LA West Elite Event at Marina Bar & Grill

I can’t believe I forgot to review this awesome event. Brittany B, your events rock! This was one of the best Elite events I’ve been to this year… what a party!
I loved the space… huge and open patio, big dining room in the back and the best service ever! I really felt I was at a Hollywood party, with the classy service, fabulous red carpet photo area and amazing food and drinks. I loved the fire pit, the chocolate fondue with marshmallows and strawberries and so much more. There was freshly carved prime rib and sushi… what more can I say!
Thank you, Brittany B. for a fabulous event… one the best elite events EVER! I cant wait to come back to the Marina Bar and Grill with my friends now.

This could have been called: Classy & Sassy! I only say that because after taking photos on the red carpet, we were immediately welcomed by kind staff members with glasses of wine and champagne. Then, we turned around and ladies were offering us shots of tequila! We had wine in one hand and appetizer’s in the other, so unfortunately no shots for us.
I loved the buffet and we got there right when it started, so had a short 3 min wait. The seared ahi tuna and prime rib at the carving station were the party favs. There were also an array of sauces at that table. I liked the squash soup! Places usually make it too sweet or to savory, but this one was perfect. Some of the appetizers that I had were the short rib on polenta which was tender and not salty and the crispy salmon wonton rolls. Unfortunately, I was busy taking pictures and missed the dessert fun! There were all these sweets like mini cupcakes I missed, but oh well, I think I drank all my sugar calories that night! Funny that it was easier to grab a glass of white wine than water… lol!
Yayyy to meeting all cool, new Unilocal friends. The one thing I love is that you can always sit with strangers at a Unilocal event and it is not awkward or uncomfortable. I finally got to bring my husband out and he enjoyed the event a lot. He got doubles on food (which is never frowned upon with Unilocalers!) Thanks Marina Bar & Grill for the stellar service and discount cards to use again. We’ll def eat there again! Oh yeah, free parking and tons Unilocal goodies on the tables. And as all the ladies mentioned– clean bathrooms with no lines!
Thanks Brittany B!!! Super event!

Ambience was beautiful on the patio of Marina Bar & Grill, minus the construction going on down the street. Thankfully, I know my LA traffic and I arrived right on the dot.
There was a red carpet after we checked in. The two Elitists in front of me were also at this event solo at the time so we decided to take a red carpet picture together.
After the picture taking session, we entered the event and were immediately greeted by champagne by the extremely cordial wait staff.
There was a lovely fire table outside with a couch and chairs surrounding it. Near that area was a caricaturist. On the other side of the fire table was the Sauza table with free shots of tequila!
I found a tabletop right by the entrance and sipped on my champagne. The girl I took a picture with joined me and servers came with some apps.
The only disappointing thing about the event was that we waited to long to get into the buffet line because by the time we got there, there was nothing much left. I got to try the prime rib and the other sides, but I didn’t get the ahi tuna or any of the desserts except marshmallows dipped in chocolate and a brownie. At the table where I sat, there were several desserts I didn’t get to try, but someone only took literally 1 bite out of all of them. Talk about a waste! That’s the image that pops into my head when I think of this event.
I think the best thing I had there was the sweet mashed potatoes. Everything else was just ok.
If I have a big party or want to have Sunday brunch, I would come here to celebrate it. The wait staff was very attentive and the scenery was gorgeous!

I was super excited since this is my 1^st Unilocal Elite event. Apparently, I can’t read b/​c I thought it was a black/​white attire party instead of white only attire. Oops, if you saw a person wearing all black, then that was me.
Parking was easy to get in/​out, especially with marked signs to the Unilocal event. The photographers on the red carpet were fun and efficient. The buffet lines were dark so I couldn’t really see what I was scooping onto my plate so I just got a little of everything. My favorites included the seared tuna, butternut squash soup, green beans, and walnut salad.
The staff at the photo booth was nice. I liked how the cameras were inside these wooden crates, providing a vintage vibe. The staff at the Vodka booth were really nice and friendly. I was too slow, they ran out of sunglasses.
My favorite memories of the night would be a tie between getting a caricature and meeting some awesome Unilocalers at my table. Dominic (artist of caricature) was really friendly and patient as my +1 and I were the 2^nd to the last patrons of the night. He was still energetic, not to mention a great job. Dinner was a great experience chatting it up with Unilocalers who are new to LA as well as local folks. The table setting allowed for great conversations.
Thanks to Brittany B. and her staff at the event for hosting such a fun event.

Wow. It might have been the shots of tequila and champagne but I really felt like I was living a scene from a movie. This was a beautiful Unilocal Elite event held at the new Hilton Garden Inn at Marina del Rey, another venue planned by Britney B, and it was awesome! They had waiters serving delicious appetizers on trays, a sketch artist, photographers, a chocolate fountain, open bar, and amazing catered buffet style food. (Most) everyone wore white as instructed, so it was surreal, and like walking through a dream. Total VIP all the way.
The best thing they had were the smoked salmon scones, which were inspired I’m sure to the ones they serve at French Laundry. A waiter walked around with these appetizers and we were lucky to have spotted them when he walked by because we didn’t see these any more. Sauza tequila also came up to us offering free tequila shots as a promotion, but there was plenty of wine and champagne being passed around, not to mention their drink of the day which was a white chocolate cosmopolitan and basically liquid dessert.
The food was really well prepared, the best was the ahi tuna and scalloped sweet potatoes which I’m going to have to try to duplicate. The roast beef was awesome and the chicken, which I expected to be dry from the buffet trays, was not, and full of flavor. By the end I was so stuffed I didn’t even want dessert. I was more than satisfied.
Great event, I got to meet new Unilocal Elites and some familiar faces too. Since it was Bridget B’s birthday the next day, we stayed around at the bar until midnight to toast her. Really surprising that the Hilton could pull off such an amazing event!

I’m kicking myself in the butt for not learning my lesson about LA traffic earlier. It took me nearly 45 minutes to get to the event from Sawtelle which I totally didn’t expect, but I was excited that when I got there and met up with my awesome Plus One April F. that there were still people getting in. Wheww — nothing like not being the last one to get to a cool spot.
True, it means that I missed out on some cool appetizers, but the cosmos were still flowing and the prime rib was being handed out nilly willy. *Mr. Burns hands* – exxxxcellent!
This was my first West LA Elite event since I moved to the area and I likey. There were a whole lot of people that I would love to get to know at future events. As it was, April and I got a bunch of grub and some drinks and finally camped out at the awesome lounge chairs on the lawn and talked our heads off just between us two. I think we may have actually closed down the event and the Hilton staff was super gracious and accommodating as they were putting away the furniture and flicking the lights on and off. What can I say? It’s all about the company you keep :)
Totally relaxing and chill event. Can’t wait for the next one!

I gotta say I enjoyed dressing up for the «all white» theme, strutting my stuff on the red carpet, posing for pics in the Drunken Pixel photo booth, and having a caricature drawn of me and my +1. Brittney B. has done it again! This was the perfect event to close out my HUMP DAY!
I enjoyed the unlimited glasses of champagne, white & red wine, shots of Sauza, the shrimp and crab Panini (heavenly), the warm chocolate chip cookies, and the rib tip!
My only complaint is that there was a lot of food that I was not able to try. After standing in line for about 30 minutes to have a caricature drawn, everything was pretty much gone. meh.
I loved that parking was free and easy. The venue was nice and chic, and the staff was very pleasant. I love love LOVE being Unilocal elite :-)

Thank you Brittany B and Unilocal West LA for an amazing event. Marina Bar & Grill was a perfect venue.
I enjoyed my night from the beginning to the end. The red carpet, spread of food, fondue machine, photo booth and chocolate cookies were some of my favorites. Prime rib, pound cake and warm chocolate chip cookies did it for me :)
Love the indoor/​outdoor setting… torches and fire pit. The white lanterns added an extra special touch.
What a special night!
My +1 had fun :) we have a fabulous gno.
I love being a part of such an awesome community!

Beautiful venue with great amenities! Gotta love bathrooms with SOFT white towels with which to dry your hands!
My friend and I loved the red carpet photo area along with the photo booth. We were unfortunately too late for the cartoon station, but it looked super fun!
Dinner was delicious. I’ve never had a sweet potato gratin before. At first I was a little thrown off, because that’s not what I was expecting, but it was great! We were also surprised to find out that there was so much seating! We didn’t have to stand around munching on our tasty finds. Instead, we met a bunch of great people while chowing down. I even scored a pair of Unilocal socks! Awesome!

The all white theme went well with the Marina Bar & Grill feel. The scene and everyone in it looked so elegant and chic. The red carpet entrance and the photographers gave it a little bit of glam and the photobooth (s/​o to Drunken Pixel! Awesome vendor!!) added a fun, playful touch. Buffet was on point. The food was DELICIOUS. I was especially in love with the seared ahi tuna steak with a side of unlimited roe and wasabi mayo. Other notable mentions: stuffed chicken with goat cheese, artichoke hearts and sun dried tomatoes. Moist and filled with mouth-​watering flavor. The potato gratin was sweeter than usual; me likey. OH and how could I forget the prime rib with the horseradish cream… perffffect. Delicious dessert table that kept surprising me with something new every time I walked by. Amazing staff at Marina Bar & Grill; they really made me feel taken care of and at ease to ask for whatever I needed. Variety of drinks ranging from tequila, cosmos, excellent choices of wine and beer. Special thanks to the bartenders for leaving little/​no room in my glass every time ;)
Both Elissa & I agreed that this was our favorite Elite event to date. Thanks again Brittany! Cuuuuuuuuuuute overalls/​jumpsuit btw; loved your outfit.

Faboo extreme! When Brittany B. goes at it, you know it will be a night to remember! Garden lanterns, red carpet paparazzi, champagne, and sexy people all in white.
The re-​done Marina Bar and Grill was a spectacular setting to host an evening, and there were treats in every corner — cariacture, fire pit, photo booth, chocolate fountain, roast beef, etc. It was an unending adult carnival of fun.
Drinks were flowing, the pretty people could wander around and meet and mingle, and everything was top knotch. Buffet food was great, and I left plenty full. Also plenty buzzed, as the drinks and smiles were flowing all night.

One of my favoriteeee elite events so far! :)
+Easy access to parking. We were able to park anywhere in the underground parking structure.
+Beautifully decorated patio! The white lanterns were pretty and it totally matched the white theme party.
+LOVED the theme. Although I didn’t have pure white outfit, the event had an elegant feel since everyone was wearing white. Everyone looked goooooooooooood.
+All the staff members were super nice and attentive. They kept clearing our plates and all the members nicely called out to us for appetizers. And the bartenders were so very kind with their free-​flowing alcohol. I especially like Sonia because she was super nice and I also liked the girl at the tequila booth who let me slipp $ 5 down her dress for tip haha
+Food was delicious! I really liked the prime rib, green beans and sweet potato gratin. :D
+Did I mention the free-​flowing alcohol already? Well it’s worthy of mentioning it twice.
+Photobooth with props and couple photographers on site! The photographers were nice enough to take couple photos at a time just to make sure they got good candid photos.
+I think it’s noteworthy that the General Manager himself was running around helping his staff clear the plates and what not. I respect that. Thanks GM!
Big thanks to Brittany for an amazing event yet again! It’s safe to say everyone had a great time last night thanks to you and your staff! Cheers to you guys! :)

Felt like a straight up baller wearing all white like LeBron James or Tony Montana walking the red carpet into this event!
Then we got hit by the paparazzi and Venice Paparazzi really made you feel like a star including their staffers going the extra mile and spotting your name tag so they could say things like «work it Matt T.» That was a nice touch and I almost expected to be on TMZ later that night.
Everyone was wearing more white than you’d see at a Miami Beach party and therefore I definitely felt like they spoiled us like we were socialites.
The Marina Bar & Grill food was delicious and plentiful. Highlights included the roast beef, scalloped potatoes and stuffed chicken.
The dessert station was great and the fondue portion was consistently refilled with pound cake, marshmallows, and strawberries. Then they also had cupcakes, decadent chocolate cake, lemon bars, cheese cake and more!
They even thought to include a cariacturest and the Drunken Pixel photo booth was awesome, especially their set up which allowed you to really take your time making each of the 4 shots to your liking. And if you were waiting in line, you then had waiters coming around with hors d’œuvre that included a delicious salmon wonton wrap and a beef pâté. Plus champagne!
Thanks Brittany B. for another awesome event!

Three words: Chocolate Fondue… Fountain.
Hilton Marina Grill? You’re already scoring points with me.
Upon checking in to the outdoor event, we were greeted on a red carpet with a photo opportunity and then immediately found a fast-​moving line for cocktails, leading to a friendly bartender who poured a large glass of tasty white wine. White party = white wine in case I spilled on my white dress!
The food was quickly disappearing, signaling that fellow Unilocalers approved of the fare– ranging from a simple green salad with vinaigrette to a savory stuffed chicken slices and roasted veggies and potatoes, there was something for everyone. The kitchen struggled with pipeline management in continually having at least a couple dishes to enjoy, as I got there late, but it was apparent they were trying and working hard.
The venue was spacious, with several combinations of both indoor and outdoor seating in clustered areas in the event space. The first outdoor area had a firepit and cozy chairs.
My favorite dish I tried? I was not able to sample everything, as many items were gone when I arrived at 7:30, but the chocolate turtle brownie was one of the best I have had. It was gone almost immediately after our server placed it down for enjoying on the table. Rightfully so– the gooey, salty caramel swirled in with the rich, most chocolate brownie oozed «Let me give you a hug» that I did not want to let go of. More please.
As this was my first LA Elite event, I was so pleased to meet several friendly people, including the drunken pixel photobooth team, they were a blast for the last photo of the night!
Can’t wait for more events, both from the LA West team and the Hilton!

THANK YOU BRITTANY B. FOR ALLOWING ME & MY +1 TO ATTEND ANOTHER FABULOUS LA EVENT! :) Also thanks Marina Bar & Grill for hosting the venue!
This was a really fun event especially w/​the red carpet and white attire theme. Everyone looked very elegant and classy! It was easy to spot the restaurant and hotel while pulling up from the streets under major construction. Parking structure was below the hotel and easy to find/​access, loved that it was free also!
I felt like a movie star after checking in and taking pics on the red carpet w/​the backdrop. The photographers kept it entertaining by directing us on poses. The caricature was setup next to the entrance and there wasn’t a line in the beginning, but later toward the night it got packed. Unfortunately there was a long line and the cutoff was at 8:30, but luckily the photobooth in the dining room was open late! The photobooth had lots of props and pictures came out great, but I wish that the screen was able to show us doing our poses so we know how the picture would look like.
There was plenty of booze outside in the patio area and the great firepit w/​sofa around. Was able to get some freebies such as a t-​shirt, keychain floatee, and aviator glasses after taking a shot from Sauza Tequila! The indoor seating was spacious with lots of tables. It was fun sitting at the table meeting different elites such as Jamie A., Pablo, Stephanie P, and Gilbert! BTW the restrooms here are amazing, very clean. FREE TAMPONS IN THERE FOR THE LADIES LOL AND AND they had fresh rolled up hand cloths for you to dry your hands and afterward you just dump them in a bucket for wash. But yes back to the indoor seating tables, service was fast as plates were constantly taken from the table after we finished. I also liked how the tables were decorated w/​the Unilocal shotglass and socks YES finally got the Unilocal socks!!!
Food was superb, Brittany B mentioned to come hungry and I definitely did. We were lucky to arrive on time ’cause within 30 mins most of the food was gone! I got to try the prime rib w/​horesradish cream, grilled white polenta topped w/​short rib, stuffed chicken w/​goat cheese/​artichoke hearts and sundried tomatoes, ratatouille, sweet potato gratin, butternut squash soup, and peppered seared ahi tuna!
For a buffet style, all the food was great quality especially the prime rib! It was perfectly medium rare, juicy and delicious. One of the best I’ve had, a lot better than some served at the buffets in Vegas. The seared tuna tasted very fresh w/​the roe and avocado mix. The stuffed chicken tasted a little gamey to me, but I think that was ’cause of the goat cheese. However, it was good w/​the sweet potato gratin. In the beginning they were giving sample sized short rib w/​polenta then toward the end they started just bringing out trays of short rib w/​roasted potatoes. That was the highlight for me. I LOOOOVE short rib and the roasted potatoes complimented it well. It wasn’t oily at all and the short rib was seasoned well, not drenched in bbq sauce. Another great thing is the food was not overly salted! I didn’t feel all gross and bloated after stuffing my face haha.
Dessert was on constant rotation. Initially there was a variety of mousses and a chocolate fountain for you to dip marshmallows, strawberries, and some type of short cake. Later there were red velvet, vanilla, and regular cupcakes w/​BACON! The red velvet one was really good. There was also this chocolate caramel cake, I would almost say it was flourless ’cause it was pretty dense, but delish. Toward the end of the night, the brownies and cookies started coming out. OMG the cookies were yummy and warm fresh out the oven! Great way to end the night.
I had a lot of fun for dinner on a Wednesday night. It’s events like these that make the drive through horrendous traffic from OC worth it :) Will have to visit Marina Bar & Grill again especially since they gave us coupons for BOGO meals!

This venue was great!!! There was a lot of indoor and outdoor space! The food was yummy — my fave was the prime rib and green beans! I am doing no carbs, but was able to enjoy the ratatouille, chicken, shredded ribs, ahi tuna, and the red carpet, dress up photo booth and caricaturist! They had many delicious-​looking desserts which I eyed from afar — cupcakes, chocolate fountain with fruit and cake squares. Parking was underground and complimentary too!

The White Party theme reminded me of the heaven party at the conclusion of «This Is The End» =).
I thought it was genius and super fun having everyone dress up in white and have an awesome photographer chronicle everyone’s outfit right after checking in, on a red carpet no less! I went through check-​in twice to get some nice shots haha.
Food was good (stuffed chicken was my favorite and desserts were phenomenal), venue was great (firepit fasho!), and the staff and vendors were all terrific. This was a super event to kick off the fall season and shout-​outs to Brittany and the West LA team for putting on another terrific event! Can’t wait until the next one!

Yay! My first Unilocal Elite Event! Thank you Brittany, Unilocal,& Hilton Inn for such an amazing event!
Honestly, I was a bit skeptical about the food considering it’d be hotel food but I was nothing but impressed. Everything from the salad to the decadent meat was absolutely superb! I enjoyed everything so much I had to go back for more. My +1 couldn’t have enough and so she took it a bit further and went ahead and got more than 2 plates… Oops. There was plenty of food and drinks to go around. Fortunately, we came early and had seats at the dining area.
I met a lot of sweet Unilocalers and I’m excited to go to more events! I don’t feel as inclined to write the most thorough review about my experience here only because everyone that’s reading this review was… Well there…
To the Hilton Inn: I hope you continue to provide exceptional service and food just as you did today. I hope to have the opportunity to visit again for other events that I may have here.

Great red carpet event!
First of all, I liked the white theme and wish that everyone would have followed it more carefully, really people???
Outdoor setting was very warm and well lite and comfortable
Plenty of tasty food, amazing cocktails and fun time.
The photo booth was a brilliant idea
There was a lot of quality food to taste from, surprised by this!
The staff was great and good service
Parking was easy and free
Bathroom were cleaned and easily accessible
Didn’t care much of the indoor banquet area.
Will definitely go back !!

As always… Brittany throws one HECK of a partay! The white theme was super fun with the girls looking gorgeous and the guys looking very proper.
There were three candid photographers, a photo booth and a red carpet photographer. Not to mention the RED CARPET! Lol.
The space was REALLY nice. Definitely spacious and elegant.
The food was pretty good. An nice offering but I don’t think they expected all of us. Things ran out early on and we were waiting on replacements.
The drinks were great and plentiful.
All in all I feel super privileged to attend these events AND I caught Brittany this time to say hello. She was looking spectacular as always.
Thanks Brittany and Unilocal.I’m very excited for the next event.
Woot!