Dia de los Yelpos Elite Event

Day of the Dead. This being Election Day, the theme couldn’t be more apropos. Some (Vanessa, James, Katie, Angela to name a few) went full out, skull makeup, clothes and somber expressions to complete their morbid look. Unfortunately the only morbid thing about me was my morbid obesity. That’s bad.
Hey, at least I was wearing black! Which is slimming. That’s good!
But I still looked fat. That’s bad.
But the black sweater was cashmere. That’s good!
So I looked like a fat goat. That’s bad.
Oh well. At least No Mas went all out and served us Unilocalers an actual meal. (I knew something was up when our CM Kathleen didn’t add her usual addendum of «Eat beforehand because don’t expect a full meal at the Unilocal Event.») Tamales, enchiladas, pozole, margaritas – they treated us quite well. And this comes from a fat guy.
Five stars to Kathleen, Michelle, No Mas and the Dia de Los Unilocalos.

This was my first Unilocal event and it was so much fun! I don’t have any other events to compare it to, but it seemed like everything ran smoothly. The food and drinks were delish and everyone was so friendly. I got a good buzz and made some new friends. definitely my idea of a great night! Thanks to Kathleen for a great event!

Thanks to No Mas! for an amazing spread! Definitely the most food I’d seen at an event by a single venue, and all delicious! The margaritas had a lovely color… and that’s all I can say for 3 more weeks… Also a generous amount of space for the group, with plenty of seats, though I spent most of my time in the photobooth. Thanks to the
interns for the fun props and great shots! Great to see everyone get into the spirit of things. Hopefully we can make Vanessa’s dream come true and do this every year!

This was my first time celebrating Las Dias Muertos. No Mas Cantina was a great venue; the restaurant itself is nicely decorated, which added to the «festivity». I am really impressed with the restaurant for their endless supply (and great selection of food) for Unilocal.The photographers did a great job of capturing the actions of the evening. I wish I had the balls to paint my face like some of the Unilocalers. I am über jealous of some of yals’ talents. The best part of the evening was meeting new faces at this event.
I love how some ppl (ie James, Vanessa, and co) were in character and did not smile at all, especially in one of the pictures I looked like a giddy idiot when everyone around me looked totally Dia de los Muertos –ish

It’s always a grand time when an event theme lets us go all-​out, get dressed up in costumes of sorts. While No Mas Cantina provided some tasty bevs and foodage (and I’m talking specifically about the mole chicken), the highlight of the evening was the different calaca makeup designs that many attendees had put together (my own sad approximation of Manny Calavera paled in comparison to everyone else’s makeup).

Bummer — pretty much everything was already said.
I’d never been to this part of town before (I mean EVER — and I’m a native!) so it was really cool just for that reason.
The venue was amazing and all the comments already talk to that.
It was great to see a subgroup later on at Manuel’s to watch the election results — not sure if they got any notice for their costumes…

How fun was last night!!!
I was flattered to receive an invite and couldn’t pass up an opportunity to meet more exciting people who like to share their opinions like I do. Not to mention that No Mas was on my list of places try out so why not try it during a fabulous event like this!
The food was much more than I expected and the drinks were super yummy. A little sweet for my (what I though was sweet) tooth… but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it.
Thank you to Kathleen M and all the elite Unilocalers who made my guest and I feel welcome. Logan M was just as excited to tag along as a guest of a guest.
Our night ended at the Tabernacle to see MGMT and I proudly boasted my Unilocal nametag :)

Thank you, Kathleen, for putting together such a fantastic event. I really can’t think of anything which could have been executed better. I had expected to have a good time, meet some great people and enjoy some delicious food… but I had such a absolutely fantastic time. I can’t wait for the next event! On our way back to the car, my man and I commented how happy we were that we invited to attend.
As for No Mas– I think I’ve found my new favorite Mexican restaurant. Everything was delicious, the drinks were great, the staff was just nifty. I’ll save an actual review of the restaurant for a more traditional meal, but I have little doubt that No Mas will be any less than wonderful.

I had never been to No Mas before, but damn, they fed us good. The blood orange margaritas were tasty (and strong) and the food was plentiful, yummy, and filling for one of our first cold fall evenings.
The costumes were amazing, everyone seemed happy and it was lots of fun.
Too bad i missed the photo booth.
Thanks Kathleen and No Mas. I know we’ll be back.

Great job Kathleen! Having had one issue after another preventing me from making an event, I couldn’t pass up one that involved getting into costume! Decked out in my tutu finest, I was happy to see so many other people with masks and outfits (the taco was hilarious!) along with the usual awesome drinks (I swear it was 99% tequila, .05% ice, and .05% juice) and some great company at my table. Space was a little cramped and I wish there was an explanation on the food because that cinnamon rice totally posed as refried beans, am I right? I also love it when there’s dancing music, though I managed to groove to the spanish guitar playing in the dining room below us for a little bit.
Overall it was a fun event! I vote for more costumed events in the future — who doesn’t like getting dressed up more often than once a year! I’m pretty sure our lovely Unilocal Empress would agree. ;)

I have a real soft spot for dead people. Particularly when they’re ambling about, with flowers tucked in their lapels or hair. I have long searched for a Dia De Los Muertos celebrations in Atlanta, coming up with nothing worthy of face paint [or anything, really].
The Unilocal genie heard and answered my wish, mijo. For that alone, this event warmed my rusty cockles. No Mas served as the perfect backdrop, with its generously festive yet cozy atmosphere.
The servings of food were ample and generous. And while that may be a plus for most, I’m not a big fan of the seated-​for-​dinner events. It’s not conducive to mingling and it transforms the event into a high school cafeteria, with everyone eyeballing the few, random empty seats and trying to figure out what group they might fit in with.
I’m certain I’ve been banned from the photo booth, as I pretty much hung out there the entire night. But I mean, what else am I supposed to do if I’m looking appropriately dead and I’m not eating tamales?
I’d especially like to give a fist bump to all whom faithfully participated in the theme with makeup, masks, or costuming. Because HOW AWESOME WERE WE?

Despite total GPS screw ups, I made it there and back! Can I just say that I am seriously amazed this Atlanta cop that was sitting off the street did not pull me over after my incredible lane switch to turn right… except then that right turn was some weird super wide turn in order to not smash the bumper of my car into the dip right there for no good reason?
And yet, even though I knew driving over here would be awful on myself (I often scream while driving on uneven pavement from the annoyance, no lies), I came out here. I too was totally psyched about the parking. It now means I can go back for more food more often after I bump my head 6 times on the drive.
This. Was. Awesome. I’d never been to Castleberry Hill at all before, I didn’t realize how close I’ve been to being in Castleberry Hill before either. No Mas was totally gorgeous in that bright, super decorated sort of way I can definitely appreciate.
The food was fantastic, and it was far more than I thought there’d be. I was totally prepared to go grocery shopping with my eyes coated in black eyeshadow afterward, but who would need to with so much good stuff to choose from? I totally was not planning to have anything to drink after a disastrous Halloween but this girl cannot turn down blood orange anything. They were a bit sour, so one was enough for me anyway.
At first I am always like oh god I don’t know who to talk to and nobody will freaking talk when I try to make eye contact to initiate a conversation, but Min Y’s +1 I remembered from the 5^th St. Café event was there, and I don’t think I had talked to him much there, so I finally met him/​someone else who dislikes Thanksgiving food. Yes.
And of course, like all fun things, I stay longer than I should for what I need to do at home. Damn you, fun people. And costume people — you all looked awesome.
Thank you for an awesome time as usual, Kathleen!

YEAH for the inspiration to conjure the spirit of the dead! It was fun making a costume even if my mask ended up looking like a 4 year old made it. I learned that masks are claustrophobic and are a barrier to deep (or any) conversation. Note to self: I hate masks.
The food was better than I had remembered, and I had to stop myself from sucking down the blood orange margaritas. Mmm…
It’s always great seeing the Unilocaleeps (ok, that doesn’t work), especially in creative ensembles.
Shout out to Roy L. for the tip on Milk Thistle as a hangover preventative. Feeling not that horrid today!
**My suggestion for a future costume party theme is Pirate Radio. You have lots of dress up options: Rock n roll, 60s, mod, the Beatles, and of course, pirates…

I had a great time at this elite event, the food was awesome and man I had too much queso. The margaritas were tasty and strong as hell.
No Mas cantina is a cool place that we had been meaning to check out and we will be back again for sure.
Thanks to Kathleen and crew for putting on a great time for us!

Wow, this Unilocal event stands out for a couple reasons:
1. The great Dia de los Muertos makeup and costumes (shout-​out to Angela M. for incorporating the Unilocal logo on her forehead).
2. Complete Mexican buffet dinner, including enchiladas, tamales, poblano rice, tortillas, guac, soup, and more provided by No Mas.
Once again, I love the variety of intown venues Kathleen chooses for these events. We go everywhere, from Midtown to EAV to Castleberry Hill. No Mas was beautifully decorated and the bartenders and servers working with our group were great. This was one of the smaller Elite events I’ve attended. The tables didn’t make mingling as conducive, but I still met a fair share of new faces. Thanks to Kathleen, Michelle K, Leah and Mark interns, and No Mas for making it a fun night. Viva los Unilocalos!

Fun party! No dancing but tons of good food, fabulous costumes, great drinks (I even had a margarita — my first in over a year!), and lovely people. Thanks, Kathleen!

Leave it to our own Unilocal Empress Kathleen to pull together a fun event in outstanding lofted second floor at No Mas Cantina in castlebery Hill. I have been there a dozen times this year and never noticed the spacious upstairs.
I was a little concerned about parking but behold! There is extra parking behind the central Mexican throwback as well. For someone who notices small things like offset logos on drum kits on Saturday Night Live to the exact shade of that cactus back there we just passed at 90 mph it apparantly has taken an elite event to a recognize a few surprises. There is even a sculpture yard or garden or something in the back. Awesome.
There was great food.
Casual and fun music.
Open bar.
Some living catrinas.
Just a good ol time!
Look forward to meeting more of you soon!

Thanks for bringing me back to No Mas! Cantina. I remember coming here several times w/​in a short timeframe when it first opened … then sorta forgot about it b/​c it’s far from where I live. I love the space. I also love that if you happen to come too early to meet a friend, there’s a place next door where you can look around to help pass time — their bakery and their arts/​furniture store.
Tonight was a great night for people-​watching: loved seeing the painted faces & homemade masks. Scary but beautiful :) And thanks No Mas for providing real dinner food plus the blood orange margaritas! I just wish I knew what I was eating :)
Thanks for throwing another great party, Kathleen!

All in all this was an interesting night, but who can complain about free food and liquor?! The spread was awesome and although No Mas isn’t particularly my type of Mexican food, the food was pretty damn good. I think I’ll be back in the future. The wait staff and bartenders were very attentive, friendly, and great over all. The crowd, humh… er uhm… let’s just say some people need to work on their social skills. However meeting Addy, Toni V., David K., Sarah B, Heather, & Tyler more than made up for some who need to review socializing 101. Thanks Kathleen for a great event! I look forward to the next one!

Tonight was a great reminder of why I love and appreciate Unilocal.Yes, the reviews are cool and I always appreciate event invitations. That’s not what keeps me going, though. It’s because of the really cool, interesting, and unique people I’ve met and the great friendships that grew out of my involvement in the community.
There are too many moments to recounts, but here were some of my highlights:
* I didn’t arrive until after 7:30 and some of my friends gathered toward the front to pounce on me as soon as I got there. All joking aside, it felt good that my presence was genuinely wanted.
* Dee Dee C. and I met for the first time tonight. She seemed surprised that Alexa G. and I didn’t know each other until Unilocal because we banter like old friends.
* Tulie L. and I haven’t seen each other in months, yet be both follow each other online to stay updated and we were able to talk like no time had lapsed.
* I didn’t realize how much Katie W. and Angela M. smiled until I saw them intentionally smirk to maintain their costumes (I just smiled thinking about them smiling).
* Devon O. had been waiting to introduce me to her boyfriend and I got to meet him almost as soon as I arrived. Plus she later got me a drink since I couldn’t make it to the bar.
You’re all awesome and I appreciate you.
PS: Lauren S. finally joined Foursquare. :)