Elite Event: Work Hard, pleY hard @ Third Workplace

This was my first Elite Event as an East Bay Unilocaler and it was a lot of fun. I brought my main squeeze as my plus one and came out ready to have fun.
We walked around and tried the different samples. A little food, a little chocolate, pop chips and sips of juice, a little wine and that yummy brushetta.
I was excited to see Ale Industry there with their local brew «Golden State of Mind» aka Orange Krush and meet the owners. My guy and I are big fans of that beer and always get it when we are at the Fireside Lounge. I also enjoyed the Bourbon Cask Ale, as I like everything about that. IfyouknowwhatImean…
I loved the costumes, there are always the people who get into the spirit of these fun events and go all out. Very nice!
Overall, I had a great time seeing my East Bay friends and meeting new Unilocalers. Props to Nique, Jessica and Jocelyn for all the hard work they put into this, along with all the Unilocal staff behind the scenes. Thank you!

Eco Chocolates led the way. As soon as my body could get in the door I bee lined for the chocolate. As a dedicated chocosnob, the first thing on my plate is chocolate. Eco’s Quinoa Chocolate was out on the table in good sized squares and delish. One square went by the name Toffee and who doesn’t love Toffee, but the darker bitter chocolates are my favorite. Doug Mead’s bruschettas is on point with the tomato garlicy goodness we all love. There was Naked juice yumm, who doesn not like Naked. Domino wines Pinot Grigio, wonderfull! Ale Industries is pouring a mean light ale that is tasty.
The crowd grew as the evening went on and the games began. Jinga was a hoot and I loved playing operation with Jessica H. I plucked her heart first. Hee hee.
Oh yeah what about Third Workplace? Wi-​Fi, Videoconferencing, kitchen amenities, coffee, private meeting rooms, large meeting rooms great layout for intimate work or bring the whole crew.
Third Workplace is located at the BART station so anyone who wants to get there and knockout their project out before or after work; here’s your place! And if you need that Soy Latte with vanilla and choco sprinkles, well you have a coffee shop next door that serves all the exotics. Everything you need and want. Did I mention they have bathrooms? Fantastic lighting and have chosen to reuse lumber for their tables? Oh yeah and don’t forget the comfy chairs and furniture. this is it guys stop here and check it out. For an hour or for a day. That’s how they roll.

Unilocal HAS MORE PLEYMATES THAN HUGH HEFNER
Though Hef has more playmates than Unilocal… …probably.
The meaning of the word «pleY» makes perfect sense:
P (eople)
L (oving)
E (everything)
Y (elp)
Last night, Third Workplace in Walnut Creek had all of us PLEYers under it’s roof, and watched us all play nicely together.
I had carpooled to the event with Val H. and Casey P. We had arrived just early enough to be directed over to Starbucks, so I started the night with a double espresso. Now I was ready to take on the gaming event. It really was everything Unilocal!Food, drinks, fun entertainment, and lots of pleYers.
I enjoyed one glass of red wine from Domino — awesome because we’d recently ordered a carafe of the same wine while out in the City. I also had one pale beer. We live close enough to Ale Industries that we recognized an employee who stopped in at this event, and were happy to meet the owners. Happy 4^th anniversary to them coming up this Saturday!
Naked Juice was as refreshing as ever and we really enjoyed talking to the reps from the company. Actually, I really enjoyed talking to everyone. I feel like I spent more time meeting new people. Perhaps the costumes my husband made helped. He makes all of his costumes for Halloween, so this event was no exception. Scrabble pieces we were! Y — L — P (yep, we were YLP) We documented the costumes with the Snap Yourself Photo Booth and later donned some other ones with all the great props they brought along.
I had one piece of chocolate — I couldn’t resist the toffee chips I saw in it. A bag of salsa popchips was shared between us as well. Surprisingly tortilla-​ish! I liked them. The real test will be how they taste with hot salsa.
The bruschetta from Doug was super fresh and tasty. My favorite item was Yiping’s eggplant! Normally I’d go with their lettuce item since I love my greens but this crispy fried treat was worth going back for seconds. And then a third! Oh my!
We played our Bacon board game — which has been sitting unopened in our closet for way too long. It was so much fun. Except I lost. Which pretty much happens every time I play games against my husband. Another great event thrown by the pretty hostesses.
PLEY ON, PLEYMATES

I was only here for the last 30 minutes because after 28 years, I still don’t know how to use Bart. I drank beer, I played twister, fun was had, fun will happen again. Hopefully tonight.
Thanks Nique, Jocelyn and the rest of the Unilocal crew.

It was truly a scrabbletastic event. Well at least for Valerie H, Amy S, and I. I had such a great time, all the food was amazing and the people were great. The giant Jenga was sweet, and I couldn’t help but laugh every time I heard a crash coming from that side of the room.
It was great to see Ale Industries there since they are right around the corner from our condo and their Beer is so good.
I really enjoyed the fresh bruschetta from Doug Mead catering that was delicious, thanks.
The Naked Juice is also really good and the two people working the event were really nice and friendly.
Now we brought Mr. Bacon’s Big Adventure and I was given this game as a present from my wife almost a year ago and this was the first time we played it. Now I don’t want to brag but vast bacon skills definitely showed over Amy and Val and even though we didn’t finish the game there was a clear winner. ME.

All work and no play makes Mike, A Dull Boy? Perhaps.
Always a pleasure to chat it up and socialize with the finest of Elites.
Who doesn’t like to unwind and let their hair down on a weekday?
Believe it when I say weekends are for amateurs, Weeknights are for Elites.
Walnut creek is always a favorite spot of mine,
And is even better when you add Pinot and Cab to your adventures.
Thanks Domino Wine!
Eco Chocolates, had me addicted like a literal child trapped in a candy store.
I was only wishing they had full sized chocolate bars to my delight,
so I might find a Golden Ticket.
The Sichuan Chinese food was awesome, I appreciate the plug,
a dumpling shots, eggplants, and lettuce rolls. Made my mind
up to try jumping into the saddle again, and trusting Chinese food Again.
Stellar Shindig, The Third Workplace encompasses an ideal workplace,
With workplaces and rooms which remind me of a visit to the Pound.
Much love for Board games… and the Epic Jenga set,
Which has me persuaded to take a Trip to the Local Target.
Shout-​outs, to Jessica T with a Lovely Paul Newman Shirt,
Caro S. for her rendition of «Minnie Mouse Trap»
Eugene For his presence a charm, Nique are her interns in which intern always make the night creative and amazing.
We work hard, because we play Hard!
xoxox — Michael R

Man, what a night for my phone to die right before this Unilocal event! I am really kicking, myself — especially since I missed out on the photo scavenger challenge! Oh well love all the photos that got posted though!
This was another great one that goes right into the books! Vendors, entertainment, the crowd — everything was great! And you just couldn’t beat the location — a Very short walk from Bart and right next to a Starbucks! Awesome themed costumes and all around great attitudes from all the guests and participants of the games!
Thank you to Nique and her team, the vendors and to the Third Workplace folks! It was a good night. :)

Very fun event! Great vendors and cool place to host a YEE at. Third Workplace opened up around 8 months ago and is a great alternative to coffee shops for those who work remotely. $ 6/​hr. gets you workspace, wi-​fi, all you can drink coffee, and access to faxes and printers in a collegial environment. Neat concept.
Loved the Ale Industries offerings: Golden State of Mind: a California Native Ale with local and organic chamomile, orange peel, and coriander added to the finish and Rye’d Piper: a hoppy red, rich and flavorful beer with a touch of rye malt to compliment the roasty/​chocolate flavors.
Enjoyed the Domino Pinot Grigio, which went well with the yummy crostini with tomato bruschetta from Doug Mead Catering. The Alter Eco chocolates were very good– loved the quinoa mix!
The Naked Juice had two samples: Berry Blast and Green Machine. Green Machine was surprisingly good. I always think that something meant to be healthy surely cannot taste so good! Popchips are always good too :)
The lettuce wraps, stuffed eggplant and spicy dumpling courtesy of Yiping were delicious!
Met a couple of Unilocalers in the Twister room and had a blast playing this awesome game. Good thing I do yoga! Also loved the giant Jenga game. Was a bit disappointed that there weren’t any board games going on, as I would have loved to play Clue or Monopoly.
Great Unilocal swag: red glasses, wristbands, playing cards, shot glasses, decals…
All in all, one of the best YEEs I’ve been to!

Traveling all the way from Fremont for this event, I just want to say how much I appreciate an YEE within walking distance from BART especially with delicious adult beverages being served! Now let’s PleY!
Third Workplace would be my workplace if I had a job that allowed me to work remotely. High speed internet, private meeting spaces (named after dogs, how cool is that?) that you can rent by the hour. All you can drink coffee, desktops and plugs for unlimited power to your laptop. Third Workplace is a well designed work space in Walnut Creek.
First thing after signing in, I grabbed a glass of Domino’s Cabernet, which I enjoyed with pieces of chocolate from AlterEco.
Doug Mead Catering provided tasty bites of crostini with tomato bruschetta which I loved.
Yiping had tasty lettuce wraps and another tasty item that I forget what it was, but was delicious.
I loved the Unilocal Scavenger Hunt as I love taking pictures and meeting new people. I love things like this that help break the ice and start a conversation.
With one of the scavenger hunt photo items being Homefry’s giant Jenga tumbling, a crowd gathered, waiting with fingers poised on the shutter waiting for the blocks to fall. Loved all the reaction shots I got when it came time for the blocks to fall!
Popchips washed down with Naked Juice or maybe a freshly tapped Ale Industries beer (celebrating their 4^th anniversary this Saturday at their tasting room in Concord!)? Yes please!
SnapYourself! photo booth is always a good time and I can’t wait to see what pictures everyone took.
Many thanks to Third Workplace which hosted this game night elite event, Nique, Jocelyn, all the Unilocal crew and of course all the local businesses showcasing their food and drink that made this night possible.

After an incredibly difficult week (and we are only mid-​way through) I was ready for this Work Hard, pleY hard event! So Robin Squared (my +1 was is also named Robin) donned a jersey, some pigtails and sported a football so we could go pleY!
What a 5 star event. Here are some of my favorite highlights:
***Yelpers with a theme: Loved the costumes and interpretations of Work/​Play. My award for best dressed goes to Caro S and Jessica H for Mouse Trap/​Operation costumes (see Photo Scavenger Hunt #8 below)
***Ale Industries: They may have renamed the Orange Kush but it still tastes like heaven. Also loved the Rye’d Piper they were pouring.
***Alter Eco Chocolate: Goodness gracious, how delicious is the dark coconut toffee!
***Doug Mead Catering: The most amazing bruschetta
***YiPing!: The only thing better than that wonton was the gift card I got for simply signing up for their emails! BTW: it’s blank so does anyone know how much it’s for?
***Snap Yourself Photos: I must must must get this for a party. There is nothing more fun then using such a great camera with perfect lighting to snap candids or posed shots!
***Photo Scavenger Hunt: What a cool idea! We had a blast meeting Unilocalers to take pictures of and trying to get some stylized shots:)
With so much to see, eat, drink and do, we couldn’t get to everything. 2 hours passed in a flash. Thanks to all the vendors that shared their wares, our gracious hosts (the folks from Third Workplace were so nice as were our Unilocaltastic Nique, Jocelyn and Jessica), and of course my fellow Unilocalers for a pleYful time!
Unilocal 100 Challenge: Review #25/​100 pictures #14−23/100
Scavenger Hunt Photo #1 (Giant Jenga a’tumble):
Scavenger Hunt Photo #2 (Domino wines white and red drinkers):
Scavenger Hunt Photo #3 (blissful chocolatey moment caught on film)
Scavenger Hunt Photo #4 (mid-​bite bruschetta):
Scavenger Hunt Photo #5 (Popchip Toss 2013):
Scavenger Hunt Photo #6 (A shot of… JUICE):
Scavenger Hunt Photo #7 ( Unilocalers hard at pleY):
Scavenger Hunt Photo #8 (My vote for best dressed):

Got the Humpday or Workday blues? What better way to banish them, than an evening of pleY with your friendly neighborhood Unilocaler Elites?
Continuing to love the more engaged and interactive feel of the last 3 YEE’s I’ve attended this year! While a grown up drink in hand is a nice way to relax, the entertainment, pleY stations and other amusements are conducive to mixing and mingling more!
Loved the location for Third Workplace — so convenient to BART — made it in record time and was free to enjoy a glass of wine from Domino without enlisting a DD! Cheers to Caro S. and Jessica H. who were decked out in DIY board game costumes: Mousetrap and Operation, respectively! I also spied with my little eye: Casey P., Amy S. and Valerie H. sporting their clever Y, L and P Scrabble tiles — 5 Star, creative East Bay Unilocalers who are among the friendliest around!
Talked shop with Joel E., travel with Eric B. over a generous sampling of chocolates from Alter Eco — the Toffee and Quinoa made for a pleasant crunch and went nicely with my Cabernet Sauvignon. The giant Jenga game added a lot of intrigue and fun tension… All were in good spirits with generous pours from Ale Industries, and yes — I absolutely pocketed a pack of vitamins from Drinkwel.
The meeting rooms at Third Workplace are named after dogs — how adorable is that? I checked out several rollicking groups in the board[game] rooms with Jaydee B. and the famous Spinnaker. Even big ol’ tough guys like Eugene L. like to say hello to little Spinnie!
I liked the layout, with sleek, modern workspaces and comfy alcoves that seemed perfect for hunkering down under deadline, whether you’re a traveling corporate type, consultant or waiting for your sweet new office digs to be built. The succulents in the planters are a nice outdoors, indoor feature that soften the otherwise industrial feel of the space.
Given the square footage, I would hope there’s actually a second unisex loo, because just the one seems lean for a place that offers unlimited coffee. Then again, there’s a Starbucks just out the door, but still. Kidney-​donor: Questioning.
Robin L. + Robin were a dynamic duo in Unilocal-​colored jerseys, a pair of shutterbugs snapping pics for the photo scavenger hunt, which was equal parts silly and fun! I couldn’t get a shot of Bookman P. juggling Pop Chips, since he kept popping them into his mouth! They were light, crunchy and a lower sodium alternative to the snacks that usually get me in serious trouble. I recommend the Nacho Cheese kind for anyone who is watching their «bottom line» like I am.
I was delighted to chat with the Naked Juice folks again — I swigged four different blends and the Cadet actually wore his customized tee (Good Karma Ball swag) that very day! Thanks much for the SPF 15 lip balms — swagtastic souvenir that I always need and is sure to keep a healthy smile on my face. The Naked Juice crew are chipper, polite, considerate and generous. I’m really glad that they’re going to be joining us at more events in the future.
So Happy and Unilocaly in 2013!

Yippee Ki-​yay, Motherf**ker!
It’s was a Good Day to PleY Hard!
Third Workplace offers convenient and flexible remote work environments with open plan workspace, private offices, meeting rooms, along with Wi-​Fi, Videoconferencing, basic kitchen amenities, and of course bathrooms. It’s a step up from wearing out your welcome at Starbucks and in a quiet and comfortable professional environment.
As the Unilocal demographic seems to align with this business model, an Elite event at Third Workplace was a natural fit. All I had to do was park at Pleasant Hill BART and walk a couple minutes over the «Office». I could have also easily done so from one of the local Hotels.
The pleY hard event was a lot of fun. I enjoyed meeting new people and having several really good conversations on subjects such as Aggies vs. Longhorns, Lisbon Portugal, gun training, the current state of the journalism profession, Zumba, microbrewery growth in the East Bay, Old Unilocalers (like me), cute little dogs, and the peach of a guy that Connie Chang recently married. In between, I toured the impressive facilities, enjoyed a glass of Domino Pinot Grigio and Rye’d Piper beer, savored a few well prepared light catered bites (Doug Mead Catering and Yiping), and finished things off with a few tasty pieces of Alter Eco Chocolates. There was lots of neat Unilocal swag around too, but I let others have first dibs on those.
Many thanks to the good and generous folks at Third Workplace, the Event Sponsors, and of course Nique, Jessica, and Jocelyn. I continue to be impressed with the hard work that goes into these events, and thankful that this group would have me as a member.

2013 is off to an amazing start. Nique you and the lovely ladies of Unilocal just keep outdoing yourselves.
I had heard of Third Workplace so it was nice to finally get a chance to check it out. As someone who works in the field I will definitely be giving this space a try.
Last night over dinner Jessica H. and I pulled out our calendars to begin our customary YEE outfit coordination strategy session. After some debate I was able to persuade Jessica to join me on Team Pley. Ultimately talking her out of what would have been a Work/​Pley mullet, her words not mine.
The decision was made. One trip to Joanns, $ 7, and a closet raid later we were ready to Pley. Fast forward to tonight Jessica H. was the gal with the killer operation outfit, tools included, and I was the human Mouse Trap.
I also diligently followed Nique’s request and brought my favorite board game, Loteria (Gringo Translator: Mexican Bingo). In the end I didn’t play my game but instead soaked up all the greatness this YEE had to offer.
After being greeted by the lovely Miss Jessica T. we worked our way over to Domino wine and had some delish Pinot Grigio and amazing Cab. Props to Nique for exposing me to a great vino which was on theme, Domino, very punny Nique!
The perfect pairing for my Cab turned out to be the Alter Eco Chocolates. My favorites were the Dark Chocolate and Quinoa and Dark Chocolate and Toffee. Yummazing! Here begins my search for Alter Eco to share with my chocolate crazed office mates.
The Sichuan Chinese food looked great. I had a dumpling shot and it was delicious enough to prompt a bookmark and a future in person visit. I also want to thank Naked Juice and Pop Chips for providing delish and healthy nomage.
Now, I must admit that from the second I walked thru the door I was admiring two things. First I spotted and admired the lovely Mad Hattrix Kim D.‘s butterfly madness then my eyes were drawn to the giant Jenga. Jenga!!!
After getting my Domino Vino on, snapping a few at the amazing Snap Yourself Booth, and making my rounds the beautiful Vanessa S. and her brother said «Jenga?» to which I timidly replied «sure.» The lovely staff person for Homefry’s set up our tower explained the rules and Vanessa, Danilo, and I were off on what became an epic game of Jenga.
Not gonna lie I didn’t think I would last more than 1 minute before godzillaing the Jenga tower. Much to my surprise (and that of Michael R.‘s who kept saying I foresee a Jenga coming) the three of us went on an intense journey that according to the gathering spectators, grew the tower to its largest height of the night. It was so much fun!!! After what felt like hours of intense tower terror and fun I pulled the wood block that made the cookie crumble. Sorry guys!
Ultimately this turned out to be an amazing gathering! Thank you all for making this such a great YEE!
Side Bar= Big ups to Jaydee for bringing the cuteness to the party via the unofficial Unilocal East Bay mascot Spinnaker. I want to thank my faux Unilocal Hub Eugene for cheering me on during Jenga, even when I was clearly pulling the losing piece. Props to Louis H. for dusting off his pinstripes to work hard. And major props to the group with the YLP scrabble outfit, loved it! Until next time SYOY.

It’s nice to know that co-​working spaces are popping up outside of SF because the office has now moved to coffeeshops and co-​working spaces nowadays.
I was ready to Pley — especially when Nique instigated a photo scavenger hunt. I may have to adapt this idea if I find myself hosting a party of some sort.
I loved all of the food samples some of my favourites were Alter Eco’s Quinoa Chocolate — who knew such a combo would be so tasty? Doug Mead’s brushetta, The Sichuan Chinese food from the Yiping Restaurant was tasty albeit spicy. It made me run over the Naked Juice to cool off. You cannot forget Domino Wines — I loved their Moscato at a previous event but this time I opted for the Cab which was great as well. Pop Chips are now making chips which were delightful as well.
Since I’m not a beer fan, I did not try Ale Industry’s selections and I missed Drinkwel.
Everything from the space to the games was strategically placed so you didn’t feel overwhelmed or overcrowded.
It’s always great to see Snap Yourself representing as Jeremy has some of the best costumes and has a camera that takes really nice photos. Lora and Justin were killing me so much that I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes from our photo session. My other crew of friends also made me laugh. They turned out pretty hilarious too.
I didn’t play giant Jenga this time around but that’s OK I’ll be sure to check out one of Homefry’s events in the future.
Oh and those costumes, I loved the PLY scrabble pieces, Mousetrap and Operation. Y’all are clever and you made them so quickly.
Thanks to our lovely hostesses Jessica, Jocelyn and Nique and of course all of my Unilocal friends (old and new) for making my Wednesday night the most fun I’ve had in awhile.

I definitely worked hard and then pleY’ed harder at this YEE!
I started off the night with my first trip to the Snap Yourself photo booth. Then grabbed myself a glass of Domino Wines’ pinot grigio (also my first glass of wine for the night ;)) Pinot grigio is my favorite white wine and Domino didn’t disappoint. I then had myself one of the delicious bruschettas from Doug Mead Catering. It was very garlic-​y, which I love. I made my way to Ale Industries and had the lighter ale, which was right up my alley. And Yiping restaurant was SO good! I can’t wait to check out their restaurant. Very good food.
The highlight of the night had to have been the intense Jenga, provided by Homefry’s, game that I played with Caro and my brother, Danilo. It went on a lot longer than I had expected. Very fun and Caro, you did such a great job! I know you had your doubts, but you played well :)
Also, a huge shout out to Popchips, Drinkwel, Alter Eco Chocolates, and Naked for giving out some delicious sample. And thank you to Third Workplace for letting us into their facilities. A very nice business that I look forward to using my free day pass at :) And thanks to our fearless leader, Nique, for putting on a great event.

After a day of running and taking care of Errands. I was ready to Pley at Third Workplace.
I debated on my mode of Transportation since the Yee was so close to Bart. I decided to drive my Whip Black Beauty. I love the rumble of the engine and the sheer power as I rolled up 680 to Walnut Creek.
I rolled up and parked in the parking garage across the street. and street hiked the short distance to the Third Workplace. I was greeted by the lovely Jessica T and Jocelyn.
I rolled up to the Naked Juice Folks and had some Berry Blast just Yummy. Picked up Some Pop Chips to Nibble on.
Next up was the Chinese Food the Lettuce Wraps and the Eggplant was Yummy.
I then had some Domino Wine very tasty and one of my personal faves.
Then on to the Alter Eco Chocolates Yum yum especially the Quinoa mix.
Then the Snap Photo Booth with Jay Dee and Spinaker. Fun City .
Ale Industries Very Tasty Beers.
Then I watched my Unilocal Wifey Caro work her nimble fingers and magic on Jenga.
Lots of Attractive and Nice Elite Ladies in Attendance.
Thanks Nique, Jessica and Jocelyn for a great Unilocal Event
2013 The Year Of Trials And Tribulations and Getting Back To Basics.

This was an awesome event thanks the the management of Third Workplace, Walnut Creek, Unilocal,Nique and Crew. This place is just a block from the Pleasant HIll Bart Station, maybe a two minute walk if that. The place has nice workplaces to work. the high speed internet sure beats Starbucks, a whopping 44MB download and 10MB upload speed, there is plenty of space to work and collaborate if needed.
Now onto the Unilocal event portion, Domino Wines very nice Pinot Grigio and Cabernet, Doug Mead Catering nice tasty bites, Naked Juice and Pop chips were great, the chocolate right next to the wine, how convenient. Snap yourself photography thanks for the booth! All the Elites who were there made it really fun. This was my first photo shoot, thanks for those who let me take photos, I am not the worst photographer but not the best, I will get better! Thanks for cooperation. I had a great time and looking forward to the next time.

Welcome to Walnut Creek where the playas play…
…and you can plug in your laptop, do some work, and be around friendly faces who peep at each other between the succulent zen gardens that divide the desks!
The Unilocal crew got to play in this pretty work space at night, with wine from Domino Wines and delicious beer from my Bay Area favorite, Ale Industries. There were board games a-​plenty and costumes at the SnapYourself! photo booth to add to the playful mood.
I loved the crostini with tomato bruschetta and couldn’t eat much of the Chinese food because of dietary restrictions, but the lettuce rolls were tasty, and spicy! Delicious chocolate from AlterEco: really high quality cocoa and the combo with the quinoa was stupendous! Like a high class version of Nestle’s crunch! Brilliant!
I am sort of an awkward person at game parties which is why I can most often be found twirling by myself in the corner at bars, but it was a sweet gathering with really friendly, bubbly people. Happy as always to see the Unilocal superstars and to meet a few new peeps.

Hard at pleY!
I have officially been christened into Unilocal Elite-​hood with my first Unilocal Elite Event: Work Hard, pleY hard @ Third Workplace.
Overall, the event was a great introduction to the Unilocal Elite world – great appetizers/​snacks, unlimited amounts of booze, and above all, friendly people! Unilocal Elites seem to be their own brand of people – fun, energetic, and down to party like it’s nobody’s business. I especially loved the people in costumes! Unilocal Elites definitely have more fun!
Domino Wine: I usually like my whites, Chardonay, but Domino’s Pinot Grigio was fantastic! Refreshing and light. I could have drank it in a sippy cup. I’m not too big a fan of reds in general, but the Cab was pretty darn delicious.
Alter Eco Chocolate: The toffee and quinoa chocolate pieces were sneak-​for-​a-​fourth round delicious. The toffee was just the right amount of sweet, and the pieces were the perfect munchable size.
Popchips: Free bags of Popchips! Ummm… awesome. Popchips are much healthier than baked or fried chips, but just as delicious. They were handing out two new flavors: salsa and nacho cheese.
Naked Juice: Such friendly people handing out shots of Naked Juice. Green machine will always be my favorite, but Mango Madness and Berry Blast are good alternatives.
Games: Twister, Jenga, card games, and more!
Photo scavenger hunt: This was a great way for me to break the ice with a lot of people. I, being a pretty competitive although shy at times person, was able to meet a great amount of Unilocalers by asking if I could take their photo.
Swag: Unilocal playing cards, sweat/​wrist bands, temporary tattoos, and drinkwel multivitamins.
Location: Third Workplace was a great place to hold the event. Nice size space. Just enough space to play multi-​player games. Super close to the Bart. Safe area to walk at night. Not to mention, I loved the succulents on the work tables.

I was working hard at work a few miles away and waited for my clock to die down. Remember that scene at the beginning of Britney Spear’s «Baby One More Time» video… just like that except no pig tails and school girl outfit (that would so not fly at my company).
I digress.
I waited for my time to enjoy my first 2013 Elite event and what a great start.
The space:
Third Workplace was like a fancy college study room or perhaps a coffee house but no baristas. For this event it was great. Lots of places to sit, lounge, and pley.
The nosh:
Although I couldn’t eat the meatier options (the stuffed eggplant and lettuce leaf wraps were VERY tempting), I did have a crostini which was a little earthy in taste which wasn’t what I was expecting. Maybe it was the herbs they used. Popchips… I’m a sucker for anything that has «chips» in its name. It’s basically my kryptonite. The AlterEco chocolate was great. I was wondering if there was a representative for the chocolate because the plates were just full of chocolate… but no one to talk about it. Maybe it was just because it was so good… who needs to talk about its awesomeness. It already speaks for itself.
The grog:
I had the Pinot Grigio by Domino Wine and as others have said… it was refreshing. I usually don’t like any wines (except the dessert kind), but I was able to drink this without distaste. Naked Juice was probably the highlight as the Mighty Mango (with no sugar added) was one of the better mango smoothies I’ve had. I usually hate tasting mango smoothies because they usually are so artificial tasting, but Naked does it right. Ale Industries had two types of beer and I had their Belgian style and it was great, until I had a crostini and then it went south after that which was a bummer because it was a pretty light, bubbly, and not too bitter beer.
The swag:
Red Unilocal sunnies, sweat armband, Drinkwel multivitamins, temp tattoos, playing cards, and shot glass. I’m starting to grow a lovely Unilocal shrine at home.
The games:
Giant falling wooden Jenga pieces… fun and dangerous all at the same time. Twister in a small conference room. Folks brought their own games and I hope someone busted open that Mr. Bacon game because I eyed it and wanted to play, but it was unopened and didn’t want to «break the seal.» The scavenger hunt was a great idea! It really got the Unilocalers in the room active.
The gal who got it going:
Nique has once again put on a great event. Not too many people, plenty of food and drink, room to walk around and lounge, and activities for all to enjoy. Nique definitely makes us all feel like one big East Bay family and today was family game night.
I cannot wait for another event!