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Yelp's Class of 2012 Kickoff at JAROblue
- Good for Kids:
- No
21 reviews for Yelp's Class of 2012 Kickoff at JAROblue
21 reviews in English
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Review from Carol K.
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
I don't know where to start! This event was FAN-tastic! I was happy to see Vishnu for the last time before he goes away, and other familiar faces in the room. I loved the game idea for this event. It gave us all on opportunity to meet strangers.
My last visit at JAROblue was underwhelming. Actually, it really pissed me off because so many little things were going wrong. See my review here: http://www.yelp.ca/biz.... Despite the poor service, I knew that JAROblue had much more to offer. It was the perfect venue for this event because the seating along the walls allowed people to sit without being closed off from the action. They offered vegan and gluten-free options, excellent food, and even better drinks! The Pear Nectar was my favourite. Yum. If it's on their regular menu, that would make me sooo happy. What impressed me the most is that the bartender actually walked over to the nearby grocery store to buy soy milk so that I could have a latte! Thanks, JAROblue! You are fabulous! Thanks Wendy for hosting yet another fantastic event!Listed in: Yelp Events
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Review from Emma G.
1/28/2012
I was so excited to finally check out JAROblue and it definitely didn't disappoint.
Yes, it was a teeny space for so many fabulous people, and the drink lines were long. But you could tell the staff at JAROblue were busting their butts to serve us as fast as possible, while still creating perfect drinks. And man...were those drinks good! I tried to order the pear one, and the bartender said, "actually, can I make you the elderflower one? Everyone's getting the pear and I want you to try this one". I agreed and omg, I'm glad I did. It was phenomenal! I got the pear later, and again - delicious, though I liked the elderflower one better. Apparently he could sense that!
I also tried oysters for the first time and got a lesson in how to eat them. I'm not sure if I loved them but I'm glad to have eaten them.
Also the guess who game was a big hit, I think, and really forced everyone to get out of their shells. (Except me - I was just a socially awkward penguin the entire time, but some people came to chat with me and I appreciate all of them, haha.) It took me ages to find my person, but I did JUST before Wendy did the draw. Too fun.
Once again it was lovely to see everyone, and thank you to JAROblue and Wendy for throwing such a fun shindig. -
Review from Heather I.
Calgary, AB
1/27/2012
My first Elite event. Woo!
I arrived fashionably late due to a high stakes cribbage game with a fellow Yelper. I was flush with victory from the match, but soon I took off my cardigan as the intimate space was filled with other Yelpers and it was quite warm inside.
For me, the best part of the event was meeting other fun people. Wendy's icebreaker was a fantastic way for people to approach others and connect. Now you all know my shameful secret - I have drank my own contact lenses on two occasions - but I sense that you still accept me, despite the infrequent saline/acuvue cocktail....phew!!
I sampled the wine, the bubbles, and the bulldozer martini. They were all excellent and I chased them the following morning with several coffees, a dozen waters, and some advil.
Everything I tasted was fantastic (perogy, chorizo, beet) and is consistent with the fantastic food I have come to love at JAROblue. Unfortunately, I only managed to try one of each item and that could have been one of the reasons the alcohol beat me up so badly. The other could have been the fact that I'm a cheap drunk, but we'll save that tidbit for the next 'Guess who clue' right? -
Review from Kate B.
This was my first Elite event and it pretty much ruled! I had an amazing time meeting new people, trying some fabulous drinks and sampling some of the tapas.
I really like the intimacy of this venue, I think I would be the perfect spot for a date or for getting together with friends for drinks. Low lighting and rich colours, it's really cozy and chic at the same time.
The drinks ruled - I have to agree with Laura R., the bartender really did put the love into each drink. And I, like others, totally loved the Bullflower!
The oyster bar was really unique and an awesome opportunity to interact with the chef, Colin Penttinen, at JAROblue. He is totally personable, approachable and I found it refreshing that he was front and centre and interacting with us at the event. I thought it was a really nice touch to meet the creative mind behind the eats we were enjoying.
Hats off to Wendy for putting on a fantastic event - the guess who game ended up being a clever ice breaker - and to the wonderful folks at JAROblue for hosting a killer night for us! -
Review from Angelo T.
1/26/2012
Whats with all these less than five star ratings!?!? Is there some sort of inside joke I'm not aware off here? It's YELP event with free drinks and bites, give the love!
It's been exactly one year from the first Elite in Calgary and as the long running veteran I'll say this: they get funner with every event. So glad to have met new Yelpers ,goof off with the usual gang, and got excited to see the appearance of old pals.
I can't believe how many of you people kept coming up to me flashing their paper of clues. I'm flattered that you all perceive me as the mysterious enigma of Yelp. Sadly my fact was "I used to have a pet rooster" and it didn't take long for someone to find me :)
JAROblue threw up an amazing event. The place was packed and despite the minor snags they came across, they managed to "hydrate" a room full of thirsty people. My buddy David Eso was about to bolt in search of a donair but they appeased his hunger by bombarding him with plates of bites! As for the restaurant, the friendly staff (with the awesome Alison ;) ) , the warm decor of the place, and the tasty bites entices me to come back here with a crowd of friends. Not for a date though, just personal superstition regarding horses and having to validate myself to pretty women.
Kudos (http://www.cvcoffee.co...) to Wendy once again! Poor Wendinho was starving at the end of the night! What a champion and true host. Next time I'm bringing you a Sub Wendinho! :D -
Review from Vishnu V.
1/26/2012
Being the last Elite party event of mine for 2012 in calgary, I have managed to get on time to the place...
Guess Who!!!! Oh yeah, that was just another creative one from Wendy to make all people sociable with 'Guess who'...
I hardly had some chance to taste the Tapas. But the one made of lamb seemed better than the others. Overall the appetizers were just ok.
But the cocktails were the best. The BULLFLOWER, PEAR NECTAR were so tasty and I could say I never tasted so good cocktails.
Oysters stood best of all the appetizers.
Props to the bar tender for his endless effort in taking care of making the glass cold before serving cocktail in it. And not an easy job to continuously mix cocktails for so many people.
Definitely another good elite event from 'wendy yelp'. -
Review from Sabahat N.
Calgary, AB
1/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
FTR!
Another great Elite event! Props to Wendy for pulling everything together so seamlessly.. That "guess who" game was a definite ice-breaker, and it got everyone mingling and socializing. GREAT cocktails - damn I loved my Bullflower - and the oyster-shucking was wayyyy cool!
Met a whole bunch of new people tonight, so yaaaaheyy!! -
Review from Joel K.
1/26/2012
There comes a time in every man's life when he must traverse the cityscape to Jaroblue in the name of martinis and meeting new people.
That night was tonight.
I met so many wonderful people and I didn't even have to fist fight any of them! The martinis were prime - the bullflower was delicious and I don't even care if it was a manly drink or not. I drank two of them and then I asked people creepily if they did a lot of yoga because I had the misfortune of having that as my "guess who clue". After some raised eyebrows from disapproving females, several misunderstandings and some highly interesting discussions I finally found the lady who belonged to my clue. Awesome ice breaker!
The tapas were delicious. If this is indicative of their other food, I am a big fan.
All in all, a great introduction to Yelp events and other Yelpers! -
Review from Van B.
1/27/2012
Alright so last night was Yelp's Class of 2012 Kickoff at JAROblue. So many times I have wanted to try this place out due to the fact that I always hear someone talking about it and what better chance to go try some of the appies than a Yelp Elite Event.
I arrived a few minutes early with my awesome guest and of course was greeted by the very most fantastic Wendytron and a more than accomodating server willing to take our jackets and put them away for us (I declined, was a little cold from walking outside, diva I know.) which I thought was totally cool.
I'm not going to lie I was expecting this place to be a little bigger BUT it had a nice cozy atmosphere although at its peak of people, the body heat in there was a little ridiculars but nothing you couldn't manage with the variety of alcoholic beverages being served that night.
I personally did not try anything but the tried and true Stella Artois due to the fact that I really dislike anything sweet really. However, it seems as though my guest and most of everyone I knew loved the Pear Nectar martini or whatever it was and me I just love my Stella.
The room kind of became seperated when the long line up began at the bar cause everyone wanted to get a taste of the different drinks on the menu for the night. That was a little awkward but a little moving around and you were on the other side of the room in no time.
The food. I wish I had the menu card thing with me right now but I left it in the car. However, I did try the perogy that was topped off with horseradish and mint? If I remember correctly I thought that tasted good. I also tried I think it was a radish or something with carmelized onions on top of it? I thought that was also good.
I didn't really try much else due to the fact that as soon as the servers were around the food was simply gone that fast. I'm not going to be picky about serving size or how much food was going around because I understand it is really hard to cater to that many people while you're walking around trying to remember who has tried what.
Wendy, the Guess Who? idea was fantastic even though I didn't receive a clue so I could go around and guess - which is totally okay with me too cause it was quite entertaining watching people go around asking complete strangers questions. I think all the clues people asked me had something to do with me being Asian. Ha. Tricked!
Overall, last night was an incredibly fun and entertaining night as I formally met Vishnu for the second time and then today at work I totally stalked him too! Had the awesome pleasure of meeting Sabz for the first time as well. Angelo my brethren and winged-man, tiffany, sarah louise and of course everyone else I had the pleasure in meeting and talking to. -
Review from Dan D.
1/26/2012
At first I was slightly apprehensive due to the crowded nature of this event (I am extremely neurotic - like an Italian Woody Allen - with a side of mildly seasoned claustrophobia), but the delicious tastes and conversations soon won me over.
Both martinis were EXCELLENT (I would be hard-pressed to pick a favourite), the Malbec was exceptional and the bites were delicious. I could have eaten like a million pierogies. I woke up this morning thinking about horseradish.
Both the spanish onion & the chipotle toppings for the oysters were amazing. I was impressed that they smoke their own jalapenos to make the sauce. The shuckerman was kind enough to step through the process of making them. I plan to try making the spanish onion one at home.
I am sad that this was Vishnu's last Calgary yelp event, but I am glad that it was the final note on his yelp-tasting palate.
Thank you to Wendy and thank you to JAROblue for being so generous, patient, and courteous to us humble yelpers! -
Review from Crystal W.
Calgary, AB
1/26/2012
Wendy P. knows how to organize a good party and yet again, Calgary Yelpers pulled through to make it a great night out. The ice breaker activity was new to me and it really brought a lot of strangers together for more than a two sentence conversation.
The Bullflower Martini that was served is one of the best martini's I've ever had (mmmmm ginger) but as for the tapas, I think I'll have to go back for a more authentic JAROblue experience. The only tapas I sampled were the beef and mushroom perogie and the lamb sausage. They were okay. I wasn't interested in anything else, hence the need for a second visit.
The restroom situation is interesting. There are three water closets. You walk in to the small room and there is only a toilet and paper. In fact, the men's restroom just has a urinal (yes, I peeked) so the men will need to use one of the other unisex restrooms if they want to sit. The sinks and mirror are communal and wide open to traffic in the restroom area. If you want to primp, you may have more of an audience than you'd like. The lighting is dim.
I really appreciated that attendance for this event was controlled because the intimate venue wasn't overcrowded. I'm glad JAROblue was open to hosting, as I'm now enticed to return for a date night or small group outing. -
Review from Sarah T.
1/31/2012
Nothing more to say that everyone else already hasn't. The place is cute, the service was excellent, and the cocktails were amazing.
I really enjoyed the clue game that Wendy used as an ice breaker. It really worked well, and I met a lot of interesting people, and had a lot of fun talking with people I had met before, and of course new ones as well. I always find the Yelp crowd very diverse and everyone is super friendly. The people I bring a long have a good time too, while trying out a new restaurant, so what could be better as a weekday night out? Thanks again for the invite. Look forward to more events. -
Review from Tara M.
1/26/2012
I am a big fan of JAROblue and an even bigger fan of events held there.
JARO is small, making it tough to move around if an event held there is popular - and events at JARO are always popular with the Y-ELITE. I don't mind the crowds since I quite like people and everyone at Yelp parties is so very nice. When the swarm gets too thick, I simply park myself near a delicious food or drink station and let the bees buzz.
I don't always give a 5 star rating to Yelp events as Wendy and I have an ongoing, but friendly, feud where she plans better and better parties, and I give more and more stars. In this case, I couldn't help but give 5 stars as Wendy did a wonderful job planning and executing this event. Her positive relationship with the owners and staff is apparent at JARO as they worked hard to make the event memorable.
The food selection was great, I tried, and actually liked, the oysters (fresh-shucked a la Chef Colin; thank you Colin for forcing me to eat them). The drinks were excellent. JARO understands that Yelpers like to drink, so offered an interesting variety of wines, sparkles, martinis and beers. As always, Sandon at the wine station kept my glass full and a wine smile on my face. Any time you're at an event at JARO, make sure you ask Sandon about the wine, he'll take good care of you.
A big and special thanks to all the staff at JARO! You are all super fun making my coming to events like yours all the more worth it.
Great event JARO and great planning Wendy; 2012 is shaping up to be a great year for Elite, let's party like it's the end of the world.
T.
p.s. Farewell Vishnu :) we will miss you! -
Review from laura r.
1/26/2012 1 photo
Last night was also my first time at JAROblue. I was happy to have a reason to check it out, it is a place I've wanted to try for a while.
The beverages were amazing, and the bar tender took so much care putting them together. I noticed him pre-chilling the glasses with ice water, and delicately slicing the pears. I tried both the Pear Nectar and the Bullflower Martini. The Pear Nectar literally tasted like pear juice. Very good! The Bullflower was my favourite of the two, not as sweet, and I liked the lemonade component.
The food was excellent as well. I heard about the perogies on Facebook before I arrived, and I was very excited to get to taste them. The horseradish and mint topping was great! I also recall seeing something on Facebook about "frosted petite tenders", but never saw anything come out resembling that description. Servers and other staff were fantastic. Very friendly, and knowledgeable about the food.
The guess-who game was a great idea! My date found his person who likes to dress as Wonder Woman, but unfortunately I did not find the person who once took a 2 hour nap at the Tiergarten in Berlin.
If this was my first elite event, I would have given it five stars. Great food, great drinks, free, who could ask for anything better?!? But... I can't help but compare this event to the event last November, at which there was a lot more food. -
Review from Crystal E.
Calgary, AB
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Tonight was my first time at Jaroblue, a place I've been wanting to come to for quite some time. I live close by, how have i not been here already?!
The list of beverages and snacks was quite generous. The first drink I had was the Pear Nectar that was amazing and the horseradish on the perogies was quite intense, but delicious. I also enjoyed the sausage with carmelized onions, super tasty! I didn't get a chance to try any of the other options as they were going by so quickly. It was nice that there was red wine and Brut available - plus, the guy serving it was very friendly. Actually, all the staff were really nice and friendly, which was quite appreciated at times in this quaint space. It was quite difficult to move around at some points, but we're yelpers and we're close!
Overall, a great night with awesome service and tasty drinks. Thank you to Wendy and the awesome group at Jaroblue for a great start to the 2012 Elite events!!! -
Review from Kaeleigh E.
Calgary, AB
1/26/2012
Such a good night at JAROblue! I loved the story of the Sable Island horses, and the photographs of the horses all around. The space was cozy. I think it would be a nice spot to have drinks with friends for sure! Felt like I was always in someone's way though, such a tiny little restaurant!
The cocktails were amazing, and I'm totally a beer gal so that says a lot about how much I liked them! The food wasn't great for me. I guess I didn't read the menu carefully and when the lovely server offered me a perogie I didn't realize they were smothered in horseradish. I HATE horseradish. So that ruinied the food for me. But the beverages were enough to get me to come back to JAROblue again.
It was so nice to see everyone, as well as meet some new friends! Such a great night. I'm usually not big on party games but I LOVED that guessing game. Such a great icebreaker.
Thank you WENDY! So much! And thanks to the fantastic staff at JAROblue. -
Review from Maria H.
Calgary, AB
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Also a noob at JAROblue, really liked the space, although it felt a bit too cozy with the many yelpers there but I had a great time meeting people, and definitely playing that guessing game! it was fun and easy to talk and meet new yelpers. All the staff was very friendly, I didn't get to try all the food, what I remember the most is the yummy Pear Nectar cocktail!!
Two Thumbs up for Wendy, way to kick off 2012!! Once again she put on a really fun event in a pretty cool venue, definitely going back to try food and cocktails...
Not sure about the less than 5 star reviews... maybe should separate reviews, one for event only.... one for the actual venue, organizing events on a regular basis has its charm and tricks and Wendy has managed to pull off each and every Yelp event I attend! :) -
Review from Kent V.
1/26/2012
The pear drink was really good, and the mushroom perogies were amazing. Its a pretty small and narrow restaurant, so the drink line running down the middle made it slightly awkward to move around.
I found the match to the icebreaker question given to me (Current crush is Joseph Gordon Levitt), and as I was leaving a different girl said it was her question too. Who can blame them, JGL was a dreamboat in Inception, haha. -
Review from Tiffany N.
Calgary, AB
1/26/2012
Vishnu! Don't leave :'(.
Like everyone else, I was a bit wary of the event space, since it was a bit cramped and I kept getting elbows in my cocktails *insert angry-face emoticon here*.
But what I did appreciate was that it wasn't so loud in JAROblue that I couldn't have a normal conversation with someone. I only said "Hmmmm?" a handful of times. Definitely glad to meet more Yelpers and catch up with more familiar ones. Plan possible spring barbecues over multiple cocktails, while serenading Wendytron with 90's R&B. The sweet potato chips and olives... so addicting! Wish there had been more food; everything was amuse-bouche sized and seemed to disappear seconds after the tray left the kitchen. The bathroom closets were interesting. I guess I appreciate the economy of a shared sink - though I did not appreciate whatever Yelper threw their used paper towel on top of the clean paper towels. HDU. It was infinitely less confusing than other bathroom situations at previous Elite events. JAROblue, you host a good party and your staff is adorable. Would love to come back soon! Despite a couple of nit-picky things, the scrumtralescent martinis made it a 5 star evening all around. The Bullflower martini with elderflower juice reminded me of the Sound of Music with every sip :). Really happy that the bartender suggested it! The pears soaking in pear vodka were serendipitous. And as Wendytron can attest to, song inspiring :D :D :D.
Hi-five to Sabz's man for shucking his own oyster. Like a boss. -
Review from Janna L.
1/26/2012
Having never been to this place, getting here was easy, you cannot miss the blue neon lights outside! Thanks to Wendy and helpers/yelpers for putting on this Elite event, I would have hated to have missed it. I met so many cool yelper peeps, so upbeat and friendly, ready for whatever. After bugging the WHOLE crowd about my clue about someone's last meal being Japanese and toro, I FINALLY found Linda C who had not known this was her clue all along! (It had been written for her) LOL Sooooooo, my harassing was not done in vain and my clue-person had not just bailed on me. I myself was one of the last to leave, long after the small tapas of yumminess had gone around (MMMM the beets and perogies were to die for). The oyster shucker as well was good for a laugh and me - who does not like oysters ate 3 as the condiments they served with it were spot on - onion, chipotle hot sauce and lemon of course! I heard the oysters are good for you in so many ways! (*wink*) The guys at the bar were so busy and patient and the wine pourer with the cool eyes was so sweet. I will be back here for other food fare for sure as I was so impressed with the low lighting, decor and intimacy of this restaurant. A sure-fire date night place and mingling spot. Loved all the people I met, got to say goodbye 1000 more times to Vishnu who will be so missed and Lisa P, you are my new sidekick with rimless glasses - see you at Brunch Sunday!
This night gets a 5! Fun fun, fun!
PS The Pear Martini - whoooaaaaa, could drink a boatload of those! -
Review from Mia T.
1/26/2012
I had a great time at the JaroBlue party.It was the first time Ive been to this restaurant. It had a cozy feeling due to the small size of the place, the dark furniture, candles and low set furniture. The appetizers were delicious, even if they were on the small side. The staff were great,having different stations around the room for the drinks, wine and oysters, and the ice breaker we did opened up a lot of funny conversations. I met a lot of great and interesting new people last night, which I enjoy even more than the food!
Having said all that. I think as far as being a regular patron of Jaro, I would find the tables,couches really awkward to eat at. I know they are tapas style, but they were set at odd levels, and distances to each other. It would be a great intimate setting for a date or catching up with an old friend, but not good for big groups.
Im not aware of their price point of their food, but Im hoping since the food is in nice bite size portions, that they come in a decent quantity. The mushroom stuffed perogies and lamb sausage were to die for.
Jaro piqued my interest enough to go back for a second round.
