UYE- Rum for the hills!

The monthly potluck UYEs are some of the best ones to attend if you are a newbie wanting to break through to the social crowd. It’s good vibes and plenty of time to get to mingle with everyone and leave as friends. They fall on Saturdays this year and rotate parks in different parts of the city so that sometimes it’s convenient to you, sometimes not to be fair.
If I make a whole giant ghetto bebidas bucket (aka a old pretzel container) of strong ass punch you’d think it would be enough, but no. I should have known, if I have enough to drown a elephant, I may just have enough. I should have brought provisions for more but this was definitely a food heavy event over abundance of boozes. Everything was tasty as always as we have a tendency to really do it up with thoughtful dishes, beverages, etc.
I’m glad there was new faces here who I hope continue coming to the potlucks. It always makes it good to mingle these since we have a few hours to do so and can really try to get to know a person. This also was the most pet heavy one we’ve had to date!
I liked this park except that alcohol had to be on the downlow, but also we were stuck on this one picnic table for the food and standing room or blankets on the grass. I’m a old bitch at 24, my knee was not happy with this. Worth it for the good times!

What’s a UYE you ask? It’s an «Unofficial Unilocal Event,» but they are always officially fun! «Rum for the hills» was the latest installment in David S’s ever popular potluck series that combines the best things about Vegas — amazing weather and lack of bugs (they’re usually outdoors), delicious food (because Unilocalers know good food) and good company (because Unilocalers are pretty darn good company). There is truly something for everyone at the pot luck, whether you’re a first time attendee, a dog or a toddler. All are welcome!
Rum for the hills was no different. The weather was amazing, and David picked a beautiful spot at Exploration Park. The spread was big thanks to the talent and generosity of Unilocalers, and the company was relaxed and kind. I enjoyed meeting new faces and spending time with old friends too.
Thanks to David for organizing and for everyone who brought out delicious eats. It was a perfect evening in the park. We should rum for the hills more often.

David S & his UYE Potlucks will always have a special place in my heart as it was @ Sangria Throwdown that I bravely took my shy self to meet Unilocalers for the first time. He was also the first to greet me, help me schlepp stuff from car, etc.
Was eagerly awaiting the new series, seeing folks I’d just hiked with earlier and others I’d never met, or it has been a while. Of course I got lost on my way, the beautiful Stephanie S & lil man Santiago helped me carry Oiga Mire Vea empanadas, rice & beans to the add to abundant offerings. When we Potluck, we sure do it in style. Such a dazzling array of sweets, savory & on the down low rum offerings. So bummed I missed Nelson’s meat patties: I would’ve been tempted for sure. Also, was so full that I missed Arvin’s much lauded coconut shrimp :((
Special shout outs to Downtown Steve, a favorite Unilocaler; Misti & Bobby; SM & Ninz; new (in person) friends Daniel S, Cathy C (yay!!!) & fellow old school punk, Tom F.
The doggies all seemed to enjoy this very busy park and play well together. Met Bawoo earlier on the hike, but Chaos, Dolce & Dolce and Kuma were all sweet. Even humans played nice: funny how that happens in person. Aside from Paul Blart, Mall Cop’s hourly «who is the sponsor of this party?» And «stay off the sidewalk» admonitions, there was no marshing our mellow.
Great times with quality folks and I even ate a veggie empanada, but totally worth it. Can’t wait for the next as IMO UYEs are the best way to really interact with our CommUnity and create memories and lasting friendships with some. Thanks again, David. «Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it»
Unilocal 100 Challenge

This is the second UYE event that I attended. In a way it was my first UYE event because I had just attended the UYE Hike at Potato Knolls in Red Rock Canyon a few hours earlier. I was transitioning from cyber space to real life interaction with my fellow Unilocalers. This would be a challenge because I am human and clam up when I meet new people.
Because I did not recognize anybody, it was a challenge to find the event. I arrived at 4:45 PM and was still circling Exploration Park at 5:30 PM. It just so happened that my pot luck item included ice, which was now melting all over me. At the time it looked like I was going to miss my second UYE event. Thankfully Tom. F came into the scene and recognized me. We walked across the grass, and he recognized a few Unilocalers. Now I was in my second UYE.
The pot roast was exceptional. Everybody contributed. The rum punch was the hit of the UYE.
The Unilocalers here were exceptional. I even got to meet our Community Manager Mitsi. Y. I was the new guy and there were moments where I was alone as familiar faces socialized. By the end of the event I met some cool people and made Unilocal friends.
Joining the Unilocalers were some of their pet dogs. The Unilocalers at this event do have some adorable dogs.
Rum for the Hills was a great event. A shout out to David for putting it together. I am looking forward to more UYE events. As I become more familiar with the Unilocalers in my community, the UYE events will get even better.
The Unilocal 100 Challenge Review 56. UYE Challenge 2 of several.

The weather was perfect to be at the park. Everyone who came brought some yummy treats such as empanadas, steak, rum cake, Porto’s cheese rolls, pao de queijo, baba au rum, cookies, alcohol-​filled watermelon, deviled eggs, pineapple upside down cake, etc. And of course, Jade’s special concoction with 5 different kinds of alcohol that got me going cross-​eyed after the second cup. It was delish!
I’m so glad I finally got to meet Jade, Christie O, Nelson, Sylvia, Ninz and SaraMarie. Yay!!! I also got to meet Daniel S, David S, Tom F, Jieun, Lindsey O… please forgive me as I may have forgotten a few peeps (I’m status post-​alcohol consumption and it’s almost 2am). Unilocalers I’ve met in the past such as Paolo D, April D, Anthony M, Michael K. Misti and Bobby were there too.
Some brought their pet pals as well. I wish I had. Kuma, Chaos, Dulce/​Dolce (?) and Jieun and Paolo’s baby (forgot the name)…towards the end of the night, I was calling all of them «puppies».
It was a great evening. Although at first, we couldn’t find where we needed to be and almost joined a kid’s birthday party.

YAY! Reunited and it felt soooooooooo goooooood!
Thank you to my little sweet love David for putting this on! t was sooooooo much fun and thank you to everyone for welcoming my little Santiago to the Unilocal community! Although many Unilocalers dont have kids, its nice to see how caring they were with my little guero!
The food was super delish! My fave… welllll… thats hard to say! Coconut shrimp from my sweetie Chrstina and Arvin! But everything was seriously good! Santiago loved all the food, he ate more than I did! A BIG SHOUT OUT TO NINZ FOR THE PORTO’S CHEESE ROLLS! OMG! I’M FIENDING FOR THEM RIGHT NOW! Lol. I was hesitant, but took a chance, and am now heart broken we dont have one here!
This was sooo fun, totally worth the 35minute drive and getting lost and battling traffic circles on the way back home! Also, they should cut those sharp bushes and trees that are right next to the table! I shed blood for you David!
Def highlights were seeing all the doggies! OMG! Chaos, dolce (SOOOO FLUFFY!) and the crazy human eyeball one! LOL! I love how Sylvia was a concerned parent with her little fluffy baby! It was soooooo cute!
Thank to everyone! Love y’all!

So happy I got to celebrate Easters Eve with my Unilocal family.
I ate so much I sadly had no room for anymore rum. And I never even made it to the dessert round! I’m so ashamed. But everything was so good. The 2 rum punches I sampled were delicious.
It was so fun meeting some Unilocal pooches too. And they all got along! I kept imagining 2 dogs in a chase running through a plate of potato salad. I think it was more likely to happen with David, Santiago and Drake:)
Nice to see some new faces and it’s always nice to see familiar faces. I felt like my socializing was hindered due to dog management and stuffing my pie hole. Maybe no Chaos for the next one so I can relax and enjoy more. Even with our small potluck space and being scolded for standing on the pavement, this UYE was a success.
Thank you David for putting this together, you’re a true Unilocal rock star, so glad to know you!

Potluck season has begun! If you are new to the Las Vegas Unilocal Community and wondering how to «get involved», a UYE is a great way to do so. David S.‘s potluck series is one way to get started!
A mixture of OG’s and newbie Unilocalers-(about 30 peeps) gathered for an evening at the beautiful Exploration Park where alot of breakin’ was goin’ on… No, not breakDANCING! Breakin’ the ice with Unilocalers, Breakin’ bread with Unilocalers, and Breakin’ the law (No alcohol was allowed, but we still had a Rum themed potluck!) with Unilocalers… man, Beavis and Butthead would’ve been proud!
The plethora of potluck offerings were so much that even the selection of sweets out numbered the savory selections. I’m so glad I didn’t have time to bust out a dessert, but I wished I had made more of my Jawaiian Meat Pies which were all gone in a matter of minutes! Arvin’s Coconut Shrimp was killer, and Christie brought some tasty bites from Oiga, Mire, Vea! David’s Stew and Sweet Potato Salad was awesome.
Anyone with a sweet tooth** raising hand** would’ve loved what we had. Ninz brought Porto’s treats from Cali, Tom’s Lemon Bars were delish, Michael K.‘s Baba Au Rhums were strong enough to knock you on your feet, and David’s friend Catherine made a killer take on a Trifle complete with a Coconut Rum injection-​YUM!
The kids and pooches had a blast as well! Drake and Bobby were racing, and David and Santiago were playing football too. The rest of the evening, we mixed, mingled, and congested the walkways which kept the Sidewalk Cop busy. Sorry Ocifer!-NOT!
Chaos, Bawoo, Kuma, and Regina and Earl’s Dolce added the fun factor to the potluck, and we also brought our Lil’ Chewbacca Dolce to his second Unilocal outing. He was so happy to meet new friends and more aunties and uncles, that he even let Aunty Sarah-​Marie and Uncle Nins take him for a walk around the park!
Great gathering overall, and looking forward to the next one! ALOHA!!!
Unilocal 100 CHALLENGE 2013−(59÷100) «Rum For The Hills!»

I’ve been to many of David S’s potlucks, so it’s time for me to write a review. Big thank you to David for organizing this event. It was so nice seeing so many pets. Chaos, Dolce, Dolce, Kuma, and of course my Bawoo. The park was good for them because it had a large grassy area. Everybody made a lot of effort to bring some tasty dishes. There was so much food left at the end. We all left very full and satisfied with this great event. It was also great weather. Not hot, which will be coming soon, so let’s take advantage of this perfect temperature while it’s here.

I had an absolute blast tonight. It was great to finally put some personality behind the pictures on my feed.
At first, I couldn’t find anyone. And, being a rookie, I couldn’t recognize anyone either. I did a couple of laps around the front of the park thinking that everyone was going to be there. And, in doing so, I ran into Daniel who was just as lost as I was. So, the 2 of us walked together and eventually found our group. I recognized Michael and Cathy and knew we were home.
Everyone was quick to say «hello and shake my hand». I was feeling really comfortable right off the bat and knew that there were some really good people that in time I can call friends.
The conversations started off as a Unilocal!type conversation. You know, how long have you been on, what was your first review, is this your first time doing a UYE. But, all conversation turned into «getting to know you» questions. I loved it and this is the kind of community I have been craving for so long.
I can only compare it to a successful first date… A little anxious at first but then the nerves finally go away. Then you become comfortable in your own skin and allow everyone to see the real you. I am totally in and I can’t wait for the next UYE to happen.
So, as David, Paolo, and Jieun have already stated the food was great, but the company was even better.

Another resounding success! Excellent turnout. Great food.
Despite only having a single table toward the back of the park, we had a great time. The weather fully cooperated. It was an almost perfect late March evening. I say almost perfect because it did get a tad nipply after the sun left us.
Not sure if we can make the next one, but I look forward to more park potlucks.

Thank you to everyone who came out. It was a phenomenal showing of community pride. Everyone likes to rag on Vegas for being a city without substance, but events like this shows that real people do exist in our city.
It is always unnerving to put yourself out there, but we had a large showing of new faces and that is what I love to see.
Not only was it the biggest showing we have seen yet, but the feast was insurmountable. The baked goods alone could give Vegas diabetes. This is what happens when you unleash a horde of pastry chefs on a potluck. We had multiple versions of cookies and rum cakes. If they were not home made, they were from Porto’s. Deadly, my head is still spinning from the sugar high. That did not stop me from digging into the rum soaked frozen watermelon.
Lucky for us; we had a plenty of drinks, ice, and water to keep us going. Rum punch was the hit that concealed our alcohol dependence.
The savory foods went fast. Empanadas, meat pies, chips, salsa, caprese pasta salad, yellow rice, fried plantains, coconut shrimp, baked kale chips, steak, ginger coconut rice, cheese buns, jerk chicken stew, deviled eggs, and mango chutney tossed yam salad created a mountain on our tiny picnic table.
Thanks to Sarah Marie, this event even had take home mini Easter baskets as a parting gift. The vodka party is set for 4÷20÷2013. I just need to call to make a reservation. Hope to see all your beautiful faces there.