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43 reviews for Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
All Reviews
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/15/2010
+'s:
- Crystal
- Good music
- Beautiful people
- Lovely energy
- Free
-'s:
- Severe lack of tongue-to-tongue disease transmission
Verdict: Do it again.
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/14/2010
This was definitely one of the best of the Elite events so far.. and it wasn't even completely an Elite event!!
First, when I walked in, Crystal told me to get my lashes done by Wink. My response was, "I'm Indian. Do I really need more lashes?" However, I did try out their lip gloss and got convinced by the Wink ladies to try to fake eyelashes and I was so impressed how natural they looked, but AMAZING! Now I'm actually considering getting semi-permanent ones for the heck of it.
Awesome organization by Crystal, Yelp, Voya, Saul Good, Urban Tea Merchants, and Wink. They kept the booze and food flowing! The beats by DJ Leanne were awesome!! And actually one of my favourite parts was the Photobooth! I hope we'll be seeing them more often at other Yelp events. It was just so much fun!
Oh and it was fun having "random" people come up to me and say, "Reena!!" and just recognize me from my Yelp reviews. Of course I recognize you all too. It makes this seem so much more like a homely community. I love Vancouver Yelp!
I'm looking forward to the next Yelp event!
Listed in: Yelpage
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/13/2010
*short and sweet*
OH WOW. What fun. My plus one is now an up and coming yelper. Thanks so much!
Listed in: Greatest Hits
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
Holy thermal underwear batman !! This party was friggin cooooool.
I'm not even really sure what I should say or where I should start, seems like these things just keep getting better. Saul's hippie chips? Tea infused vodka? Whistler's Black Tusk Ale? Photo booth? Moustache stand ? DJ Lessons at the booth? They were all so awesome, I'm still laughing at my pictures what a cool idea (I'm trying to think of a reason to hire them).
Thank god there was food there or I would have been in trouble, the hennesy was flowing through me courtesy of the awesome bartenders (not to mention beer and tea infused vodka at the other end of the room). I ate tuna and salmon tar tar ?? and liked it ?? Still trying to figure that out. While it wasn't my favourite it was still really good. OOOOhhhh the lamb so good and eggplant sliders!! Pumpkin risotto!! Those were my favourites oh ya... nom nom nom!!!.
If all that didn't kick enough ass, I got to meet new people yet again and watch the game!!!! (gotta watch the game... even though it wasn't the desired result) Wow scanning through this jumbled up review I can see that I'm still pretty caught up in it just wish I could have gone to the after party. Voya rocked! Yelp rocks! Yelpers Rock!
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
Yelp has had such a positive influence on my (new-ish) life here in Vancouver. For this I have Crystal to thank.
Miss SUPER C. you really do rock.
I just think it's wonderful to be part of such a group of talented and charming people.
There's something really cool about being at a sophisticated event like this La Voya party and knowing there's a thread that weaves everyone together! Writing and Yelping and enjoying life and sharing our experiences.
Yay for sponsors ! Saul Good Gifts had a wonderful selection of merch. on the table and the chocolate was the star ! Thanks for sharing :-}
The Photo Booth idea is fantastic ! I can't imagine anyone not loving that.
Wink -- (hilarious and lovely).
The food was YUM (my craving is strong for more of that Quinoa Salad) and the booze and beers were flowing but everyone was well behaved. The beats filled the room with groove by the loveliest D.J. I've ever seen.
What a classy bunch!
Thank you to everyone who participated.
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
Wow. All I can say is Wow.
Okay, I'll try to say more.
First of all- the atmosphere was uber classy- chandeliers, trendy furniture, etc.
Then the vibe- ROCKING. I arrived at 8pm (early, right?) and the place was packed, filled with with the happy hum of people mingling, a dj playing, and glasses clinking. Now, at 8 pm--- how many parties are full tilt at that time--- yep, only Yelp parties).
The food- Mmmmmmm amazing. Every little appetizer was not only a work of art, but tasted fabulous too. Mmmm... now I'm getting hungry..
The FUN-- a photobooth (totally made the evening), Wink beauty lounge provided a beauty bar for us all- applying eyelashes to the women and moustache/sideburns/unibrows etc to the guys (they guys loved it!!!). It provided a great conversation piece as well as provided some hilarious memories for us all.
Great prizes, great host (Crystal--aka Wonder Woman!!), great theme, great drinks, great people--- it was a legendary event that inevitably causes one to question "Why don't I Yelp more? This community is fabulous.'
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
You want this party started right? You want this party started quickly, right? Oh snap! So many people that I didn't know how to approach! That was a super fun party, I wish I could have stayed later and gone to the after-party, but alas I was so tired from having the plague all week that I was ready for bed at 9:30. I know, party on right?
We took advantage of the photobooth, probably more than necessary, and I think the BF got some pretty funny pictures as a moustachio'd sailor. We took a few photos at the beginning of the night and then before we left so we could measure how much we drank. I think we faired pretty well, afterall, I did wake up this morning with some Yelp stickers stuck to my arm that said "you're hot" and "you're funny." The ladies from Wink were super sweet and I got me some false lashes so I could bat my beauties at all the boys... and girls...
I think my favourite taste testing item was the jasmine infused green tea with vodka, O.M.G. it was sooooooo good! I could have sat there all night drinking those shots and getting the hiccups in preparation to dance on the tables. It sure does beat drinking this cough syrup, lemme tell ya!
I can't say I am a fan of dark chocolate, so I steered clear of that, but did indulge in the appetizers that were walking about the room. The little pizza slices were great! They had just a perfect hint of basil to compliment the tomato and cheese. The pumpkin risotto with spicy cheese dip was divine, I have never had anything like that before and it was wonderful! We had one funny moment when one of the servers told me that I reminded him of a girl that he worked with at the Templeton years ago, which turned out to be the BF's SISTER! LOL! Small world indeed!
The bartenders were great, one of them actually showed us what he was using in the mixed drinks so we can make our own versions at home. I hope that all of the Yelpers who came out remembered to throw a little change at these guys for whipping up our drinks so quickly, I know I did!
Voya was a great little location for the amount of people who showed up, and it was a very classy looking establishment, I would definitely want to check this place out for dinner, now that I have sampled the goods. Thanks to all the sponsors who made this night possible, and to Crystal for throwing it all together, it was nice to get out of the house and get some fresh air!
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
Being that I get pretty nervous when meeting new people (I suffer from severe foot-in-mouth disease) I was thrilled at how welcoming and kind everyone was at the Living La Voya Local yelp! party.
There were great yelpers welcoming everyone in, and the general vibe of the place was trendy-but-not-pretentious with everyone out to have a good time and socialise.
I met a couple great people and had some nice chats, the food was fantastic and the exhibitors who sponsored the event had products that suited the demographic of the attendees. Who knew tea & vodka would taste so well together!
Loved that WINK! was doing free eyelashes and mustaches, and the vibe from the photobooth people was awesome, though I didn't get enough courage to go and take photos by myself.
After this party, I'm certainly going to keep an eye out for the next one!
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
Best Yelp Event - hands down. no competition.
The drinks: fabulous!
The people: fabulous!
The chocolate: SUPER fabulous!
The vodka tea shots: scrumptious!
The beer: Yum! (coming from a non-beer drinker)
The photobooth: LOVE IT!
The lash 'n stache corner: fabulous!
I don't think I need to say any more!
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
Crystal, Yelp, Crystal, Yelp, 5 stars!! Yelp!!
Great food, awesome drinks. Believe it, I only had one drink, one shooter and one beer samp and alot of water.
Scouts Honor.
and then I ended up with eyelashes to bat! WT???? (I feel pretty?!! I feel pretty? so pretty inside!!)
Photo Booth was awesome and all the Venders that were there were super duper!!! DJ Booth! You guys rocked with Michael J and that crazy digi system!!
Thanks to the Loden Hotel and all the people who staffed the event.
This was very mucho amazingly stupendously awesomely creative cool.
I met alot of new people last night. So saying hi to you again and those that I missed. Hope you all had a great time!
And really happy I came to the after party instead of going to hot pot. So very very very happy.
"Did anyone see Sylar from Heroes there?"
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
Everytime I've gone to a Yelp event, I've left with a big smile on my face thinking that it was the best Yelp event ever. Crystal, you're awesome!!!!
The venue was really chic and roomy. My +1 LOVED his moustache and we enjoyed being silly in the photobooth with sailor hats. Saul Food samplings were amazing. I couldn't have enough of the tea infused vodka! And my gosh, that Hennessey was deadly good.
And wow...the food !!!!! All the canapes were wonderful - I really enjoyed the eggplant burgers and the lamb and the tartar...and well everything that I ate.
Finally, the people! I really enjoyed meeting everyone yesterday - I lost my name tag early on but everyone I met was awesome! Yelp, you really know how to bring a group of people together that lead really interesting lives!
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/12/2010
"so what you'll want is to unroll it completely down on the banana, now it won't usually unroll fully on a real p..."
Oh hey! Welcome to my review of Livin' La Voya Local.
Wow, it was a good night. Not because of free food, drinks or being able to see Crystal dress up as the Captain AND Tennille at the same time. Well that has to do with it but it's not the only thing, like 60/40 (Crystal, Kareoke on Fridays, sing it with me "Love, love will keep us together...")
Voya Lounge...like the lost city of the Amazon warrior women, when you walk in you can't actually believe you're there. Isn't this place a myth?
Beautiful people, awesome beats by the semi-omnipotent DJ Leanne and the food. My god man, the food!
Mini burgers, tuna sashimi cones, pumpkin risotto arancini's, lamb popsicles...all amazing, all speaking to the skills of great kitchen...
Oh yeah, vegetarians, if ye gods didn't want us to eat lamb, then why are lamb chops conveniently made in popsicle shaped deliciousness? I'm just sayin'...
Anyways, I'm digressing from a point here...which was...oh yeah...drinks!
Amazing tea-infused vodka shots, stingers (mmmm minty!) and free beer. Free beer people! I'm getting all emotional and sh** just thinking about it.
Oh yeah if you didn't already know, Megan, the Whistler Brewing Co.'s rep, had a special "sweet spot" that if you rubbed it, she over poured quite generously. Where is it? Screw you, I'll never tell. That sh**'s going with me to the grave mes amis...
Good night, good food, good booze and the Captain AND Tennille. Really, do I have to say it? Really? I do?
No. Figure it out yourselves.
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
"Excuse me, that's just the Henny, man, I smoke, I drink, I'm supposed to stop -- I can't, because..."
... it was another great party from Yelp and Crystal. The photobooth, DJ lessons, vodka and beer samplers and open bar at the Voya led to some great fun. Who knew jasmine tea vodka shooters would taste so good? The Stingers (Hennessy & Creme De Menthe Pastille) were a great, old-school touch against the sweeter cocktails. Props (and tips!) to the bartenders for handling ravenous crowd with reasonable speed and efficiency.
The lamb chops, burger sliders and other snackies were very tasty -- just wished there was more throughout the night as they seemed to have run out.
The afterparty at Crime Lab was fun as well - just wished more people made it. Oh well, it was a working night after all. Great seeing some of the Yelpers and their guests again from events past and meeting some new faces. It was a huge party full of fun and friendly people -- good times.
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
AMAZING, but I really don't expect anything less.
Once again Yelp (and of course lovely Crystal) made this event super duper fantastic!
The photo booth, the drinks, the food, the tea, the dj....the list goes on and on.
The venue (Voya) was great and it was nice to see everyone once again for another Yelptastic time.
If you were not at this event I feel bad for you, it was the liveliest occasion Yelp has put on yet.
Bravo to everyone that made it amazing!
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/12/2010
So basically, this Yelp Party was exactly as the 5-star rating says, "WOOHOO! As good as it gets!!!!"
Let's start off with the actual location: Voya is exactly the swanky and trendy lounge that you'd expect the hottest celebrities to frequent, along with their paparazzi stalking them outside the tinted windows. Beautifully decorated and perfect atmosphere (although I felt a tad bit under-dressed in my hoodie and rain jacket).
Then, we move onto the sexy sailors at the door, greeting us with their racy outfits and wicked hats. They told us to head on in, and we responded with a cheesy "Aye aye Captain Crystal!"
Right away (of course), we head to the bar where we get served up yummy Yelp juice, then onto Whistler Brewery for some citrusy lager, as well as to the Urban Tea Merchants, who gave us amazing tea-infused vodka (my two favourite things, put together! Who would've thought?). Props to all the bartenders for being uber friendly and for moving the crowd through so fast, there was never a line!
Foodwise, I am a hard critic, and the rack of lamb and prawn appies impressed even my seasoned palette..I also enjoyed the organic chocolate from Saul Good foods (I mean, who can say no to chocolate?).
Wink was also fun, I felt super glamourous after being fitted with their faux eyelashes and getting my own personal makeup touchup. I'm even considering getting my own sest of eyelashes to apply regularly!
The photobooth = WICKED. Such a brilliant idea, whoever came up with it! We had tons of fun being goofy with the sailor hats, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone planning a function. A real crowd-pleaser!
DJ Leanne was definitely the hit of the party for me though, what a KICKASS girl! Such a cool set-up, I looooved how we got to try out her spin table, even though I felt like a poseur with those hipster headphones on and lamely mixing the records to my own offbeat rhythm...
So all in all, a great partay!
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/12/2010
Another smash! Last night's party was one of the best Yelp events I've been to.
Venue - so cool, and handily pretty much across the street from my office (I know a good place to go back to for apres work bevvies now!).
Food - Saul had some good nibblies, don't think I wan't all over the chocolate.
Fancifuls - Wink fitted me with some cool lashes, and yes a moustache for my next stop.
Photobooth - um how genius is that? Minus my first round of photos (not good) my moustache photos are awesome!
Bevvies - I had one, but vodka kept me from drinking most (vodka is often a no-go for the gluten free).
Yelpers - you people are so cool, nice to catch up with a few and meet others!
Thanks Crystal for another epic swish-ful event.
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
Wow, my first Yelp party ever and it was fantastic! From the fun photobooth to the fake lashes and stashes (or soul patch in my case), I loved all the fun crammed into every corner of the room.
And the drinks! Oooh. It was a "school night" but I couldn't resist sampling many, many Yelp Juices and jasmine tea vodkas.
Thanks all for being so friendly and welcoming!
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/13/2010
This event was grrrreat!
Myself and my plus one had so much fun mingling and trying out all the yummy goodies. Our favourites were the sliders, lamb chops, pizza and salmon tartar! YUMMY.
The people behind the bar were wonderful. My plus one happened to know Megan the whistler beer rep and Saul from itsaulgood.
Though I didn't get a chance to try out some new lashes with wink, we did make 2 trips to the photobooth. I heart photobooth vancouver!
5 stars all the way!
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
Who Knew?? What a gem of a venue Voya Lounge... I am craving Green Tea or was that Vodka. Thank you to the staff what a great job, food, service, Beers, special drinks, smiles, DJ's, music, photo booth, mustachios, and of course fellow Yelpers.
Love those sailer chicks who greeted us at the front (didnt they sort of look familiar to you??) I will be back to this Lounge for so those tasty treats and Live La Voya Lounge again
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
Each party just gets better & better - Crystal, you've outdone yourself.. again.. for the last time.. again.. !
The venue was suitably swanky for such a gorgeous crowd. It really was a fabulous night filled with something for everyone! Impromptu DJ lessons, makeovers, photobooths, delicious canapes & drinks (esp the yummy salmon cones and pumpkin risotto balls).
How great was it to get glammed up at the Wink beauty corner, slip into the photoboth for pre-boozy pictures, and then be surrounded with fun-loving Yelpers, great music and food.
Great showcase of products from Urban tea merchant - who knew, tea + vodka would be such a great pairing? Yummy snacks provided by Saul foods - my favourite was the dark chocolate mint. The bartenders were super friendly and the drinks were top-notch, especially the Stinger with menthe de pastille.
Thanks to everyone involved for throwing such a great party!! Keeping my fingers crossed that the next event is happening soon!
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
Really amazing party. Thanks so much for hosting this. I can't believe it was all free! We did of course leave tips for the super great bartenders.
The Wink corner was so great, and it made for a fun atmosphere with people wearing moustaches and long lashes. It really lightened up the mood, not that it needed to be any lighter.
I think it was a great way to showcase the businesses that were involved, and I will definitely be checking out and using their services again. And what a fun way to do it.
I hear I missed some awesome pumpkin risotto (2 of my favourite things in one, darn), so I will have to go back to Voya to order it. The food I did try was incredible, and really beautifully presented.
Next time I'll have a few more cocktails to help me talk to some of the Yelpers and make new friends.
I can't wait for the next event if there will be one! Thanks Yelp and Crystal H.!
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
Full of witty, slightly informative and politically incorrect conversations, wait that is me.
Crystal H and team you did a fabulous job, kudos! This is my first Yelp Party and I will definitely be attending the next one.
Kevin and Vivian from Wink, you two are one of the most fun, down to earth, friendly spa owners in Vancouver I know. Thank you for making my asian eyes look so wonderfully huge!
The Figs spread, and delicious drinks that took the event to the next level were delicious.
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/12/2010
Sooo....I think I kinda like Yelp!!
a) still trying to figure out how I ended up in that amazing mix of beautiful people
b) wish I had brought a ziplock and emptied Chocolate that makes you HOT into it for further consumption, possibly at this moment, if it could indeed last that long on my person
c) can't stop thinking about the photobooth and it's flattering light!
d) will now be sporting a mustache as an event every once in a while, thanks to all the commotion it stirred up last night on the walk home - serieusement, if you're ever craving attention, throw on a stash with your class
5) can't wait to venture out into the city anew with YELP as a container for my experiential critiques!
Excitement and wonder!
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/12/2010
It was great! This was the first time I had ever been to a real-life event organized by an online community. The food and drinks were top-notch and the atmosphere was nice too. The boyfriend and I loved the music! We left for the Mill afterparty but it was closed so we headed home. Maybe next time. Thanks Crystal, you were awesome!
I got to wear my fake eyelashes some more today, haha.
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
Wowee zowie, what a shindig! Crystal outdid herself (and she sets the bar high) with what's best described as an amusement park for grownups with an open bar. Voya is elegant but comfy; the staff were gracious and generous, the cold and hot appies were top drawer (I swear the prawns were swimming around minutes before they were served). Wink's hairy party favors made great conversation starters. The topper on the evening was the DIY dj booth- great idea.
So much to see, and try, and taste, and drink, and gab about- and gad about!
I dearly wanted to keep chugging along at the after party, but I've got this pesky little thing called "work". Maybe next time I should take the following day off...?
Many thanks to the Loden/Voya staff, and of course to our Party Poobah, Crystal. Party on, Yelpers!
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
And I was worried about getting along with anyone! If my now self could go back and meet my past self before the party I would've handed myself a Stinger ten minutes earlier, told myself to relax and down the Stinger, and proceed straight to the welcome booth for a raffle stub and a fake mustache...because a party isn't a party without fake mustaches.
Marvelous job done by Crystal H and all the other Yelp peeps!
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
Woohoo! It really was as good as it gets last night at the Living La Voya Local open party! The turn out was incredible and everybody looked smashing. This only increased as the night went on because the ladies were given luscious lashes by Wink Beauty and the guys were decked out with stashes that the hippest hipster would envy! Photobooth Vancouver was set up right next door so after the hairy additions it was time to smile for the camera and say Yelperific!
The food being passed around was scrumptious. I particularly enjoyed the mini eggplant burger and could have eaten 3 more :) I was having surgery the next day so unfortunately I was not able to indulge in any wobbly pops but all my pals seemed to be drinking them down at a tremendous rate. So I guess they must have been pretty darn good.
Voya is an amazing space and the ambiance was further improved by beats spun by the beautiful DJ Leanne from Girls on Wax. LOVE her! Crystal H was cute as a button and ran a damn fun ship!
Best.Yelp.Party.Ever
*Disclaimer: I am writing this review only hours after having my eyeballs lasered and can hardly make out my computer screen. Hence the reason for any spelling and grammatical errors. If that is not devotion to Yelp I don't know what is!
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/12/2010
1 photo
Bon Voyage!! Bringing me to the high seas of Voya...this was one magnificent Yelp party!
Greeted by Crystal H in her cute sailor hat, and we were on board the Yelp cruise!! Started off with the Stinger cocktail: Whiskey with menthe pastille. It was a little too strong at first, but as the ice melted and as I consumed more, it actually didn't taste too bad. Moved on to the Yelp Juice. Carrot, ginger, apple, Russian Standard vodka and other ingredients but I can't remember. At least I'm being healthy while drinking! As I navigated through the beautful venue, I found myself at Urban Tea Merchant's station, with jasmine green tea/ fruit tea vodka shots!! I loved the jasmine green tea ones!! So fragrant, a hint of sweetness, and an awesome dose of vodka!
Hopped on over to the photobooth, where the cerulean blue background and the sailor hat props made me feel right at sea, while doing all sorts of different poses. We had lots of fun in there! At one point, we wanted to squish a group of us inside.....
Me: "How many people can we fit in here?"
Photobooth employee: "Well, you'll just have to find out."
And so, we managed to fit 6 ppl in there, decked out in our sailor hats. Although a little cramped, it made for a great photo op!
DJ Leanne also gave us a quick lesson on DJing...and gave each us a chance to 'cue' and 'mix' songs! Always wanted to try it out..So much fun!! I now need to conjure a DJ name for myself.
Free lash applications by Wink Beauty Lounge, got myself a set of lush lashes. (Oh, how I wished my lashes were long and full naturally.) Lined up for a moustache too, but they were out.
Turkish fig with walnut wine preserves by Vista d'oro....oh my...I could have this everyday!!
Bites were delectable, I especially loved the lamb chops. Done perfectly, and so flavourful! Coconut prawns, eggplant sliders, veggie pizza, salmon tartare cones (these were awesome!), and apparently I missed out on some pumpkin risotto balls!?
Lovely venue with grand modern chandeliers, marble accents, and high ceilings! I would come back to try out their regular menu! Liked how there was also coat check, so at the end of the night, I didn't have to go around searching for my jacket.
It was nice to see familiar faces as well as new Yelpers, mingling and having a great time at this swanky party!! Can't wait till the next adventure!!
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
This being my 1st Yelp party, simply put my expectations were blown away!
Food highlights courtesy of Voya:
-the most tender, best seasoned rack of lamb
-BC spot prawns with curry sauce
-eggplant slider burgers mmm
-tuna tartare in hollowed out cucumber
-short rib filled rolls
Not to mention the very friendly and cool servers who kept everyone's stomachs craving for more!
It's Saul Good Gift Baskets had a great sampling table. I personally loved the antipasto with the flat bread crackers. And all different kinds of dark chocolate.
The tea infused vodka was unique, though I couldn't taste the booze, but still cool! Whistler Brewing company had a couple beers for try, I quite liked their seasonal Black ale.
And if that wasn't good enough, there were two types of free drinks at the bar, a wickedly fun photo booth complete with mustaches and sailor hats.
Met a few fellow Yelpers, everyone was cool and welcoming and not to mentioned decked out in stylish wear! Note to guys: the ratio was definitely in our favour!
Lastly, BIG THANKS to Crystal H and all those involved in organizing this party. You are pretty damn awesome and I can't wait until the next one!
Listed in: It pays to be Elite
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
As overheard in the tiny whispers underlying the buzz and excitment filling the beautifully decorated rooms at Voya:
Piece of chocolate sitting on the Saul Good table: "There are so many people here. I hear these people belong to some group named Yelp, and this is the first party of its kind in V-town. Have you guys happen to be noticing what I'm noticing?"
Yelp Juice on the Bar: "Welllll.....I have been noticing pretty long lashes on all the women, and funny little moustaches on the men. That's kinda surprising."
Eggplant appetizer whizzing by on a serving tray: " I know! I know! Everyone here seems to know a lot about food and restaurants. And they seem to have really interesting things to say. Plus they seem to like me, so I'm feeling pretty good about myself"
Tea and vodka shooter glass: "I've noticed that people keep on wandering back here, looking pretty happy to see me (and looking happier and happier as the night goes on) and saying something about an awesome combination"
Piece of chocolate: "Yeah, yeah, of course those things too. But I guess I'm just stating the obvious: Everyone seems to be having a really good time and the energy in here is excited and happy!"
All in unison: "True that! (they are cool inanimate objects). That Crystal H. sure knows how to throw a great party!"
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/12/2010
I'm new to Yelp but was lucky enough to have a friend invite me as her +1... and I'm so glad, as I had a blast!
The drinks definitely had a flare of creativity to them! I'd never had vodka tea before, but Urban Tea Merchant's jasmine tea was amazing... it might just end up being my Friday afternoon "almost done work" beverage. It's tea after all, right? ;)
The ladies I was with made good use of the photobooth (great idea!), capturing a number of humourous uses of the fake mustaches provided by Wink Beauty Lounge.
Overall, the venue was a fabulous choice, the people were an interesting and friendly bunch, and the after party was a much appreciated addition to a fun night!
Well done :)
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/13/2010
A relatively late review but it was a night filled with fun, good food and cool people.
I was part of one of the Merchants at the party (The Urban Tea Merchant - Vodka infused Tea). Hats off to everyone participating in the event from the merchants, the Yelp and Voya staff and the party guests. We had a great time participating at the party.
Look forward to see everyone at the next party or at The Urban Tea Merchant.
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
This was a fabulous party and I was excited to attend.. The little bites I had from the various platters & from the stations was wonderful! Most notably the pumpkin risotto, wow.
My favourite drink was the Stinger. I'm a big fan of anything strong, so it was perfect.
The owner (Viv?) from Wink Beauty Lounge was absolutely fabulous as was her husband & I spent some time joking around with them for a bit. Thanks for making me feel pretty with my lashes!
Funny, I didn't talk to a lot of Yelpers that I knew. Either we just didn't cross paths or they were busy. I kind of was happy just sitting on the lounge observing the crowd as I wasn't feeling particularly that social!
The Whistler Beer gal let me pour the beer for 10 minutes whilst she was in the photobooth, so that was very cool.
All in all, another fabulous party!
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
I woke up this morning with fake eyelashes on. Seems like a solid indication that fun was had non? I loved the variety of cocktails and the head bartender gave me an interesting lesson on Giffard and Menthe Pastille. The vodka with tea shots were very tasty as well. The room definitely looked posh and the photo booth was a hoot even if I couldn't seem to figure out the timing and looked like a dork in most of the shots. The Wink girls were so funny and assured me I didn't look like a drag queen in the false lashes. The tuna/sesame/cucumber treats were my absolute fave although I didn't manage to get in on the prawns that looked scrumptious. Every time I wonder how Crystal is going to top her last event she pulls it off in spades! Today I was telling a friend about the event and think I might have hooked another yelper! She'll have to be my +1 next time.
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/12/2010
6 photos
This was so much fun. I met lots of cool people! Everyone was very friendly. This wasn't pretentious at all, which is different than at other places where you can't even meet people because they're too busy looking cool to be friendly. I can't wait to hit up another Yelp event. I've never gotten involved with Yelp events before but this has definitely made me want to get more involved, both at events and on the site. The community feel of Yelp has definitely made me more into it now. This party was great, and the drinks have made me want to go shopping at the liquor store because they're so tasty and unique.
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
'Now the party don't start till I walk' off the streets,
but that's not the way it works, when I party with elites.
We began the night with our welcoming greets,
and kicked it with DJ Leeane as we dropped some sick beats.
We were constantly offered complimentary drinks and eats-
I'm pretty sure I ate at least four types of meats.
Granted, it was crowded- people came in fleets,
but we still managed to find us a couple of seats.
For the first Yelp open party, that was mighty sweets,
thanks so much, Crystal- my night is completes.
A shout out goes to all of the businesses who came out tonight; I don't think I have ever seen a more eclectic and amusing mesh of party favours in one room.
Special note: I just loved the Wink Beauty Lounge glam-out corner for us guys and dolls; although the main attraction was the lashes for the gals, I think the mustaches really stole our thunder- I commend anyone who wore one. I also took a mental note about the strategically placed photobooth next to the pimp-my-face corner, that was a nice touch!
No matter where I was: I couldn't stop dancing to DJ Leeane's jams and I really appreciated the fact that she had the patience to teach everyone how to mix- what a darling.
Score: ...and the gold medal for best vancity nightlife scene goes to: Crystal. We can never thank her enough!
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/12/2010
Wow! Was I ever lucky to be a +1 yesterday night (thanks Renee C). I knew there must have been a reason why I found myself repeating "i'm SOOOO happy right now" over and over again. Between stalking the wonderfully friendly servers, practically infusing myself with vodka, then wandering over to the chocolate buffet to cleanse my palette...who wouldnt be happy? How cool was that DJ? And to leave with a bright eyes thanks to Wink and photo memories a la fun photo booth! ooh did I forget to mention all you cool yelpers? PS. Thanks to the kind people from Saul (Alex?) who generously let me leave with some extras treats-not that I needed any, but Kettle Corn for breakfast is always a treat.
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
Great Party Yelp! Amy and I had a blast and we couldn't believe we met a girl who owned a company called "I love my muff"!
We took some pictures of the party, you can check them out here:
http://gardenpartyflow...
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/11/2010
I had a great time last night and have told so many people about it. Such a friendly bunch of people. I can't wait for more events like this one.
Living La Voya Local Yelp Party
3/12/2010
1 photo
My first official Yelp event!! Yippeee!!!
I am so glad my schedule worked out that I was able to attend the festivities.
Wow crystal, I had already thought you were fantastic, but you are even better than that..you are.....yelp-tastic!!
Not new to voya, so being embellished in all its swankyness again was fun =) I love the chandeliers! Everything was set up very nicely, with the dj booth, winks beautifying corner, photo booth, shot table and taster tables...with a lot of leg room and dancing space in between.
Things I loved:
Our yelp name-tags! Very cool that you could go up to any random and start up a convo by first name like we were all good friends already! Made ice-breaking much easier and fluid.
Winks lashes! My lady took her time opening up my eyes with lashes, a quick touch up and shimmery dust and blush! I had come straight from work and was feeling quite unglamorous..but not after that! =) thanks brandie!
Photobooth...I am SO having one of these set up at my wedding! Loved that there were sailor accessories to take in with us..me and my +1 had a jolly time making faces and cute poses. The 3 second count down inbetween is just enough time to quickly make up another pose..or catch you in an almost candid act!
Yelp juice! I had mine virgin..but what a gingery packed concoction... not for the ginger sensitive!
The food... my favorite was the tuna tartar served in its cucumber rolls...appealing to the eyes...satisfying to the belly! I noticed that some people were munching on little balls on a stick..and meat on a bone...waited to see if they would come around again but it didn't =( oh well...still very happy with what I was able to consume.
The chocolates! Organic, dark...perfect... so many different flavours...yuummmmmm....
My prize!! My number was called for the tickets to the beer & wine festival but unfortunately I had to turn those down due to my restriction on alcohol...but crystal gladly gave me the next prize, a beautiful boxed worldwide tea set from Theodor! Suh-weet!! I tried the tea bag from France yesterday...black fruity tea, hint of berries... just the thing for a wet cold vancouver day. These tea bags are quite classy, I felt I shouldve been sippin it from antiquey cups on dishes with my pinky in the air, munchin on crumpets?
Hanging at the bar watching the hockey game!! What can I say? I love my canucks...at least we got a point! =P
Thank you for the fantastic voyage Yelp!!