Yelp Elite Event @ Mandaloun
Categories: Food, Nightlife, Local Flavor [Edit]
2021 Broadway StRedwood City, CA 94063 (650) 367-7974
- Good for Kids: Yes
11 reviews
Neighborhood: Inner Sunset
"This was my second year buying a XMAS tree at Clancy's. The staff is friendly and helpful. They have a wide variety of trees, Noble,…" read more »
78 Reviews for Yelp Elite Event @ Mandaloun
Huge embarrassing disappointment. 200 kiddies packed into a tiny dive-bar that bears no resemblance whatsoever to Mandaloun's website.
This is the first time I was invited to a yelp event so I didn't realize that they were just going to cram everyone into a tiny room with no place to sit and hand out chicken on a stick. Seriously, Jack-in-the-box fair? I drove to Redwood City for this? Am I stupid to think we were going to like, have dinner? What we were supposed to do, stand around talking about how great Yelp is?
People thought this was:
Useful (28)
Funny (28)
Cool (21)
I'm putting up a recycled review since a lot of us seem to have lost sight of what Elite Events are about. I'm green like that.
--
I have to say this event was one of the best of the official and unofficial yelp events. Not because of the great planning by the yelp staff or the free drinks. No, it wasn't the bartenders or the food either.
It was the people.
There were lots of newer Elites and lots of OGs. And the Yelp Celebrities were there en masse! Starstruck barely describes it.
Most of all, everyone was super cool! Bonding with friends, new and old. That my friends, is the best free shit you can get!
People thought this was:
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Cool (28)
Warning: I am verbose. :(
DO sign up early. Events usually fill up pretty quickly. I got very lucky this time, and was able to bring a friend. Given the option to, DO bring a +1. It makes standing around for drinks a little less painful. There is really no other way to alleviate the difficulties of maneuvering to a bar and back, so it's the next best thing. Someone to switch off the maneuvering to the bar and back with! There were two specialty drinks [sponsored by Pearl Vodka] - a Pomegranate Lemonade and some Berry Cosmo. The bartenders were working their butts off behind the bar, and what was really unfortunate was the placement of the bar. It was never made for the thirsty 300 to fit behind. We're not the Spartans, and those were no Hot Gates of Thermopylae.
DO bring cash to tip the bartenders!
DO eat beforehand, have plans to eat afterward, or carry Clif Bars or something in your purse/back pocket. Researching the area wouldn't hurt [You know, there's this website... Not sure if you've heard of it or not, but there are business reviews, and if you look up a place, you also have the option of searching for nearby restaurants...], just in case you're still hungry after the event, or the food wasn't quite suitable to your tastes. We ate dinner beforehand, so a sampling of complimentary appetizers was all we needed to get an idea of the type of small plates offered. I made the mistake once of going to an event directly from work without having taken a bite since breakfast. I embarrassed myself by camping out at the food table. Guilty - never again!
- Bacon-wrapped Dates [or Dates & Cream Cheese Wrapped in Pancetta]
- Polenta Cubes [or Polenta, Goat Cheese, Pesto & Oven Dried Tomatoes]
- Ahi Tuna on Fried Bread [or Ahi Tuna "Raw" - Jalapeno, Cucumber, Avocado, Ponzu Dipping Sauce & Fried Bread]
- Chicken Skewers [or Chicken Skewers, Harissa, Cumin, Lemon & Yogurt]
- Fried Olives [or Marinated Olives & Pipparas Peppers]
- Gazpacho [or Soup of the Day]
- various pizzas
- Figs w/ Mascarpone [Dessert]
DO meet new people, as well as say hi to old friends. For me, Silicon Valley events are new territory. There are more new faces than old ones, so it's a challenge. I made it a point to tell myself in the car as we were driving up to meet at least 5 new faces this time, and it worked. Remembering that I met them at this event and recognizing everyone later will be another task in itself.
DO put on deodorant. You never know how packed the event will get. It's just to be on the safe side. This will definitely result in better first impressions.
DO explore the venue. It's easy to get stuck at the bar or the food table, but there's the rest of the venue to check out. There was a really nice live jazz band [all coordinated by Mandaloun, not Yelp!] playing out in the back. Heat lamps kept us warm. From what I heard and partially witnessed, the food line was a little bit shorter as well. Fresh air, food, music? Happier Yelpers.
DO bring a camera. I usually carry a camera just in case something happens that is camera-worthy. I don't like that moment when I want to slap myself for not bringing one along. It's happened too many times before. DON'T forget to charge the batteries for the flash. I did, and I apologize to those that my camera's regular flash must have blinded.
Pictures! Will update as I hear about 'em:
mine: http://flickr.com/phot...
carlos a: http://flickr.com/phot...
colleen h: http://www.flickr.com/...
henry l: http://flickr.com/phot...
mercy b: http://picasaweb.googl...
victor c: http://flickr.com/phot...
DO visit Mandaloun again during normal business hours. For the four raffle winners, I first bat my eyes at you in hopes that you will bring me along for the meal. And then, realizing that you probably don't even know who I am, I shake my fist at you. For the rest of us losers, there was a coupon upon entrance for a free Small Plate with the meal. Did you grab one?
Also, DO approach the Community Managers and let them know your thoughts. That MIGHT include thanking them for throwing such an event, but who knows? It might not. While I cannot speak FOR them, based on observation, I can say that they have always been open to suggestions, comments, criticisms, etc. from event attendees. DON'T keep it all bottled up inside. It's not healthy.
While I know that I should also include "DO keep your eyes peeled and sign up for the next event. They can only go uphill from a one-star review," I really DON'T want to. I am one selfish bish. Oh, what? You don't like it? Not a problem. More for me!
People thought this was:
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Funny (44)
Cool (41)
Same Day Edit:
Here's some 1 star photos from this 1 star event:
http://flickr.com/phot...
-------------------------------------------------- --------------------------
Here are the reasons why this should be a 1-star review:
1. Others mentioned they were invited to this event. How come I wasn't given a personal invite? wtf. -1
2. Mandaloun definitely is a dive-bar. Those cheap bastards use wood to fire up their ovens to cook their pizza. Hello? 21st century anyone? Fossil fuel via gas/electric ovens? wtf. -1
3. Only four $50 gift certificates were handed out? I walked all of 2 blocks from my work to come here, eat free food, and drink free booze, and they have the audacity to only hand out 4 (four!?!) gift certificates? The other 100+ people only walk out empty handed, with only a free evening of food and alcohol to show for it? wtf. -1
4. Free appetizers and free alcohol? That's it? Where was my free Painted Hills Ranch Top Sirloin Fillet cooked to order? wtf. -1
5. Serious crowdedness. Next time you want to not personally invite me to an "Elite" event, please only invite no more than 8-9 other Elitist of the Elite, and close out the restaurant, so I can enjoy my free evening the way an Elite is supposed to be treated. wtf. -1
Wait, that's -5. This should be a 0-star review. I'll be nice.
People thought this was:
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You just got picked
to join us for some chicken sticks
epicFAIL at the bar?
well, you'll still be my star!
baby cuz if you whine
you don't deserve to dine
maybe a slice of pie
you gotta be real sly
because
when they put yelpers and food together
we can stand around forever
said i'll always be your friend
took an oath, got you alcohol mixed with lemon
hey look, you're a raffle winner
it's not cold here, have some dinner
you can stand under the warm heater
you can stand under the warm heater
eater, eater, eh eh eh
Thanks Connie and the Yelp staff! Great event!
Strategically planned it so my +1 could grab food, while I grabbed drinks. *score* Enjoyed the back patio for a little bit. Caught up with a few people. Next time I'll move my name sticker to my forehead. Boob-positioning was not a great idea.
Oh, did I mention I walked around with my fly down for half the event. I'm glad my shirt was long..
person: hey your fly is down!
me: oh... i.. like it like that...
person: .... *backs away slowly*
me: *hides in shame*
P.S. +5 stars for Connie and her dress!! gorgeous!
fyi - sing to the tune of 'umbrella' -rihanna
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Jeez what a sorry bunch of snively whiners and ingrates!
I know..why don't you go cry to your mommy and stop going to the events if your so butthurt...
I DO, however have an insider tip...arrive early and grease the help and owner...you will always get food and service all night long...Actually just a little too much service for me, since I am so stinkin hungover right now!
But the food here was by far my favorite out of all the events I have been too, and I was stuffed, I kept grabbing them for starving looking people (like Connie) and making them eat..
Yeah the bar line sucked, but here's another tip, just start smackin asses and push your way though tell them your going to go dance on the bar, whatever, it worked for me...
And for the record, you people at the hoodie table are far too uptight, seriously I DON'T want a hoodie, It's not a national treasure!
Hey has anyone listen to that free CD yet? Well don't bother unless your into Disney tunes and speak Spanish!
BTW I will now officially stop whining about a ROTD since I was paid off by Brandon, money talks sucka's!
Seriously this event was super fun good times! I really enjoyed seeing all my buddies and meeting so many new ones! A special thanks goes out to my very special Elite sweetie for bringing me as her plus one, who's name I will not divulge to protect her identity...
Pics of all the fun here..http://www.flickr.com/...
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~s w e e t n o e l l e ' s f i r s t e l i t e e v e n t ~
Once upon a time lived a girl name Noelle.
This girl named Noelle was allergic to the world- nuts, shellfish, cilantro, berries, bananas, rude people, bad dates and snobs. One day Noelle's mom Beth introduced her to Yelp. Yelp became a great place for Noelle to find restaurants that were allergy friendly! The reviews on Yelp are written by real people and are FUNNY, USEFUL and COOL most especially when Noelle needed to find new restaurants to try.
Noelle started writing reviews as well. Her first ever Yelp Event was the Elite Event @ Parcel 104.
On June 24, 2008 Noelle became a member of the Elite Team on Yelp. Noelle's first Elite Event was @ Mandaloun. Noelle went as her friend Vicky's "iPhone" +1. Upon arrival Noelle caught up with her friend Vu and inquired the whereabouts of their dear friend the Pirate.
A Non-Yelper by the name of "Silver Patron" met up with Noelle a la her Kuya Mikey under the guise of celebrating her new found Eliteness. Noelle unfortunately remembered this Non-Yelper by the name of "Silver Patron" because she saw him last @ the UYE Crawdaddy Event. This Non-Yelper made Noelle feel warm, dizzy and ultimately made her tummy ache. So she went outside for fresh air. Outside in the fresh air Noelle chatted with her Mama Beth and friends. Matt brought Noelle some cheese pizza and iced water for her dinner. Donna's sweetheart Zak had some pizza with Matt & Noelle.
Noelle's new summer dress became the magnet for Yelp name tags. People said it was in celebration of her becoming Elite. Thank you to the following for your name tags (in no particular order):
Beth W.
Vu T.
Monica L. (looking forward to lunching with you!)
Tam H. (my friend Mrs. Pimphand Strong's Hubby)
Walter P.
Jean P.
Carlos "cool guy with the camera" A.
Ann Leslie
Donna P.
Vicky "iPhone" L.
Mara "Cupcake Queen" T.
Ron "I Tan" S.
Jackie "Mrs. I Tan" S.
Matt G.
Richard N.
Mikey U.
Justin G.
Leigh V.
Doug
Jessica
Colleen H.
Zak
Brian K.
Mark Serrano
Roaslind C.
Jing's Serbelle
Matt
Noelle didn't get to try all the appetizers but overall had a good time!
Thank you to Connie for hosting & toasting a wonderful event!
Noelle's Notes:
My Yelp Name Tag Dress is an original : )
Thank you Carlos "Handsome Man with a camera" A. for capturing my dress & cheesy grin @ my first Elite Event!
Noelle's Post Secrets:
I missed the Pirate aka Randy (see my photos), you can be my +1 next time!
~Y E L P- its not just reviews, its about friendships~
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Ok, so a "mother-daughter" combo bashed a Yelp event with negative stars.
BFD.
In my opinion, mother-daughter combos are good for two things
1) understanding what you're going to be dealing with 20 years in the future
and
2) great porn movie plots
I only had about an hour at the event but in that time I managed to get two rounds of drinks, one small plate of appetizers, two fist bumps with Mikey, and a photo op courtesy of Carlos A.
I found this venue was easier to socialize than at the strike event.
I mean, I basically had to dry hump three Yelpers to get past them in the bowling lanes just to say hi to Walter and Mary.
And to be honest, seeing that many big balls around made me a little self conscience.
Overall the food was decent. Well, except for when Grace grabbed those little bacon wrapped dates and we popped them in our mouths.
The look on both of our faces went from "WOW, bacon, mmm" to "wait, what? sweet? oh my this is weird."
Given that the bartenders had to make free, complicated drinks all night, they were very friendly. Bartenders doing the freebie complicated drinks have every right to be uber-pissed.
The dirty martini Grace had was one of the better martinis I have tasted.
Waiting for drinks at Mandaloun was no different than any busy bar anywhere.
I think those that are bitching consider a "crazy night out" going to the 7:30 showing of Ocean's Thirteen and then grabbing a frozen yogurt before turning in at 11:15pm sharp.
So, to all you haters, I break wind in your general direction.
To all of you that I talked to, met, and generally had a good time with, I look forward to the next event.
One thing I WOULD change though about this event?
The lead singer's purple scarf.
Ingrates.
People thought this was:
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The first star for Connie putting this event together for the Yelp Community! If you didn't feel the vibe, don't freakin fill up her next guestlist. Better yet... I'll do the the next Elite guest list. Dayam whiners.
Two stars because I was able to see all my fans and TOUCH them! My sweat and cologne is probably still on your face and hands.
Three stars because the Yelper Yall Love to Hate "Brandon" made his celebrity appearance!
Four stars: I think I was the only dayam Yelper making an effort to say hello and welcome new people to the venture. Sorry if I didn't get to you. PM me... i'll add you to my " VIP " Yes, i'm a male whore.
Five stars because my HOT date for the evening didn't run away and really thought I was funny, useful, and cool.
Six stars: Jessica brought down my birthday present! YAY!!! Another Yelp Elite Shirt for the women to rip off my body.
Seven stars: Mark Serrano is FUNNY ass hell! Welcome to Yelp! Heavy Hitters represent.
Eight stars: Mikey being my wingman for the evening.. No JM on this event but we managed to hold it down for the SBC.
Nine stars: Tam is my new investment project. Sorry Sharon... I stole your man! MUHAHAHHAHA!!!
Ten stars: DONNA P RETURNS!!!
Eleven stars: I'm going to steal someone's Prada glasses! * evil grin *
Twelve stars: I didn't paddle sista Noelle. But I do approve of her new "Wednesday" boyfriend.
13 Stars: Victor.... I told you Victor...
14 Stars: Will somebody please..... please... get some f**kin bacon in this date! LOL!!! The Funniest Line All Night!!!
15 Stars: Making eye contact. Yes. You're on my friends list. We've compliments each other.... so now..... WHY DON'T YOU WANNA COME SAY HI TO ME?!!!
16 Stars: Patio crowd. Great. Thanks for making me feel like a Vodka Girl. I know my hair is red.
17 Stars: Please do not give Bryan K anymore junk food. He's in superhero training right now. BTW... much love to the new runners that I meet and chatted with Sue and Wilhelm! And Keiko... YAY! She's going to RUN at Livestrong!
18 Stars: Weide ROCKS! Great convo on family, fitness, and another future UYE karaoke at Seven Bamboo!
19 Stars: Lisa... Why you leaving early again?
20 Stars: Lilly O.... i'm so jealous. I want your new job. I'm "GOOD FOR KIDS".
21 Stars: Archie!!! You forgot the stogies... but you brought Grace... so that'll do.
22 Stars: Vicky! You Stole the FTR!!! Dammit!! LOL!!!! * high five *
23 Stars: Law # 6996. Hang cuff Jing to the bar. EOM.
24 Stars: Knighted Scott L of the South Bay into Elite status. Its the power of the Jedi Council, I have.
25 Stars: Thank You Mercy for the pictures!!! Its rare that the SBC gets photo coverage at Elite events. Seriously! Yes, i'm keepin' it real!
26 Stars: Colleen and Donovan always a grand to party with you guys! btw... if someone gave Colleen some cash aren't we entitled to a table dance?
27 Stars: The stunning Carol L ... * wink wink *
28 Stars: Yes, its my freakin fault... I forgot to PM Dennis O. Spank me.. whip me... I deserve to get punished.
29 Stars: Mara + No Cupcakes = Sad Walter P.
30 Stars: Serbelle... i'm still going to tear that ass up!!!
And finally 31 stars because I have to move on to other reviews:
Thank you Yelp Bay Area for making time to hangout, meet, greet, and see each other in person. These are rare moments when we can all log off and interact in person. Much love to you all. If I didn't get the chance to meet you, please come up to me in person at the next event. I don't bite.
Bonus thought: Okay I admit it.... i'm diggin her legs and black stilettos.
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Ahhh the allure of an Elite event.
Originally drawn in by the promise of food, a specialty drink, VIP treatment...but these events are really about people. There is not enough time at these things to say hello and chat with everyone. Everywhere I turn is someone with whom I want to greet and hug and chat.
YES, food was here, there, and gone in less than 5 seconds. It was like watching the hyenas attack wild prey whenever something came by the table. I was in there too!! I snatched a pizza slice from under someone's blind, grasping fingers...HEY....I wasn't staking out that table to come away with nothin'...no way no how. I knew the pizza had to be good.
The bar was a mob scene as well, people practically climbing over the bar to get a drink. The lemonade drink that they were passing out was amazing...gimme a few more. I sampled Scott L's white cosmo, tres sheik!
When inside got to be the heat level of a sauna, we moved outside and found...FOOD...SPACE...AIR. It was fab out there! A jazz band setup shop and started crooning. They brought out pizzas, the absolutely fabulous polenta, the figs, the gazpacho. The chicken with yogurt sauce was awesome. The fried olives were fun.
The outside patio was where people should have been if they just wanted 'dinner'. It's appetizers and drinks, people. But mingling, meeting Yelpers, seeing familiar faces, exchang ing hugs, sharing stories...inside was where most of that was at.
Highlights of the evening were seeing some of my favorite Yelp faces, reconnecting with awesome Cupcake Bakoff Yelpers, and FINALLY meeting Vicky L.
Wonderful job Yelp team & Mandaloun and THANKS...for putting up with 300 (yes I asked Connie!) crazy Yelpers raiding your fridge, your pantry, your bar, your bathroom, whatever they could get their hands on....*especially* knowing that they will probably complain about it not being enough later.
I had no idea that downtown RC was so happening...three pupusa places anyone?! UYE!
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I think I can explain the disparity between the reviews...if you got food you gave it a 4 or 5.
However, I drove over 45-minutes, waited an hour for a drink at the bar and did not get any food. I was not looking to attach the feed bag as many folks have been implying! I would have been happy with a bite or two since I was not expecting a meal that time of the evening.
Of course I appreciate the effort the Yelp organizers put forth, but I cannot rate an event on effort alone!
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As I sit here at home (... yes, I made it home, dear friends!...) I will briefly yet wholeheartedly say, I *heart* yelp events! Connie, (Jessica, and Nicole!) rocked out yet another fantabulous event!
To everyone I met, talked, chatted, hello'd, flirted, giggle'd, smirk'd, jest'd, teeheehee'd with... thank you so much!! YOU make my Yelp obsession so worthwhile.... Give me a nudge in the mornin'. I'm a touch faded still.
Holla!!!
*lays head to bed*
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Yes, I made the LA "celebrity" appearance at Mandaloun and surprised everyone with my wanksta guest showing last night in Redwood City. What's a guy with three job offers in every industry (Movie, TV, and Internet) he's ever wanted to work in doing back home? I truly miss everyone...
Fuck So Cal.
After goin' to the Elite Event, and reading everyone's reviews today, I know I can't leave my family and friends in San Jose. Yeah, I really did retire on Tuesday... and yeah, I really had a place in Orange County... and yeah, I did meet a girl who was a perfect 10 by my standards...
But that shit don't matter to me.
Even though I grew up in Garden Grove and have a ton of relatives and friends who want me reside there and live the "American Dream," I can't leave the people from The Bay. I know a lot of people down there, but I worked with LEADERS in The 408, 510, 650, and 415. Although the event last night didn't go as smoothly as everyone hoped, it is the responsibility of ALL Yelpers to do what they can to help out. I want to do my part because Yelp has been a powerful way of expressin' myself, meetin' fun people, and goin' to great events...
I owe Yelp a lot.
I've been goin' solo with my UYE ventures, but I have emulated everything I do from the one and only Connie C. Although I don't get paid from Yelp, I really don't give a fuck. All I want to see is a smile on every Yelpers face at any event (Elite or not) when I'm attending. I'll be helping out all my Yelpers in The Bay because although Yelp ain't perfect... with everyone's help, we can make it whatever we want it to be.
I'm stayin' in San Jose, bitches!! My mecca is, and will always be, in The 408.
See you on Yelp!!
[Just a Note] www.sanjosescavengerhu... will be LIVE on 08.01.08, and I'm using Yelp's API (Application Programming Interface) as one of my development tools. This partnership will benefit both businesses, and especially YOU Yelpers...
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Wow I can't believe all the folks that I finally met in person that I'd been yelping online with for such a long time. Okay enough small talk, on to the food...
Mushroom pizza was good. The dessert figs were quite nice... but the best was the pancetta wrapped dates. Mmmmm, I wish all my dates were wrapped in pancetta. I'd move to Utah and marry all of them.
P.S. I think I'm starting to get hooked of foofoo drinks. Kudo's to Pearl vodka.
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Look at Mara T's & Dave K's reviews!
Absolutely fantastic well written reviews!
Outside and inside were vastly different and good...
you had the option for either! And live music too.
The one to two star ratings are not deserved!
It's between 4-5 stars... can't we get the 1/2 star,
so I can give you 4.5 stars?!?
The best thing about these events are the people.
The worst thing is too many people with empty bellies and
nowhere near enough food (of course).
The PRICELESS is the Animal Planet in action.
Time and time again it was insane to see people move that fast for
6 pieces of pizza, etc., with most leaving disappointed! Funny!!
And yes the drink wait was crazy but the guys there were busting their tail! There's got to be better ways to do this... but we know how much Yelpers like to eat and drink... so what do you do?
Us, we get something to eat BEFORE these events because we know how crazy it gets. Besides, it gives us a chance to keep the economy going and to write another Yelp review. LOL
And let's face it, the restaurants can't afford to give full meals to 100-300 people!! If you think Yelp can afford it, ask yourself this:
How many Yelp Elite events are there in the bay area each year?
How many cities is Yelp throwing these events, every month?!?
All you should expect are samples!
Let's also thank Pearl for the vodka to make us loopy.
Thanks to the Yelp staff, Mandaloun & staff and all of our fellow Yelpers that make it all happen!! And for the volunteer camera guys like Victor C to record the mayhem! ;-)
-----
RE: Jesse & Katherine -- "Whatever?!?"
But a dive bar?!? I'm all for a deservingly hard nosed review... but it must be deserved and in context. I'm assuming 250-280 people will strongly disagree with 95% of what you both said!!!
My first reaction was thinking, "Was she at the same event?"
My second reaction was you were perhaps expecting far too much?
My third reaction won't be mentioned here... I'll let others use more colorful language!
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Nice event, and it turns out Redwood City is a pretty cute little town. Oh, how I loved finding a parking space not just on the same street as the restaurant, but on the same block! Not that it's never happened in San Francisco, but this time I didn't have to engage in any Santeria rituals.
And may I also publicly state that Jessica is a wonderment? Not only was I greeted so sweetly at the door, but how the woman remembers my name is completely beyond me. It has been rumored that the lovely ladies of yelp may be replicants, which would explain so many things: their efficiency, tirelessness, and those other-worldly good looks, for instance. I'd believe the rumor but even the most advanced replicant models were unable to exhibit such sincerity and warmth. So it seems they are real people, and so lovely in every sense of the word.
Between the parking spot and Jessica, I was warm and fuzzy even before I had a drink. and then I chatted, and sipped, and munched, and mingled. I met new yelpers, saw familiar faces, and thoroughly enjoyed the generosity of our hosts at Mandaloun. Also I spilled food on myself, but I tend to do that everywhere I go, not just at elite events.
I'm looking forward to checking Mandaloun out for dinner, enjoying a relaxing dinner on their patio some balmy South Bay evening, but I think I'll wait until they've recovered from the onslaught. Conservative estimate? about six months. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go spend some quality time with my new hoodie.
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I have to give this event 5 Stars!!! Hey (sing song sound as Serbelle does)
coz it's my first Elite event !!! I usually don't go out late on school nite, you know =)...it's so nice to meet my fellow Yelpers on my friend's list in person finally!!! and see others who I have met before (you know who you are).
Anyway, I get to taste some food and actually ate a slice of pizza that's piping hot (I was actually getting it directly from those guys making it ...they didn't mind at all...hehe). And most of all I got my Yelp Sweatshirt finally hey (sing song sound as Serbelle does)
Oh Thanks Serbelle for guiding me throughout this event, for making sure I get my food and directing me with the logistics =)...and thanks Colleen for sharing your food =)
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What a lovely evening spent with Yelpers! It was so nice to meet folks that I have only communicated online with as well as the familiar faces that I see at all of the Silicon Valley Yelp events ~ UYE and official....
Noelle and I got there a tad late (ok it was 8:20PM but we got there nonetheless) because I'm always running on "Beth" time! Noelle had just received word the day before that she got "Elite 08" while I received ROTD the day of this event ~ we were ready to celebrate!
Walking to the restaurant from a parking spot around the corner, we were greeted by friendly Yelp folks chilling out front...Brandon and crew. We entered the restaurant and a friendly Jessica welcomed us above the din of the party inside. Folks left and right greeted Noelle and I with great big smiles and hugs....we had such a great time chatting folks up!
Thank you Ann Leslie and Mark for the very delicious Tokyo Tea you treated me to (though your company was entirely priceless!) while we enjoyed the time with various folks inside the venue and outside with our drinks....
Thanks to Connie, Jessica, Nicole and other Yelpers who helped make this Elite event amazing....planning events do not employ a magic wand but lots of hard work! You gals are just super! Hugs!
I called Jacques the manager this morning to thank him personally for having the Yelp Elite event here last night! I told him that having 300 Yelpers converge on his restaurant must have been daunting however I felt his staff did their very best. He was happy indeed to hear this...in the end I told him "bon chance toujours."
Here's a little ditty for Yelpers I enjoyed the company of last night (Connie ~ you and Marcel...too cute!) ~ just a cool & uplifting song:
http://www.youtube.com...
Enjoy Yelpers....thanks for the luv! :0)
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Mandaloun serves a mean hangover.
I had a blast last night if you couldn't tell! I was really excited about my second Elite event.. Last time, at Red Lantern, I didn't know anyone and it was so loud you couldn't really get to know anyone! Miss Colleen, Sir Dono and myself arrived half an hour early. I thought it started at seven! We were lucky enough to get some very special Yelp shot glasses! Boo yah.
The food started being served at 7:30. I tried the quasi-spicy ahi tuna on a cracker. I had a bunch of these because I was hungry and because they kept offering them to me. They were actually pretty good! I also tried the shots of gazpacho soup. Not bad! It was chilled and had chunks of shrimp and veggies in it.
Then, the liquor came around.. Uh oh. Mini shots of Pearl Vodka Lemon Drops which I referred to as yellow drinks all night and Pearl Vodka Plum Cosmos. Both were really delish but I liked the yellow drinks best! I ended up ordering ten of them at once which bartender Dave had no problem with so I tipped him generously..
Throughout the night, I also got to try the chicken skewers which was one of my favorites of the night! It was spicy with a yogurt dipping sauce on the side. Yum! Another favorite of mine was the truffle pizza.. I seriously saw the guy coming out with it and followed him to the table where he set it down and could not get a slice because everyone else swooped in before me! When I finally did get a slice, I was in pizza heaven. Mushrooms, fontina cheese and truffle oil.. What's not to love? The polenta was also tasty! Mini polentas with goat cheese, pesto and sun dried tomatoes were a nice filler while I waited for the pizza to arrive..
For dessert, they were passing around bruleed figs with mascarpone cheese. They were so good! I love figs and I love mascarpone cheese.. So, there was no doubt in my mind that these would be amazing!
The dishes I didn't really enjoy were the bacon wrapped dates and deep fried olives. I don't really like dates though.. And I guess I don't like my olives deep fried!
I enjoyed meeting new Yelpers and seeing old ones too! Hello to everyone I met! Thanks for making this event awesome! And thanks to Connie, Jessica and Nicole for organizing it.. It was a good ol' drunken time!!
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I don't understand the haters who are complaining about free food, free drinks, and someone else organizing everything and all they have to do is show up and put a nametag on. OK, this wasn't the best Yelp Event EVAR, but many of them have been so fantastic it's simply hard to top all the past ones.
No, I didn't bother getting drinks, and no, I didn't eat enough. But should you really expect a place to give away full meals for 200 people? Seriously guys, a 1? You're getting free food and free hoodies and you still give the event a 1? What do you expect when things are being given away for free, a nice organized genteel line of chivalrous people? We're all scrounging, hedonistic debauchers, and you should know now if not before how Asians en masse will scramble for anything that's free like flies on poop.
Nevermind the fact that there are never two Yelp events in a month but Connie has no problem organizing this. Bottom line, The Girl ended up going to Chef Chu afterwards and I ended up making a salad, but we saw some people we knew, got to get out of the mundane routine on Hump Day, and went to a place we'd otherwise NEVER go to much less know about. And aside from the cost of gas, it was free. F-to-the-REE. Thank you again Connie!
Oh and dood I ran into a college friend I haven't seen since 1997. Hi Val (and Ed)!
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oooooh!! Another yelp elite event for the peninsula!! Again... Quick blurb for the iPhone as I'm writing this as I mingle... Connie never disappoints being the hostess with the mostess!!!
Ok I have to admit... there was some sardine action going on... unlike the couple of past elite events, this one had WAY too many people... and not enough food. Seriously... the restaurant needed to get a head's up on what crazy yelpers are like. Not to mention that at Four Seasons, the specialty drinks were pre mixed and they just kept pouring. Here... it was like a really really bad rave. People up against people. It was near impossible to just get a glass of water. Aside from the logistics, I had a blast meeting more yelpers! :)
Honestly, yes... as compared to other Elite events, food was scarce and the alky was a little hard to get to. But seriously... 1 star!? Has anyone ever tried to organize an event? There is so much time and effort that goes into it in coordinating everything. Keep in mind that everything except for the cash bar is FREE. Elite events are to mingle and hang out with some drinks and nibbles to carry on the night. (Granted that I usually do get food to eat at these events.)
Let's keep in mind how generous Mandaloun was... we were all given free appetizer coupons to use on a future visit (although i see it as a ploy to get us back in their doors) and it is rare for a restaurant to just give out 200 dollars in gift certificates just like that!!
So yes. Maybe it was a little cramped. It was a little smelly and the food went fast and the bartenders worked slow... but keep in mind the work Connie and staff members put in and the hit the restaurant took in order to have this event... They closed it down (aka NOT MADE ANY REVENUE FOR THE EVENING) and provided us with food and the bartenders to make our drinks. They took a hit in terms of revenue since they still had operating costs for the evening!!
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Connie and the rest of the Yelp staff gets 10 stars for putting these things together! Plus, I wouldn't mind coming to events just to see what Connie's wearing; she always looks AMAZING.
Walter, Mikey, Serbelle, Cindi (well, afterwards), Ron, Mara, Jean, Richard, Jing, Zak (well, he's more of a soon-to-be-Yelper), Beth, Noelle, and many others: THANKS for a great night!
Since the point of these events is to mingle and get a lil tipsy while doing so...Mission accomplished! :o)
To the newbies: Eat something before the event. Or after.
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-5 stars are awarded to the bartender...the younger one who said [insert snotty voice here] "Let me guess...you want another of the featured cocktail?": YES, please. Oh and if you could perhaps put more than a sprinkle of the vodka, maybe then I wouldn't have to bug you as much. (JustAThought) You're making more tips tonight than any other night, so turn that frown upside-down, buddy!
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Total stars: 5
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Hmm, I wasn't going to review this event because I was sure 100+ other people would do it justice. I thought there was no need for me to say that Mandaloun is quite spacious, with faux-stone walls, high ceilings and a view into the kitchen. Nor was I going to mention the sweet patio area out back with the live music. But, since I've read some rather inappropriate reviews, I guess I must chime in and state the obvious: it was good.
The event was crowded, more crowded than the other two Silicon Valley events I've been to, but that's good, right? The more the merrier and all. Drinks did take a while to get but that is to be expected when Yelpers decend upon one bar for free beverages. The harangued bartenders were still pleasant though. I probably wouldn't have been.
I made the mistake of not eating beforehand so I was one of the vultures circling and zooming in when a tray of appetizers or fresh pizza came out of the kitchen. I didn't care for the fried olives but everything else was fine. I wouldn't rate the restaurant or an event based on the food prepared for such a large group since I assume that food made to order would probably be better.
Overall, it was was fun eating, giggling, drinking and chatting the evening away in Redwood City. Nice job, Yelp Ladies!
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Ever watch animal planet and see a pack of lions devouring a gazelle?
Yea, it was that brutal.
Then again you have to keep repeating *free* in your mind.
We were hanging out on the back patio enjoying the live music and my buddy (Matt R.) announced that he was going to head inside to try and get a drink. About 5 minutes later I waded back inside myself, as I had an empty vessel. I maneuvered my way towards the middle back section of the bar and smiled at Matt.
I said, "you still trying to get a drink?"
He smiled back and said, "I just worked my way in here."
He then proceeded to push his way to the font and asked me what I wanted.
*thank you Matt*
The bartender that poured our drinks at this point - was generous. Especially considering it was free.
I really can't complain. At one point, one of the guys working there stopped - looked me directly into the eyes and said, "you doing ok?" I smiled back and said, "Yeah, I'm doing great." They really deserved some praise because they were working their asses off.
The food I did get my hands on was awesome.
I went, I chatted it up - I enjoyed myself.
The crowd was diverse and fairly mellow*. And well, I like that.
*with the exception of anywhere within 3 ft of the bar and or any hovering plates of food.
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Second Elite Event I attended and I had a great time in spite of.........
-the long wait @ the bar, but hey it's FREE, who am I to complain?
-the fact that my stupid shoe strap broke and it made me not to walk around and mingle
-the fact that I was so exhausted, I spilled some of my free lemonade, vodka thing all over my jacket and arm
-and that i only got the chicken on a stick thingy.
BUT, with that said, I still had fun and got to meet in person (finally!) Monica L,, Colleen H, and her hubby, Walter, Mikey, Mike B, and his girlfriend (Victoria?) Connie, you did a great job planning this event and many kudos and thanks to you, the staff at Mandaloun, and the other Miss Yelps!
I felt bad leaving before it ended, but my shoe strap broke, I was hungry for a little more food, and I was just plain tired. Sorry if I accidentally gave anybody a weird or dirty look; don't take it personally, I had a bad start to the nite :(
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I really, really don't understand why anyone would crap on a FREE event with FREE food and FREE drinks and FREE sweatshirts and a FREE raffle and FREE coupons and even (for us) FREE parking?! The only thing we paid for last night was (definitely not free) gasoline!
I don't know what other people were doing to not get food or drinks or seats but we showed up at 7:55pm and without needing to be pushy at all (other than keeping an eye out for the servers with food):
-waited in line about 3 minutes
-got our free drinks in about 5-10 minutes
-got food immediately after by walking to the table against the wall
-sat at one of the many tables with empty chairs
-and remained there for the rest of the night enjoying food, friends and really a lot of fun!
Fun venue - great Peninsula location - decent food (I'd like to come back and try again when they're not hurriedly trying to feed a few-hundred folks at once)
I am incredibly appreciative of every single Yelp Elite event!! Thanks so much YELP!!!
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I had a "long" day prior to my first ever Peninsula's Yelp-Elite event.
8 am-got to work at my San Francisco office and my boss asked me to report to my San Mateo office.
12 pm-celebrated a co-worker's promotion at a restaurant in San Carlos.
1pm- Went to Nubi for some fro-yo.
5pm- Celebrated another co-worker's birthday with a dinner at her office in San Mateo.
7pm- I was one of the first Yelpers to appear. Since my day was long, I was still in my suit and tie and didn't have time to go home and changed. You can tell that I was overly-dressed for this event and another messy disaster is in the wait.
From this party, I was very active and met and chatted with a lot of Yelpers, mainly from the South Bay and Peninsula area. There are also some familiar yelpers from San Francisco i.e. Jessica, Connie, and Nicole, who looks lovely every time I see them. These South Bay/ Peninsula Yelpers are very cool, friendly and definitely know how to party; in spite of me being "the old man on campus!"
There are free appetizers and two complimentary drinks from the bar. Prior to the party, I've eaten, so I only had a slice of complimentary thin-crust cheese pizza. Yes, I did left the "alcohol-closet" and had the two free drinks from the bar. I had 2 glasses of the Pomegranate Lemonade, which is a hefty serving of Pomegranate-infused vodka from Pearl Vodka mixed with freshly squeezed lemonade from the restaurant. This supposedly alcoholic drink tasted like lemonade that a little kid serves from a lemonade-stand. Nevertheless, the drink was very refreshing and tasted even better chatting with a bunch of South Bay Yelpers.
And an added bonus, there were also a contest. Yelpers fill out an entry-form for a future dinner at the Mandaloun restaurant, with the lovely Connie as the emcee announcer. Despite me not winning the prize, it was still great to hear her voice.
I was very happy to gut out the long day and attended another Yelp Elite Event. It's really different from your ordinary San Francisco event. With meeting new Yelpers from the Silicon Valley, it was a very fun event.
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To answer someone's question on whether he/she is stupid to think we were going to have dinner...well, I'm not going to answer that. It was in the event description that we were going to have complimentary appetizers. And if a couple of appetizers makes a full dinner, then I must be the stupid one.
I had yet another lovely time at yet another great Elite event. Connie and company made sure we were well taken care of and all the great Yelpers made sure we had a lot to talk about. I love these events because you get a taste of the venue and various sponsors, while also getting to meet your favorite or soon-to-be favorite Yelpers. And picking up some cute buttons and yelpsticks isn't a bad thing, either.
My friends and I were able to experience Mandaloun inside and outside on the patio. It was way too hot for the heatlamps to be on, so we were inside for the most part. I thought the pizza and fig dishes were the best. And even though the drinks were inconsistent, each concoction was pretty tasty. Everyone who worked there was so gracious. I'm so grateful that I was able to attend this event or else I would have never thought to try this establishment. Again, thanks to Connie et al for putting together such a fun event (two in one month!!).
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While not all events are perfect, there's telling it like it is, and then being plain rude. I had a great time regardless of the food and drink. Sure, sometimes it's vultures to the feed, but there's really no need to trash a place/event because it didn't fit your exact expectations. For those Elite event n00bs, read tinna h's review as a template for the next event you plan on going to or if you've never been:
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
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