The Elite Winter Yelperland

Ahh the life of an elite Unilocaler…
If regular people only knew the life of luxury we lead.
Broussards was the perfect venue to celebrate the finale of another awesome year of Unilocaling. I love the history that you feel as soon as you enter. Even though recently renovated, I can still feel the energy of many many years of fabulous dinners as I walk through. I was impressed with the white leather chairs, vintage white floor tiles, and brick courtyard the most.
Another thing worth mentioning was the friendliness of the staff. I was greeted with smiling faces and then as I approached the private party area was greeted by a friendly gentleman asking to hang my coat and enthusiastically inviting my sister and I to take pictures by the step and repeat. He gave me the impression that he genuinely wanted us to enjoy ourselves– what a pleasant start to the night!
The overall atmosphere was warm, inviting and classy– a perfect depiction of our elite group;)
The food was delicious and plentiful. I absolutely loved the party favors. It added a nice personal touch.
It was great to finally meet in person some of the people that make Unilocaling even more fun on a daily basis.
I left the party excited to return to both Broussards and another Unilocal event in the very near future. Cheers and Happy New Year to us!

I had such a wonderful time at this event. I could definitely visit Broussards everyday and eat some corn and crab Bisque is they would let me.
It was a fun night and the warm cocktail was life changing and I need some of its yummy greatness right this minute.
The set was cute, The giveaways were cute, the appetizers were yummy, the food great, cocktail tasty, staff phenomenal and everything was just perfect. I can’t wait to go back to Broussard’s in the New Year!

With apologies to Julie Styne and Sammy Cohn, here’s this year’s Yuletide review:
Humid windowpanes
Flickering lights gleaming inside
Painted candy canes, posing with Libby V.
Broussard’s on their new way
They filled our culinary sleigh with things
Fine vittles for you and for me
It’s that time of year
When Unilocal Elites fall in love
Every song you hear seems to say…
«Merry Christmas! May your drink mixes
And socks help your dreams come true!»
And this song of mine,
In three quarter time,
Wishes you and yours
The same thing, too…
Chilly courtyard tunes
Mulled wine steaming inside
Morgan & Vicky, dazzling in white.
Santa’s on his way
Sent me a gift card
Buff Beauty Bar, who knew?
It’s that time of year,
When Josh wears that vest
Every song you hear
Seems to say,
«Oy gevalt! Put that thing away!»
And this song of mine
In three quarter time
Wishes you and yours
The same thing too!

What a great job and a great time. This was my first Elite event and I was very impressed. Morgan clearly worked very hard.
Everyone at Broussard’s was wonderful. The food was great, my favorites were the Bisque, Goat Cheese Cones (best description I can give) and the Bananas Foster.
For drinks, they had this hot punch drink. It was so freaking good. Delicious and warmed you from the inside. Perfect pairing with their gorgeous courtyard. It was a little chilly, but with the power of that punch and the great music I didn’t even notice.
I hope soon to take another trip to Broussard’s for a proper dinner.

Since Unilocal finally got around to allowing reviews to be posted from the Unilocal app, I had planned on writing the review at the event itself, in a sneaky plan to be First to Review.
I had the review box open… but then I started drinking wine.
And the warm punch drink.
And everyone was there, so it would have taken time away from hanging out with my favorite Unilocalers.
And… way too many awesome things going on for me to write a single word on the app that night.
So, now you all get the review almost a week later, and I get to be #20 to review. Woo!
As always, a fantastic event planned by Morgan & Vicky. Broussards was a fabulous venue — fancy, but not too fancy for a bunch of Unilocalers to enjoy themselves.
Great food, great drinks, and of course, great company.
Special shout out to Jeff C for the escort to my car, since I decided to be cheap and park several blocks away from Broussards.

⁵⁄₅ happy Unilocalidays
just wrote up the note for broussards being a fantastic venue — i loved being able to wander indoors and out. thanks/​congrats to the Unilocal team for pulling this together with the space (and thanks to the space for the gift!). it was super fun seeing folks, and i liked the mix of activities (raffles are always exciting) and the ways the tables were set for folks to chat and enjoy that great bisque. props too on those party treats, looking forward to making the mix! overall was a lovely midweek pick-​up and great end of year Unilocal event!

This was the most fun I’ve had at a Unilocal party so far! In spite of the fact that it was super cold and wet outside, I was excited to go, which is rare form for me as I am usually deep in hibernation mode on nights like these. I’m sure the good company, new transplant and my plus one, Jazmin helped with the overall pumped-​upedness as well. Broussards was warm, the lighting was perfect, and the Cabernet was flowing.
All the food was fantastic, but the crab corn bisque was my favorite. They weren’t skimpy with the crab and soup was ideal food for the weather. The bananas foster station was a delicious idea as well. I met another Elaine my age, which almost never happens, and thus proved slightly confusing for me when I won a pedicure after having a few glasses of wine :) I thoroughly enjoyed jamming to Sunpie and the Louisiana sunspots while cutting up with some new Unilocaler friends we met!
As I write this, I am wearing my new cozy red Unilocal socks I picked up our way out. These go perfect with my «yelp life» gloves I got last year! Ah Unilocal,always looking out for my coziness. I also grabbed two cute containers of winter drink mixes, oh my god SOOO delicious! Morgan and Vicky are absolutely brilliant. For real. Hot chocolate and buttered rum batter mix! I am a sucker for buttered rum but I also discovered that putting a small bit of this same mix in heated apple cider with a slice of orange is pretty damn mindblowing as a morning mug. Because sometimes you need to save the rum part for sundown.
It was a memorable night that really has me looking forward to the next Unilocal party. Thanks again to everyone who put it on. My toes will thank you after I get my pedicure and also for the socks!
Ps: I’m kinda thrilled that the main picture for this event has me in it! Yay!

What a great time this was. I always look forward to Elite events because I love the events thenselves and love even more meeting my Unilocal friends in person.
Broussard’s was the site and the staff made us feel very welcome. I have always loved this space and it shines now like it hasn’t in years. Great job on the refurbishment.
The drinks were excellent and the food awesome as well. Brousard’s was very generous to us. I loved the corn and crab soup and the veal medallions with the mashed potatoes with horseradish. But the star was the bananas foster station. Whoa!
Thanks to Morgan, our awesome CM, and Unilocaltern Vicky, equally awesome and hardworking. They really pushed the event over the top. And thanks to all my Unilocal friends for being such great and friendly people.
Can’t wait till ’14!

This was a very fun party and was definitely the best way to close out the Unilocal year. I hadn’t been to Broussard’s in years and they did a bang up job, the food was plentiful and the hot punch they were serving really complimented the chilly night.
Morgan and Vicky had really put on a great party with prizes and giveaways and as always I was very happy to catch up with my Unilocaler buddies and meet a few others I hadn’t had the chance to meet on previous outings.
Here’s to a great year of Unilocal events and looking forward to next year.

My name is John L. H., and I am a difficult human being. Part of being difficult means that I am notoriously hard to please. Since this was my first true elite event in some time, and the last event of the year, I was skeptical that it could live up to my expectations. Not only did it live up to those lofty expectations, it exceeded them in many ways. That’s right dear readers, it was pretty darn awesome. Here’s why:
1. Morgan and Vicky — This event must have been difficult to plan, and pull off. Both of these ladies deserve our thanks and gratitude.
2. The venue — Broussard’s really hooked us up. Their private party room and patio were perfect for our group. Having those areas to ourselves really made us feel like VIPs. That treatment continued from the staff including those not working the party. Hell, there was even a Unilocaler working the bar. Evil Ian may not be that active, but he is still as cool as his mustache.
3. The band — Sunpie is one of my favorite local artists. Besides being an incredible musician, he is an incredibly nice guy. Having him perform for this event was a really impressive addition to an already impressive event.
4. The drinks — Free wine, beer and even hot toddys. If you have never been around a bunch of Unilocalers after a few drinks, you have not lived a complete life. Add it to your bucket list if you participate in that sort of foolishness.
5. The food — From what everyone said, it was good. I was only able to sample the goat cheese cone and the oysters because I was so busy talking. My constant running of the mouth leads me to item 6 which is arguably the most important part of any event.
6. The people — Regardless of any other factors, the people in attendance are what makes an event truly great. This event had some of the best Nola Unilocal had to offer. While not a complete list, I will attempt to give a few shout outs.
Libby — The most elite non elite I have ever met. I was really glad that she was able to finally attend a Nola Elite Event.
Eddie — If y’all haven’t met this guy, you should. Not only is a cool dude, he grew up in Algiers. That is part of New Orleans in case you didn’t know (Attn: Jen L).
Angie — I hear you like to hug women immediately upon their exit from a bathroom stall. That is hilarious.
Everyone else — I loved getting to talk to so many people. My only regret is not getting to meet everyone at the party. I often wish these parties were longer so I could talk even more than I already do.
In summary, this event was really great. I hope to see you at the next one.
Note: There is one thing I feel needs mentioning. There was a really strange bearded fellow roaming around the event. I don’t know who he was, but he was wearing sunglasses the entire time, and appeared very suspicious. I decided to report him to the FBI, but they advised me that Unilocal events weren’t their jurisdiction. Hopefully someone an identify him and report him to the proper authorities.

Morgan and Vicky knocked this one out of the park! Thank you ladies for such an awesome job pulling this event together. I didn’t even get here till the end but I still had a blast. It seemed like everyone came to this event and for good reason! They had tons of giveaways and the setting was gorgeous. One of the many reasons I LOVE the Quarter is because there are hidden treasures behind almost every door in this neighborhood. Tons and tons of amazing courtyards in the Quarter and Broussard’s courtyard was no exception. I think it made the whole setting.
I missed the live band, the food, and what seemed like most of the liquor but I don’t really come to Elite events for those reasons. I come for the company and the company that night was wonderful. I met some Unilocalers I have never met in person before. It was so great to have finally met you all. Of course I saw all of my other friends at this event too!
Thanks Broussard’s for opening your doors to us! We appreciate all that you did to make this one of the best events of the year.
P. S. Thanks Josh for reminding me about the Air Force and for showing love all night to my dearest friends Michelle and Sandy.

In case you ever needed a reason to earn Elite status, this event was it. This is the carrot dangling from the stick. Only, its not a carrot, but more of an all inclusive holiday party at one of the old grand dames of New Orleans. Broussards has a courtyard that is the envy of every other restaurant in the French Quarter, but on this night, it was turned over to the Unilocal Elite.
We had live music, free booze, and some really delicious food. Ah, A glass of wine, and a goat cheese waffle cone. All was right in Unilocalerland. I thought I was doing well, until I spotted a waitress holding a tray of oysters rockefeller right next to a vat of corn and crab bisque. Needless to say, a detour was made.
Vicky and Morgan definitely get points for the great seasonal swag. Cozy socks, fingerless gloves, hot chocolate mix and even cans of snow! I have to say, though, that I’m a little jealous if the mini «leg lamp» and «shuffling snoopy» that Faith scored.
To top it all off, everyone walked out with a gift certificate to Broussards. I’m already planning my next classy dinner…

Morgan really put the «Elite» treatment into this Elite Event and I bow down as unworthy to stand in her shadow of awesomeness that she has with her event throw down skills!
This was a fantastic party at one of NOLA’s classic restaurants and it was my first visit since it has undergone new ownership and renovations (which any such things to our hallowed dining institutions give NOLA folks fear and chills as we don’t like our classics to change). Morgan and Vicky did an outstanding job with the venue and the venue did a really nice job of taking care of us with a great selection of beer, wine and booze. Not only did we have the perfect set up but we also had the bonus ambiance of LIVE music and it was great (so the past two events Morgan has put together have had the quintessential NOLA element of Live LOCAL MUSIC)!!! Did I also mention we had both a courtyard and our own private room?
The hearty food was perfect for the weather with a lovely corn crab bisque to start then delicious tender baby cow (veal) served with arugula walnut salad and awesome horseradish mashed potatoes that reinforced my love of all things horseradish. There was bananas foster available for dessert but I was so happy and full from my veal love affair that I had no room left for that. I feel like a wracked up a grand prize as everyone was given a gift certificate for Broussard’s and hot buttered rum mix which would have been awesome stand alone prizes but I also won a gift card to Fulton Alley. It was great to see all the old Elites and meet the new crop of fresh faced folks that I had never met in person before.
I think this event also ranks some Santa HO HO HO’s for the Holiday cheer and Christmas merry making that was had by all.

I LOVE trying great restaurants that I have never been to before.
I LOVE seeing my Unilocaler pals and meeting folks I only talk to online.
I LOVE getting new fun Unilocal Elite gear (I have my new tube socks as I type!).
I LOVE eating amazing food and enjoying FREE adult beverages.
This is why I LOVE going to Elite parties.
This year’s Unilocal Elite holiday party was Exceptional!
The location was awesome! I had NO idea there was such a beautiful courtyard hiding behind Broussard’s. They provided us with some outstanding food, from the passed appetizers, to the corn and crab bisque, those AMAZING horseradish mashed potatoes with veal medallions, and the banana foster for dessert.
Every bite was delicious!
BIG Thanks to Broussard’s and their talented staff for hosting this a memorable event. Thanks Sunpie Barnes for keep the tunes rocking! Thanks to Morgan & Vicki for planning such a great party! Thanks to Unilocal for letting me be «Elite». I had a GREAT time and I am grateful! Thanks!

This party was Unilocal in a nutshell: squealing with friends, dishing about food, trying new places, wearing awesome theme clothes, grabbing Booty’s booty, and a splash of drama to season the waters. Everything, and I do mean everything, aligned to make New Orleans into our Winter Wonderland.
A new party favorite is seeing where people take the theme: I loved Vicky’s take on a snow bunny, Jen. L’s vintage blazer, John’s casual Unilocal theme, Booty’s (sweater) balls, Joi’s festive purse, and Rene’s glittering cardigan. Is this a fashion review? Maybe. I loved dressing into the theme, and I am delighted to know that I was not the only one who enjoyed my thematic sartorial foray.
The new faces were perfect, and the friends from afar made the party. Libby, you are my party hero!
Yep, we nailed this one. NOLA Unilocal,y’all can party well. Here’s to another year of the red and white!

What a super fun party. The staff at Broussard’s was top-​notch (shout out to UnilocalNOLA’s own Evil Ian behind the bar). And the food was yummy & plentiful. I enjoyed the hot punch and then my old fashioned from the main bar too.
The renovation at Broussard’s is beautiful and the garden/​patio looks better than ever. I’m glad the cold let up just a bit to better enjoy the space.
Of course, Morgan & Vicky did a great job with organizing, prizes, and supercute homemade presents. I’m very jealous of Kris A’s dancing Snoopy… although I think Faith stole it immediately, Bad sister.
Of course, it was awesome to hangout with all my favorite Unilocalers, you know who you are. And, of course, it was extra awesome to have resident tourist, Libby & her hubs enjoying with us.
Happy End of 2013 to all.

What a fantastic event!
I had never been to Broussard’s before and I just assumed this would be a typical «hang out and mingle» type of event. It was so much more than that!
First of all, you know I have to talk about the food before I go into the rest of this great event. The hors d’oeuvres were amazing! That goat cheese cone thing was incredible and I could have probably eaten a whole tray of them. I liked that there was actual food at this event. We munched on salad, bisque, veal and mashed potatoes. I didn’t have any of the veal or bisque, but the salad and potatoes were awesome. Just for the record– walnuts make any salad amazing, in my book. There was also a bananas foster station that was serving up the sweet stuff with ice cream. Yum!
The weather was nice and not too cold, so I enjoyed sitting outside, enjoying the night, mingling and listening to the band. The patio at Broussard’s is so gorgeous!
Morgan and Vicky organized a drawing and handed out prizes to winning Elites. I won a $ 30 gift card to Fulton Alley, which I am SO excited about because I love that place (and I got the FTR to prove it!). I thought this was a neat little Christmassy twist to the whole event. We were also gifted with Unilocal «swag» in the form of gloves, mints, socks and some hot cocoa mix that I am so excited to try! Big thanks to Broussard’s who gave everyone a $ 25 gift certificate towards a meal at their lovely restaurant. So great of them and I can’t wait to come back and see what they have to offer!
Of course, it was fabulous seeing all of my fellow Unilocalers and it was great meeting new Unilocalers and plus ones! All in all it was a fabulous time THANK YOU Morgan and Vicky for organizing such an amazing event! All of the little details were noted and greatly appreciated and we all had a great time! I can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Where to begin, where to begin? First, I finally got to meet my sister from another mister, Libby! That was awesome! I was fairly certain I’d adore her and I did!
Broussard’s is a beautiful restaurant and the food was really spectacular! The waiters were constantly passing around appetizers and they were all so friendly. The courtyard is quintessential New Orleans and it was so nice sitting out there and chatting with my fellow Unilocalers.
Morgan and Vicky did a FANTASTIC job putting this event together. There were some great prizes given out and I even won one! A giant tub of Snowballs (white cheddar cheese balls) that I’ll never be able to finish in this lifetime. There was nothing about the prizes, swag, theme or décor that wasn’t perfect.
Finally, Nola Unilocal has some of the coolest people ever. I love hanging out with all of the friends I’ve made here and Its so nice to meet new friends!
Thanks Morgan, thanks Vicky and thanks Broussard’s! Happy Holidays Nola Unilocal

What an awesome and fun party to end a great Unilocaly Year! Broussard’s is such a nice setting for a fancy hip event. The inside was full of chandeliers, clean formal dinning tables, and dim lighting to set the mood. While some ate inside, a handful decided to take their plates to the outside patio. It was very spacious with plenty of tables, a nice water fountain, and the live band was out there providing the music for the night. The weather was also not too chilly.
The food was definitely something to talk about. Waiters were constantly walking around with random plates of things, I only recall somebody saying rabbit? I thought it was delish! There were also a few stations to serve yourself. The soup was one of the best things there. Nice, hearty, and warm for your soul. Then there was veal with mushrooms, salad, and a wasabi mashed potatoes. I loooooved the potatoes. I never thought the kick of horseradish would be so addicting to my taste buds! I want more and more right now! Outside there was a bananas foster stand as well. To follow the food down I had two nice glasses of red wine.
Around the end of the night there was a raffle for the Elite members. I won a giftcard for Fulton Alley so yay me! Though I was a bit shy, everyone got loud cheers when their names were called, but I’m still new to the NOLA Unilocal Elites so I did not really know anybody. I changed this finally though and introduced myself to a few people. It was really nice to meet all of you and talk a bit. As we all left we were given Unilocal Goodies such as Unilocal socks, Unilocal gloves, snowman soup, hot buttered rum mix, and a gift card to come back to Broussard’s on our own! Thanks everyone, especially Morgan, Vicky, and Broussard’s! Can’t wait to see you all again next year!

The pictures from this event make me wish I was a little more outgoing and less of an introvert. You guys are great and I hope the new year means attending a few more events (If I make Elite, of course). The Girly says HI and she’s enjoyed meeting you all.