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Yelp Elite Event @ Negroni
Category: Local Flavour Local Flavour [Edit]
492 College StreetToronto, ON M6G 1A4
Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Palmerston
- Good for Kids:
- No
39 reviews for Yelp Elite Event @ Negroni
39 reviews in English
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Review from Rj P.
4/21/2010
Sorry for the late review!
FANTASTIC night out. Thanks to the venue, Yelp and Kat!
Food was amazing. I must have tried 3 or 4 different paninis and they were all wonderful. I checked the menu and everything is very reasonably priced - I will definitely come here again.
I really enjoyed spending time with the Elites. There are so many interesting, funny and friendly people on Yelp. These events really do a great deal to highlight the sense of community we all share. I look forward to making more Yelp friends.
No complaints! It was a perfect night from start to finish. I look forward to the next event.
TTFN! -
Review from susan c.
4/12/2010
This event was hotter than the bubbling provolone oozing out of Shari M's winning panini combo[1]! The food was super-duper gourmet, the booze was plentiful, and the service so seamless it was like a wine-fairy magically refilled my glass each time I ran low.
I personally saw plenty of panini coming out of the kitchen but apparently I was too busy talking and getting drunk to sample more than two pieces? Now I am dying to go back to Negroni and try them.
I loved that this event was for Elites only. Does that sound elitist? Ha, well write some more reviews and be an active Yelper, and maybe you can join our circle of cool. But, seriously, the smaller crowd ensured that I had more personal space and got to exchange at least a few words with everyone without screaming to be heard. And without the +1s, I pretty much recognized everyone's name and didn't have to wonder who the f*ck you were.
As usual, the core group of wacky, wonderful Elites were in attendance but I'm glad I got to meet some new faces: Jon M., Marie F., Roma M., Suzan K., Steph L., Thom H., to name a few.
Thanks to Kat F. for planning another awesome event! Special thanks also goes to sarah l. for making sure I didn't go splat down the stairs to the washroom, Dale M. for getting me home in one piece, and Abby R. for providing the warm, yummy, 8-month pregnant lap to sit on. Thank you, Negroni and all who attended for making this my fave Elite event yet!
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[1] Prosciutto+provolone+portobello mushrooms+pesto+garlic spread=FREAKING DELICIOUS. Congratulations, Shari! We missed you but I accepted the tiara and sash on your behalf.Listed in: Yelp Elite Events
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Review from sarah l.
4/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
I know it was a good elite event when I wake up and need to get mcDonalds breakfast to soak up the remaining alcohol from my stomach before it even hits my blood.
This was a great event. I really liked the no +1. It wasn't as crowded as Lou Dawgs and I got to see a lot more people than I usually do.
There was a lot of food. I sampled almost every meat offering they had.
The staff was great - there were a lot of people working. They had 3 or 4 guys manning the presses, Bill was manning the bar and there were 2 servers making the rounds - Neil even took drink orders and brought them over!
This has been my favorite elite event and one of my all time favorite yelp events, and I will definitely be back to Negroni. -
Review from Neil T.
Toronto, ON
4/12/2010
Great event...best ever?!?!
General observations and knowledge gained:
1. Karl R. was surrounded by Asian women the entire night
2. MSG appears in soya sauce, but not at the same concentrations as in a dish like pho (yet to be confirmed)
3. Angela L. looks cute in any hairstyle, and Dale M. looks equally as good in varying degrees of 'beard' or 'unbeard'
4. Elite events are more fun when you're not responsible for taking pictures, though it seems more fun talking about taking pictures
5. Someone without official Elite status was able to slip into the event unnoticed. You're either Elite or you're not. This wasn't a "Pending Elite Event". You know who you are! haha.
6. Caution: DO NOT eat a rack of ribs before a buffet of paninis.
Good shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit. Can't make the next one. Doh!Listed in: This is How I Roll...Elite…
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Review from Kat T.
4/12/2010
Although the way to introduce yourself to most Yelpers who don't seem to have trouble meeting new friends, my buffalo mozzerella went well with other mozzerella lover's and we'll be making a mozzerella-mozzeralla grilled cheese soon.
It was great to meet some new faces to the neighborhood and hopefully I'll see some great photos that came from it.
The salted cod on crustini was my favorite treat.
Service was outstanding including wine refills all night!
Because it wasn't so crowded and we didn't have to go to the bar so often, I forgot to leave a tip. Don't worry I'll be back with patrons to leave sufficient tips for the future! -
Review from Adeel O.
4/12/2010
It would be wrong to go to bed without reviewing tonight's event. What's not to like about dozens of fun people getting to talk over great drinks and food? When I wasn't losing rock-paper-scissors to Matt S. to get the last panini, I got to taste some fantastic food and great local brews.
The after party was just as incredible...Magpie (and the place after) was a great call!
I wouldn't have gotten a fraction out of my time in Toronto were it not for Yelp, so Kat, thanks...you're one kickass CM!
P.S. I was Capers...still looking for my Fontina. -
Review from Karl R.
4/12/2010
Fan freakin' tastic elite event. If Kat's last event was a knock-it-out-of-the-park affair, this one was a knock it out of the GTA.
Negroni served up some very creative panini. You'll haul that George Forman Sandwich Factory out from under your sink, dust it off, and approach it with new found inspiration after sampling Negroni's great combos. Wonder Bread, baloney, and processed cheese? What was I thinking all those years! Try things like sun dried tomatoes, a zesty sausage, and a sharp cheese.
Elite yelpers are always a delight to meet. Everyone is always friendly and approachable. I never get that "I think there's someone more interesting I should be talking to" vibe from Yelpers like I get from those stuck ups at those Heart Surgeons of Canada cocktail parties/board elections I crash. Again, kudos to Kat for shepherding and shaping the cast of amazing characters that turn up and of course Kat leads from the front. Always. -
Review from Farheen K.
Toronto, ON
4/12/2010
Nothing less than 5 stars for Kat's wonderful efforts at my first ever Elite event! What a great bunch of people us yelpers are :)
Thank you Negroni for putting together some delicious paninis for all of us and keeping our glasses full!
My new favourite panini: warm melting hazelnut spread, strawberry, mascarpone! -
Review from Zack S.
Toronto, ON
4/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
Elite event, and only elites!
Negroni has amazing staff, amazing food, and a great space.
What made it the best. The awesome amalgamation of people who have opinions and like to share them.
Wonderful meeting old friends, new friends, and talking shop.
This was all class. -
Review from Christine C.
Etobicoke, ON
4/12/2010 52 photos
How Sweete he was! That would be Bill Sweete, he's the owner and the guy behind the bar. What a wonderful host he was. I loved it when I spoke to him and he instantly recognized me from my previous visit with former TO (now NYC) yelper, Deanna W. He was especially great at keeping my glass filled. God bless you Bill!
What a great event Kat! Best Yelp Elite event to date. It was wonderful to see many old friends and even better to make the acquaintance of some of new Elite pals.
Negroni you guys sure know how to make freakin amazing panini's!!!! Absolutely fantastic. Even better than I remembered. Far and away my fav is still the dessert panini. Nutella is nectar of the Gods.
Getting new swag is just a bonus. :) Thank you Kat. I promise to post up pics. Got a ton of them! On that note I'd like to thank my photog assistant, the lovely Susan C. for helping me get the last of the snappy happies! Great pics to follow. -
Review from Abby R.
Toronto, ON
4/12/2010
Another excellent Elite event put together by our darling Kat. The food was delicious and I was very impressed with the gentlemen letting Kat T & I grab the vegetarian/vegan pannini's and forgoing the delight themselves. Unusual for an elite event as us yelpers love to chow down. Thanks boys!
As always, I love connecting with my favourite yelpers and hearing about all the fantastic things they are up to. I was also especially fascinated listening to a recount of Sarah L's adventures at Jilly's (although let's all remember that it's this lady that's the regular there!) And of course, who doesn't want Susan C sitting on their lap?
Thanks for my Yelp bib - "opps I yelped in my pants" which will soon be worn by the first elite baby in Toronto. Stay tuned! -
Review from Steph L.
4/11/2010
Hands off my panini!
As usual, Kat threw a great party! Thanks Kat!!! :)
All the times I've been out on College street, I didn't know that this venue was here!
Sandwiches were hot and grilled to perfection with yummy ingredients. I enjoyed the sandwich with portobello mushrooms and of course the strawberry nutella one...it's like dessert and a meal, all in one!
The staff was very friendly and they kept the sandwiches coming.
The small size of the party made it easier to identify Yelpers that I've seen reviewing or posting in the forums. As a newer (and shyer) Elite, I found this party a bit less intimidating than some of the larger parties.
I feel like digging my sandwich maker out of storage...
Cheers, thanks Yelp for a fun time. :) -
Review from Dale M.
Toronto, ON
4/12/2010
Good times!
What a fantastic event! It's 2AM, and I just got in from the after-party that spanned two more bars. Still, the highlight of the evening was the panini selection at Negroni, where sausage and salami reigned supreme and were doled out byt some of the hardest-working staff I've ever seen on College Street (admittedly this isn't a high bar to measure by, but these guys rocekd).
I had no idea that Negroni was Toronto's panini specialist. Now that I've been brought up to speed though, I'm sure to make it a reuglar lunch destination and probably a dinner spot once in a while too.
Thanks Yelp, Thanks Kat, Thanks Negroni. Well done! -
Review from Roma M.
4/11/2010
This was my first Elite event, (as an actual guest and not a +1) and I loved it! The smaller size of the event made it really easy to get around and mingle.
The food and staff at Negroni are both heavenly, and I'll be sure to make this my go to Panini place in the future.
The restaurant itself is so cute and charming, I can picture a great many casual intimate soirees taking place at this locale.
Awesome.Listed in: Elite Event Congregations
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Review from Jay G.
Toronto, ON
4/14/2010
Epic yelp elite event!
First off, this was an amazing venue and the service was so good it almost went unnoticed.
Restricting yelpers from bringing a +1 was great as there was plenty of space, plenty of food, plenty of drinks, and we all got to meet everyone in the community.
The icebreakers were confusing after a few drinks but they still made for a funny story. I think simpler icebreakers bode well with yelp elite events or booze.
I really enjoyed the wrist band and bottle opener giveaways as the bottle opener came in handy 5mins ago. This is now a permanent fixture on my key ring.
Paninis were fantastic with a perfect balance of flavors and stuffed just enough so they held up in your hands without the fillings dripping out. I loved watching them build the tasty creations behind the bar.
Another great night with more great faces. Great job! -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
4/12/2010
how can you say stellar in a picture?: http://www.flickr.com/...
I'm thoroughly impressed by this event and the yelpers I met but couldn't remember the next morning = )
The after party was pretty kickass and I do believe I recruited a couple more people from the bar due to the fact that I was rockin the double sweat/beer-spill wrist bands. -
Review from Hana B.
4/12/2010
JUST when you think yelp elite events cant get any better... they do!
This event was certainly one of my faves. Loved the hot off the press paninis- especially the ooey gooey Nutella strawberry one. YUM!
Was super fun hanging out with all the elites (and a certain non-elite). Jenga at the after-afterparty was certainly a highlight.
Kat - don't know how you out do yourself each time. mad props! -
Review from Andre G.
Toronto, ON
4/11/2010
Woohoo! First review. Had a lot of fun this evening. Had never been to Negroni and was very impressed when we got there. The venue was cozy but everyone seemed to have a good time. The staff was amazingly nice and really went out of their way to make sure everyone was eating and drinking all of the goodies.
The panini were super tasty. I really enjoyed the herbed ricotta spread that they put out early in the evening. The nutella and strawberry panini at the end of the evening were also tasty messy goodness.
Yet another successful Elite event. Glad I made it out. -
Review from Payam Z.
4/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
My first T.O. Elite event was a definite delight! Many thanks to Kat F for organizing and all the others who were involved in the event: from beer-picking-upping to crossing off names at the door!!
To start off, the service at Negroni was great all night. Variety of tasty Paninis made their way around the room throughout the night, and I was never left without a drink in my hand (never even had to ask for one which is a first!).
All of the paninis were great. I specially enjoyed the panini with the spicy sausage topping and of course the strawberry-Nutella! Simple food is often the best tasting, if one can come across good quality ingredients!
Other highlights of the night included learning why Negroni came about and what they are dedicated to (you'll have to ask yourself on a visit) and of course meeting a whole lot of lovely Toronto Elites! SYOY. -
Review from Mariko M.
4/12/2010
Thank you very much for a truly enjoyable experience. And a huge kudos must go out to Kat, all the organizers, and photographers~
I had a fantastic time and look forward to the next Yelp Elite Event. :) -
Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
4/12/2010
This truly was a 5 star event. Great food, great staff, great service (you didn't even have to approach the bar to get refills of wine!), and great people. So glad to be elite!
Seriously need to make a return trip to Negroni. That bread is amazing - my two faves of the 4 paninis I sampled were the "BLT" and the dessert panini, both served piping hot!
Great to meet some more fellow Yelpers and reconnect with some I hadn't seen recently. Sorry I couldn't make the after-party but it was a Sunday night! Thanks Kat for a truly amazing evening!Listed in: Elite Events
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Review from August L.
4/15/2010 9 photos
*Drool*
A Panini in one hand, a steam whistle in the other, and super great people to talk to you...what more could a person ask for!
KAT F.
You have completely outdone yourself. The venue was fantastic, the chosen elites were great and entertaining, the food and drinks kept coming. Great job!
FAVOURITE PANINI
I must say my two favourites were the hazelnut spread and fresh berries topped with icing sugar and the prosciutto, provolone, portabello mushrooms, basil pesto & garlic spread. I'm so glad I got my hands on those ones!
ELITES ONLY
"You're the ' I really don't want to go on a date with you' girl" were the first words I heard to welcome me into the Elite only event....and they were sweet sweet words (thanks to Melissa F.).
I really enjoyed the 0 guest event b/c the it gave elites a chance to mingle with each other and put a person to a discussion board such as what happened to me. I met so many great people that night. I even had a chance to nibble on some food!
thoroughly enjoyed myself! Nice meeting everyone! And keep it up Kat! You're doing an excellent job! -
Review from Chris P.
4/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
Definitely the best Elite event yet. There was ample food and drink and many new people to meet. If someone were to complain that they didn't get to try something they just didn't try hard enough.
Negroni was a great choice. Their staff were fabulous! Now I'll have to go back and try them on for size in a normal setting.Listed in: Since the beginning
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Review from Dallas H.
4/12/2010
Tasty paninis in abundance. Soon as I heard "buffalo mozzarella" I didn't hesitate--I snatched. Paired with fresh basil, it's one of those flavors of which I can't get enough.
Great location with nice ambient lighting. My only complaint was that this event was *too* successful--it was a small place and the kitchen struggled to keep up with the appetites of hungry Yelpers. But this is but a trifle not nearly sufficient to subtract a star.
I'll certainly be back to Negroni for more of their excellent sandwiches. -
Review from Matthew S.
Toronto, ON
4/13/2010
Clearly I'm a little slow to review this event. There's nothing new let to say. So, to summarize:
-The food was amazing. I tried about 8 different things and all were good. Highlights were the lemony ricotta on cronstini, the spicy sandwich that I rock paper scissored Adeel for, and the dessert panini.
-Good group of people. A lot of socializing going on despite the supposed high density of introverts.
-I agree with others that having no +1's was a good thing.
Thanks for organizing this Kat. And, thanks to Negroni for hosting; I'll definitely be back. -
Review from Danielle P.
Toronto, ON
(Insert singsong voice here)
"Its a beautiful day in the neighbourhood, a beautiful day in the neighbourhood. Won't you be mine, won't you be mine."
Every time I think of this special night, I'm filled with laughter, joy, and Steam Whistle. So much Steam Whistle. This event was also filled with paninis, I really only had one, I think hovering near the kitchen was a necessity (damn you Yelp vultures). I don't really fill like I missed out though, as I really just go for the entertaining folks and there were plenty of those.
The restaurant was well setup and borderline kitschy, but it was assuredly the only Elite event sans boiling-hot-sweaty-mess, thank goodness. I was sad to leave when we did, but trust that the fun didn't end there, and I have the date saved for the next one.
Bottom line...I will definitely have to head back here to sample their wares, I'm not sure it will measure up without the wonderful Yelp entourage!Listed in: UYE Me B*tch
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Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
4/12/2010
The only thing I'll say about the Yelp Elite Event is the dessert nutella-strawberry panini. That's all. It was simply delicious that I'm still thinking about it a day later.
A great party as always, big thanks to Kat F and her team, along with the hardworking staff at Negroni's. It's always a fun night hanging out with my Yelp Elite friends.Listed in: Showing off my badge
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Review from Marie F.
4/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
I can't think of a better way to spend my 27th birthday than with my fellow Yelpers! I haven't been to an event since last year and it was nice to meet everyone in the flesh :-)
Since Shari couldn't make it, let me say that the paninies were deserving of a SLAP MY ASS AND CALL ME SALLY star rating.
The best part was desert... Nutella, powdered sugar, and fresh strawberries in a panini! *drools* -
Review from Tammy Y.
Toronto, ON
4/15/2010
So this Elite event was a lot more Elite-ist (no guests!), but a combination of good people and good food in a warm atmosphere made for a great environment for mingling with our happy fellow Yelpers.
The red wine was delicious, as were the paninis. A dessert panini? That pretty much blew my mind and the top button of my pants. Delicious event. -
Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
4/15/2010
Another successful event. I felt like I knew a lot of the faces here since there were no plus ones.
I was parked at the bar for the first half of the event where I had my fill of delicious sandwiches and numerous beers. I felt like I was going to burst so I went around and mingled for a bit before I bailed on the after party festivities.
Thanks to all involved for making this a hit! -
Review from Wendy H.
Toronto, ON
4/15/2010
I'm lazy and also I looooove sandwiches. So that's why an Elite event at Negroni was SO PERFECT; I live seconds away and well, panini was involved. Glorious panini.
A work of perfection, Kat. An exclusive (and attractive) crowd, maniacally attentive hosts (in a good way!), drinks a-plenty and as always, a splendid playlist. More! -
Review from Denise M.
Toronto, ON
4/15/2010
Best Elite Event Ever.
Seriously. Nice array of eclectic and traditional paninis (the nutella strawberries and bread was a heavenly mix), good wine and Elite exclusive crowd.
Had some great conversations with some new people, and managed to be a total glutton. I kind of laughed when I looked through the photos and saw that I was placed next to counter where the paninis were coming out in most of them. I swear it was my subconscious working... :D
Negroni will definitely be my new go-to spot when I'm in the neighborhood. Lot's of thanks to Kat, the staff and owner who pulled it off.
Also, I actually wore my Yelp sweatband when I went jogging the other day. I don't think it had any practical use though. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
4/13/2010 2 photos
My first ever Yelp Elite Event! I am so glad that I finally made it! I don't know what I have been missing! It was fun finally meeting all our fellow yelpers and Kat F!
Nergroni's panini all tasted so good! But I have to say my favourite is the Nutella with fresh Strawberries! That really blowed my mind away.. and I can tell myself that I am eating healthy I am eating fruits!
The owner Bill was so sweet! He made sure that my wine glass always full and kept feeding me with all different type of panini (I tasted at least 6 of them!)... What more can I say but THANK YOU! I Heart U!
I really enjoy the small and intimate setting for my first Yelp Elite Event. It has been nice meeting all of you in person!
Thanks so much for Kat F in organizing it and Negroni for hosting it!
I am so looking forward to the next event! -
Review from Danielle F.
Toronto, ON
4/13/2010
My first Elite event and it was wonderful! Negroni glowed. The icebreaker game was a hit. All the staff were amazing and attentive to the whole crew. Everyone arrived on time and ready to kick the night off right.
After leaving the sign-in table for a bit I came to realize that the party was even better further in! Yummy food, solid conversation, and good vibes all around.
Let it be known that any walk home is that much better when rocking the Yelp sweatband (walking makes for sweaty wrists?), bottle opener keychain (on my lanyard), Yelp pin (jacket lapel), and Yelpstick (freshly applied). Thanks, Yelp for decking me out, I have and will wear your swag proudly! From start to finish, the whole night just makes me want to get out more, eat more delicious things, and meet more of you great people.
Key word: MORE! -
Review from Eric M.
4/13/2010
It seems that I'm a little late getting around to this but I'm blaming it on the hang over.
Negroni was fantastic. A close foodie friend of mine tried to prepare me for what was in store but did not do the place justice. I'm not sure how many people we managed to shoe horn in but there were a lot of us and yet it didn't seem overly crowded. The sandwich bar is a good size and leaves more than enough space to walk around and schmooze.
Most importantly, the food was great. I second Hana on the nutella panini being "dine-o-mite" (feel free to steal that one or just make fun of me later for it.) I only managed to get my hands on a few sandwiches which is a testament to how good they are I think. Those things flew off the plate faster then the 3 (4?) hard working people at the presses could make them. And the servers were top shelf. More often than not I have to chase someone down at an event to get anything. Our servers for the evening were on top of everything. Drink getting low? *Pow*! They're there with a new one. Greasy fingers from your food? *Bif*! Napkins appear. Need more food? *Exploding sound*! Here's another plate. Really, my hat's off to Bill and the wonderful staff at Negroni.
As for the event itself? Thank you Kat for organizing such a fun night. It was great getting a chance to put faces and voices to names. It also reminded me of just how cool and diverse a community we have here. I met some great people and I hope to see you folks again soon. -
Review from Rita E.
4/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Hello, Toronto!
"YEE! YEE! YEE! Let's get this party started." (just a lil yay for ya... gotta represent for the Bay. 1:08 http://www.youtube.com...)
First Y(elp) E(lite) E(vent) & it was awesome!
I spent the whole day in town & ended up in the neighborhood an hour early. No worries. Ran into Danielle F, shared some Starbucks, and wandered down College before she left me to set up for the event. =D
Props to Kat, our lovely CM, for organizing & to Negroni for hosting our beer-, wine-, & panini-loving bunch.
Service was impeccable. My wine glass never empty for too long. And conversely, it didn't take too long for us to empty their panini serving plates. The group of people I was with mid-event migrated closer and closer to the kitchen. It was every man for himself! LOL. Newbies learned quickly & not a moment too soon. Nutella, strawberries, & powdered sugar FTW! I would've kicked myself if I'd missed that delightful bite.
I met a lot of great folks & struck up some fun conversations. I definitely hope to meet more of you while I'm working here in Toronto. As a first timer, I was definitely nervous, but I was relieved to meet other first timers &, of course, finally meet the people I've only "known" by their reviews, check-ins, & pictures. Yelp Toronto is an awesome community! See you at the next YEE!
**I totally forgot to pick up my Yelp Lunchbox! Newbie still has some lessons to learn... but I love my wristband. I'll take this one back to the Bay for a 12k in May. REPRESENT (for TO this time)!** -
Review from Brian S.
Toronto, ON
4/12/2010
Thanks Kat for organizing a great event. Reconnected with a bunch of Yelpers I hadn't seen for a while, had some decent wine, tried at least 4 different kinds of paninis and generally had fun. What a great night.
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Review from Sam G.
Toronto, ON
4/11/2010
Great venue, friends, drinks, service and food. Especially the Nutella dessert panini. And a five minute walk/stumble from/to my humble abode...
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Review from Rick Y.
Toronto, ON
4/12/2010
A fun time indeed. Nice to meet new people and try a new venue (for me). Thanks to organizers and hosts.
