The Yelpies Elite Event

I had a great time at my first Elite event where I was the Elite (and not the Plus 1)! Great to catch up with some fellow Unilocalers and meet those I hadn’t met yet.
I didn’t get to enjoy the food– on diet over here– but my friends were raving about the tuna tartar. I also heard the blueberry lemonade concoction was delish! I sipped on wine most of the night and although it didn’t totally suit my tastes, it was free!
Even though it was missing the life-​size Operation Table a la the Winter Beer Festival, I found the venue to be perfect for this event. Just enough room to mix-​and-​mingle without feeling like we didn’t have enough Unilocalers to fill the space.
We took a stroll around the exhibits and I gotta say, I must just not be in-​tune with modern art enough to really «get» some of those pieces. Especially the video of the guy staring at you from underneath a bed. What was that?

We Unilocalers really do clean up well!
One of the things I love most about these events is being introduced to fun, new spaces. After 11 years in Atlanta, most of them just across Northside from this place, you’d think I’d at least heard of it. What a pleasant surprise!
The mushroom ravioli from Pasta da Pulcinella was good even though you had to cut with a fork while standing up, but the free dessert coupons will come in handy in a few weeks when Lent is over and we’re headed to the symphony! I liked the spice of the tuna tartare from TopFlr very much, but I would have preferred a chunkier texture. The duck confit salad was good, particularly the roasted seeds which bumped up the flavor of the dish a notch. I wasn’t terribly impressed with the wine, but I only had a few sips, since I was driving. My one sip of the blueberry vodka with lemonade was yummy and had me wishing for an early summer’s afternoon at Piedmont Park!
A special thanks to everyone for showing such warm welcome to my parents! You all are exactly why I wanted to bring them — so they’d see what fun and warm people you all are!

Another great Elite event!!! The Atlanta Contemporary Art Center was a perfect venue for mingling with fellow Unilocalers and their guests. I look forward to keeping up with future art exhibits here.
Thank you to Pasta da Pulcinella and Top Flr for providing scrumptious nibbles. My favorite being the tuna tartar, oh so good! Also, thank you to Van Gogh vodka and Basico wines for providing the alcohol that us Unilocalers love so much! My fav was the Van Gogh blueberry and lemonade. Very tasty!
Last but not least, thank you Kathleen for all you do and for spoiling us with these awesome elite events!

Pasta da Pulcinella and Top Flr provided some great food for our hungry guests. I liked the venue. I’m happy for all the people that won the Unilocalies, they all deserved it. Also, I’m quite surprised that Unilocalers can clean up so well.

Props to K & the gang for freeness, a cool spot with easy parking, and coaxing even the most casual into their shiny finest.
The gallery was a great space (how funny were the Sears portraits?!) albeit mighty bright and quiet. A little music would have been nice.
My guest suggested that it might have been more interesting to open the nominations up to the full Unilocal public.
Congrats to all the winners~heyhey~
Cheers~

Amazing time at the First Annual Unilocalies Awards with Kathleen M. and all of Unilocal Atlanta!
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center was the perfect venue to host the « Unilocal Studded» event.
On most special occasions, people like to make a grand entrance and arrive a bit «fashionably late» but knowing that food was catered by TOP FLR and Pasta da Pulcinella. I think everyone made it a priority to be first in line, I know I did!
«Most Yummy» Food Category
TOP FLR’s tuna tartar with lime aoli and Duck Confeit frisee Salad was exceptional and got a standing ovation from me.
But a lot of Unilocalers raved about the fresh stuffed ravioli’s by Pasta da Pulcinella. So, I have to give the award to Pasta da Pulcinella… well deserved.
The line for cocktails at the Van Gogh Vodka table was unrelenting. I don’t think anyone moved out of line but stayed for seconds, and thirds.
I’m not ashamed to say I gladly helped myself to refills and to those awesome blue cocktail stirrers. I felt very classy holding my drink in hand if I do say so myself.
Once the award ceremony commenced, all eyes and ears were on the lovely Kathleen M.
Kathleen M. read thru the categories and announced the winners and everyone cheered, there were some people shouting but totally out of sheer enjoyment of free alcohol.
Here comes the climatic moment, the category of «Most Useful». This was the moment I was waiting for… I was up for nomination in this category, how exciting!
I knew my competition was going to be stiff. Addy C., a veteran Unilocaler with unyielding eating and writing skills… I heard she eats novice writers like me for breakfast… I didn’t have a prayer.
And the winner is… Addy C. (I knew it!) After the ceremony I got to congratulate the winners and introduced myself to Addy C. She was so nice and friendly, she even complimented me on my reviews :)
Hats off the Kathleen M. and the staff for making one memorable night.

Free drinks, free food, free parking! =D All that and good company yay!
The venue was cool. I didn’t understand all the artwork, but then again I’m not very artsy, so I’ll stick with critiquing food. I did like the art pieces that were modified books.
The tuna tartar from TopFlr was my favorite dish there. Although the Van Gogh mixed drinks were impressive, the red wine was my favorite drink.
Congrats to all the Unilocalie winners! and thanks to Kathleen M and the team for a great event!

I was excited about this event as soon as I finished reading the email. Red carpet. Booze. Camera. Awards. It’s like Kathleen M. was throwing a party just for me and EVERYONE was invited — Guest list only, of course.
As it turned out (and honestly, much to my surprise), I won a Unilocalie and the completely made up story I had in my head about it being my party started to become reality. Well, the party I shared with 9 other wonderful friends who also left with trophies.
All kidding aside (and I am kidding about implying it’s all about me), the event was great. I’m so glad that I finally got to meet a few more of my favorite Unilocalers in person. Luckily they all brought really cool friends, so I got to double my fun. I really liked the venue and I don’t think I would have visited otherwise… and now I’m following them on Twitter.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who contributes and makes Unilocal Atlanta so awesome. I appreciate you!

This was a really fun event! I liked the venue. It was cool to check out something different for a change, and I had never heard of Atlanta Contemporary Art Center. Also, plus 2 stars for free and plentiful parking!
The food was really awesome. I think my favorite was the tuna tartar, but I tried (and liked) all of the items. It was nice to not have to deal with drink tickets, too. My favorite drink was the caramel apple one.
It was really enjoyable seeing everyone all dressed up and the award ceremony was such a fun concept. Unfortunately, our drive is so far now that we can’t always stay downtown «late» so we missed the actual ceremony. Sorry about that, and congrats to all the winners!

Great event Kathleen!
Good food, good drinks, and great people. And the fact that everyone was dressed to impressed was HAWT.
I’d have to say, that Caramel Vodka they served really blew my mind. And the food and service there was also top notch. Extra props definitely have to go out to the Atlanta Contemporary Arts Center itself, the event coordinator there, DeeDee? (I cant seem to remember her name) showed us the cool pieces of art they had there. And she patiently explained a lot of the interesting pieces to this un-​artsy engineer and his similar minded friends.
Definitely looking forwards to the next event. (Canoeing?)

Free freshly made pasta, free booze, free spirits, free-​wheeling conversation, free expression of art, free fun. Who says free isn’t a good thing?
The venue was fantastic. I had no idea it was back there. The artwork was a great mix. Some pieces weren’t up my alley, but others were, and all were thought-​provoking. We only tried the pasta, but it was great. We ate ahead of time, so we weren’t around the food enough to notice the duck. Vodka? Win. Wine? Win. And more than plenty of everything to go around.
Wish I were more social and more capable of running around and talking to everyone there. Also wish I knew street names and could give decent directions. Thanks to James H. for steering Nikki K. to the event.

Classy party, Kathleen! Thanks!
Loved the mushroom ravioli from Pasta da Pulcinella; and the tuna tartare (my favorite) and duck confit frisée salad from Top Flr. Even though I’m allergic to alcohol, I must confess that my one sip of Caramel Van Gogh Vodka was amazing, absolutely delicious.
Almost everyone looked stunning. Very hot ;)

As always, great time with great people! Kathleen did awesome getting everyone together. Everyone was dressed to impressed, and it was a great time, great venue spot, great sponsors!

Oh wow. It was great seeing all you crazy Elites decked out and looking fantastic. The food and drinks were very delicious, and the museum was a beautiful setting. It was a wonderful time, and no bottle of vodka being sacrificed to the floor or fire alarm going off could bring things down!
Congrats to all the Unilocalie winners!
Most Useful: Addy C
Funniest: Ivan S
Best Writer: Vanessa T
Wannabe Troll (aka King/​Queen of Controversy): Adam R
Best Dressed: Joel C
Strongest Liver: Sarah B
Biggest Foodie: Alison B
Best Compliments: Gretchen O
Cute Pics: Alexa G
Lifetime Achievement: David K
(I’m pretty sure I was robbed for something or another, but I have a year to campaign, lobby, cajole, wheedle, and blackmail you people.)
A big special thanks to Kathleen. Absolutely fabulous do, as always, dahlink!

I heart you overly critical, mooching alcoholics. Especially when you’re wearing fancy digs and being all classy looking at art and shit.
Our vibrant Unilocal Atlanta community was out in full force tonight, deterred by neither the inclement weather nor the tucked away location. I’d never heard of the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center and while that’s a shame, I’m glad it was finally brought to my attention.
One of the things I love about Kathleen’s events is the use of unknown/​underrated venues in our fair city. She does a great job of giving exposure to lesser known spots while throwing a fantastic party. Also, can anyone else wear a piece of gold foil in her hair and not look ridiculous?
I rarely eat at these events because I’m too busy flapping my gums, but the food looked delicious and uh, it’s free, so yeah.
The awards ceremony was fun and lighthearted, reflecting how awesome and embracing our little community is when we’re not sparring on talk threads. You guys, more Van Gogh vodka blueberry lemonade, less Haterade: one gets you happy drunk, the other destroys your spirit.
5 stiletto heeled, high falutin stars.

Gorgeous venue and gorgeous Unilocalers, what could be better? Of course, my judgement *might* have been slightly impaired because of the free flowing blueberry lemonade vodka drinks…
I loved the venue, though my plus one commented that someplace with slightly dimmer lighting might have felt a little more «black tie.» Still, I could definitely see myself going back to be uh, perplexed by some of the «art.» It was very cool, nonetheless.
Though I loved the blueberry lemonade vodka drink and both of my plus ones loved the apple caramel (and the glowsticks), I have to say I was a little underwhelmed by the food this time around. I was hoping Top Flr would have brought some of their Unilocal acclaimed mac and cheese, though the duck confit was good. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but a smaller amount of the tartare on the flatbread would have been better. The ravioli I had seemed like it had been in the chafing dish a bit too long, and the crostini was «meh.» But it was free! And I had three blueberry lemonades, so four stars! And a big congratulations to the winners of the Unilocalies!

Another great event… and everyone… even the folk that wore jeans, were dressed up… gotta remember that jeans can cost up to $ 275 bucks these days… so if you got those on… u cant afford other clothes can you?
Who in the hell broke the bottles of Van Gough? I hope you cut yourself off after that… u did didnt you? Damn those blueberry lemondaes were the BOMB DIGGITY. I stopped drinkin for lent, but had 3 drinks last nite… do I get back on the lent wagon… or just give myself over to my alcholy attiude and pour one up today?
The duck confit (is that right) was good and I’m glad I got the ravoli while it was still hot… but still delicious… how can folks complain bout free food?
I missed the awards presentaions cause I was outside giving my friend directions… but Note to self: from now on we ride together or you lose your invite to go.
David…I heart you… so gladd to see that a lifetime achievement award goes to someone as young as you, not all the oldies like they show on TV.
Kathleen…as usual a grand event… cant wait til the next one! Thank you for all your hard work.
Never been to this musuem before, but the letter from death row… now that was just what I needed… funny how when people go to jail, they thank their mom, and Jesus over and over. Loved IT!!!
To the two guys that took my frind and I picture at the GA picture… thanks…and save me as a friend, cause I’ve forgotten your names.

As always, another great Elite event. Enjoyed checking out the space inside the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center. The photos of the random dude in all the class portraits was the best. Loved the «Oscar» theme complete with red carpet and awards ceremony. Congratulations to all the nominees and award winners! You deserved it. Finally, the food and drinks were great. Tuna tartare and duck = win. Thanks again, Kathleen!

Sweet! First to review. Maybe this is a bad sign, since it’s barely 10:30 and I’m already at home on Unilocal.Hmmm…
Hawt Unilocalers, galore! Yes, y’all dress up waaaay nice.
Delicious drinks, the blueberry/​lemonade Van Gogh vodka was the best.
Tasty wine, both red and white (watch out Sarah B, I’m giving you a run for your lushish-​ness).
The goodies from Top Flr were fantastic! The frisee & duck salad was my fav, tuna tartar a close second. And the pasta… mmmm. Must hit up Pasta di Pulcinella soon. (Hope I spelled that okay, damn Van Gogh).
5 start elite event, yet again. Thanks empress, you done good.
xoxo

I’m with Todd P, the Van Gogh vodka drinks were my favorite (tried both the blueberry/​lemonade and the caramel apple) and I’m not even a big drinker — the glowsticks were a fun touch, too! Also enjoyed Pasta de Pulcinella’s ravioli and bruschetta apps, and Top Flr’s spicy tuna tartar on flatbread and their duck confit salad. Yummy! Thanks for spoiling us with the delicious food & drinks tonight!
I also loved that Kathleen & team put together the Unilocalies to add some fun to the evening — plus a great excuse to play dress up esp. for folks like me who never get the opportunity :) It was great seeing everyone, and great seeing new faces, too. The Elite Squad is definitely growing and they’re lookin’ real good! :) And yay for free parking! :)