly delightful sangria, the fun Unilocal swag flying from the poor unicorns’ defeated pink remains, and music that totally got me into the spirit!
The food was very yummy and the servers did a wonderful job finding their way through the small packed space with their wonderful and carefully made little offerings. Even the just the chips and salsa were good! I am definitely looking forward to checking this place out on a normal day. But I will miss the musicians, I wish I could take them everywhere with me.
Well done Robin, I give you 2 ‘Mexican hat dance’ thumbs up! :)

It’s not every day you get to wear a moustache and a sombrero, but dammit, it should be!
Excellent first Elite event from our brand new CM, Robin. Such a fun and festive fiesta vibe from all the Unilocalers and the staff. We played Unilocal-​0 and I discovered the weird talents of one-​handed juggling, tongue tricks and more. Colene C. bashed the hell out of a piñata, who knew she had that much aggression in her? (yeah, actually we did) and then jumped onstage to join the band.
The staff of The Mexican Antojitos y Cantina were friendly and fun, taking pictures, refilling drinks and being welcoming. I’ve eaten here before and it is fabulous, try the nachos if you are in the mood for a delicious cheesey coma!

Having never been to a Unilocal party before as an Elite member, I had no idea what to expect.
The venue was packed, but it looks like they had *just* the right number of people to fill the place perfectly. Props to the organizers.
I was surprised when someone in the lineup told me that this place blows away Don Guacamole’s. The reason is because a real-​deal Mexican took me to Don’s and told me it was the most authentic he could find in Mexico.
The food was delicious, without a doubt. The bean tacos were nice and gooey, and my favourite were the taco rolls. Oh, and the sangria is arguably the best I’ve had in this town. Interesting how the alcohol seems to concentrate in the fruit bits, so I hope you ate them too.
The band was absolutely awesome. I was actually really impressed with their cover of «Leaving On A Jet Plane». Sounds better than both Peter Paul + Mary, and Chantal haha.
The swag was great too. Now I don’t have to eat regular round-​shaped mints like the lower classes either! Sweet! Awesome bouncy balls too. Now I know how to annoy my cubicle mates.
So why only 4 stars? There were a couple of issues. Nothing big, but definitely worth pointing out, for the organizers.
a) The place was too small for salsa dancing. When they had to clear the centre of the floor for dancing, everyone got shoved to the edges. I was conveniently trapped near the bar which meant that I got just a little more toasted, but it took away from the ability to mingle with the others.
b) For every piñata event I’ve ever been to, the 1^st thing to go is ALWAYS the string. So, next time, please use something thicker. I feel bad for the restaurant owners if there are now a few extra dents on the nice hardwood floor.
Otherwise, oh wow, what a blast. I am very proud to be a Unilocal Elite member. Happy eating/​drinking~

So, what did I think of the Elite Event last night… let’s take a tally, shall we?
Drink copious amount of Sangria — check
Eat tasty tacos — check
Wear a gigantic sombrero — check
Wear a pervy fuzzy mustache — check
Beat a piñata with a very long Unilocal stick — check, check, check (for the amount of hits I made!)
Jump on stage & play drums with a live Mexican band — CHECK!*
Oh yes, that ALL happened!
Thanks to The Mexican for mixing such good sangria and serving up tasty platters of food. And of course, extra special thanks to our brand spanking new CM Robin for being a great host! Muchas Gracias!
*I woke up this morning with a bruise running from my thumb down to my palm. Oh so painful, but worth it for an amazing night!

A small intimate gathering of Unilocal Elite’rs, count me in, always. It has been a long time, say the least, of seeing all these cool folks once again under one roof, and it was time for another one of them Elite Events, with more memories to boot. What better way to have a party then a Mexi themed one.
This was also Robin’s first Unilocal Elite Event where she is the new Vancouver ambassador, congratulations. The place was cozy, with food tables on each side of the room. The people working here tried there hardest to try to get to everyone in the crowded room to feed them. A job well done, and the mixed drinks were pouring as fast as they could be. (I find Unilocal’ers pretty thirsty at these events, including myself).
The ultimate highlight of the night was still Colene taking the stick, and showing some true anger and aggression, so definitely watch out when this girl has a stick in hand. Sarah O. had to come in and finish the job of cracking the poor pink piñata, and revealing the that was hidden *good job*. I was able to meet some people I had not had the chance to meet prior to the night. Always a great rush of fun and entertainment with this crowd!

Fantabulous event! A little hot & sweaty for me, but hey… the space was a bit cozy, which also makes me not want to mingle as much as I could, so I missed introducing myself to many people:(
The food bits I had were wonderful, as I am a big fan of mexican food anytime. The sangria and the tequila sunrise I had were both very yummy.
Really enjoyed everyone that theme’d out, especially the Día de los Muertos ladies!
Kudos to Robin for her for Unilocal Elite Event as CM, you are darling and you fit right in!
Looking forward to the next one.

Pinatas, mustaches galore, fabulous Dia de la Muertos make up, great friends, amazing drinks and delicious food — that pretty much summed up my Unilocal experience for the night!
The staff was amazing — they were quick with the clean ups and were non-​stop at the bar (that sangria was SO yum, and the squid tacos were so delicious). The highlight of the evening? Colene going at the poor unicorn piñata on the floor! She went swing crazy!
Salsa dancing looked like a lot of fun, and the get-​to-​know-​you Unilocal-​O was a great idea too! Thanks Robin for putting on such an amazing event, and thanks to The Mexican Antojitos y Cantina for the fantastic food and drinks. I’m totally curious to see what the place looks like on a regular night when it’s not invaded by Unilocalers!

Myself and Uni are having a tough morning at getting in to our work day over here. The day after effects of too many drinks are rough (sangria, beer, strawberry margarita, lime margarita and mango margarita’s). Amazing I was able to even get up this morning and even more amazing that Uni has joined me at work. She is hardly working though, she is a total slacker.
Last night was excellent to say the least. Great first Elite Event Robin! The Mexican Antojitos y Cantina staff did an excellent job and the food was delish. I’m looking forward to going back and experiencing more items on their menu and perhaps another margarita or sangria!
Music was great, salsa dancing was great, piñata action was great, drinks were great, food was great. What wasn’t great. I don’t know because the night seemed pretty great to me.

A great first Elite Party set up by Robin!
From the piñata to the classy mustaches to the salsa. Everything brought back memories of my numerous trips to Mexico. It was cozy and the staff were super friendly. The salsa lessons were a great touch even though I was ‘voluntold’ to dance. =)
A fantastic party! Thank you Robin and thanks to The Mexican Antojitos y Cantina for a great night!