Yelpy Awards Elite Event @ Salty’s On Alki

Katy really went above and beyond to make this a special event. Everything about it felt very «Hollywood» from the gorgeous view to the attentive waiters, carefully crafted cocktails, delicious food samplings, and more. I thought the replica Oscar trophies and Hollywood stars spread around the floor were an especially nice touch. But, the super fun part of the evening was the scavenger hunt. It forced me to try all the stations and mingle with folks I hadn’t met before — a great way to encourage us shy folk to make some new friends. The photo boot had its hiccups but the photographers were so friendly and professional, you had no need to be bothered by delay.
Katy was just as friendly and attentive as ever, stopping by to chat with us a few times and make sure all was going well. Plus, I’m super excited for a chance to use the gift certificate I won.

What a great event. At first we weren’t sure if we were going to be able to make it, fortunately we were able to do so.
We would have missed a great evening of tasty treats and plentiful libations! Thank you Salty’s for hosting us, certainly worthy of our patronage! Such great hosts for a critical crowd and you didn’t let us down!

What a crazy awesome night! Thank you so much for putting this together, Katy!
Why was this night so special?
View — Salty’s has a fantastic view of downtown Seattle and the Space Needle!
Theme — It was great seeing all the fantastic Unilocalers dressed up! So many tuxes and cute dresses. The awards given out near the end were also a great part of the evening! It was so great seeing people get called up and get acknowledged for things I’ve seen them do or talk about, and… well, it was pretty awesome to get called up in the end!!! I love my MVY award!!!
Food — My plans to eat before the event were kind of foiled by some bad directions, so I was very happy about the amount and quality of the food at the event. My favorite stations were the «meat on a stick» station and the chocolate/​dessert station. The shrimp was good and I enjoyed the vegetarian table, but… the meat and chocolate were hard to compete with.
Beverages — Drinks are an important part of most Unilocal parties, and the drinks were definitely good (and flowing!) at this event! I enjoyed a hefeweizen, a glass of champagne, and a glass of DRY Soda. I love DRY Soda. I probably should have stuck with the DRY Soda, but the other beverages were so tempting… ;)
Was there a bad part of the night? Umm… yes. One tiny thing. Just before the stations started cleaning up, the chocolate station man still had the chocolate out, but I couldn’t see the tongs that people could use to pick up the chocolate. I’m not sure what was going on and people were still huddled around the dessert table, so I guessed that he gave up on the tongs. When I picked up a chocolate, however, I got a real friendly «DON’T DO THAT!» I didn’t know the time and didn’t know that clean-​up was starting because it wasn’t obvious, so… that could have gone a little differently.
Besides that one tiny thing… super awesome event!
Since I don’t want to end on a bad note, I’ll end this with a shout-​out to… Red Fish Blue Fish Photography! I’m so happy they were able to come out with their studio-​on-​the-​go! Most of my photos are digital these days, so I love occasionally getting some physical copies to put up around my apartment.

I’ve been to Salty’s before, but never downstairs. It was pretty exciting to see that red carpet paving the way to the party. Katy H. is always fantastic but she really outdid herself. This was the best event I’ve been to!
Being a new kid on the block (NKOTB, lol), I was happy to see people I knew — Marc M., Kevin A., Samantha G., Ian M., Inna B. and Jay H. Jay H. would later beat me out for Rookie of the Year but honestly, I can’t think of a better person to lose to. [As we speak, I am making arrangements to break into Jay’s house to nab the coveted trophy. Shhhh… don’t tell him. I’ll do it when he’s at Rockbox.] I was also excited to meet people in person that I’ve only met online like Kristin C. My +1 remarked, much as I had when I first started coming to events that everyone was so friendly. It’s true — Elites are completely amazing!
I didn’t get the dress I wanted in time, but no matter, I had a great time. I loved seeing everyone dressed up — so many beautiful people in one place. The photo booth and DJ kept things lively and the casino tables provided some fun entertainment.
I loved how the stations were set up. All of the staff members at Salty’s were kind and accommodating. Often, they stopped to talk to me to see if everything was okay and invite me to visit more often (which I do 1 – 2 times a year). My favorite dishes were: vanilla butter poached prawns with lemon scented oil, 5 spice marinated beef skewers with sweet and sour thai chili sauce, the roasted forest mushroom bruschetta with truffle essence and lemon chevre, and the chocolates! I think the cards worked really well for all of the stations, got people mingling, and until later in the evening worked to ensure that no one was taking too much of anything. This has me excited for 2013! What a great start! Thanks to everyone that made it happen.

Love, love, love Elite Events! The Unilocaly Awards Elite Event was AMAZING! I loved getting dressed up, and I got to see all my Unilocal friends! It was so nice to meet some of my Unilocal peeps in person for the first time! I can’t wait for the next event!
This was my first visit to Salty’s on Alki, and I have to say that I am beyond impressed! The view from this restaurant of the Seattle waterfront is absolutely stunning! The staff at this restaurant are super friendly and ready to cater to your needs. The food is fabulous… in fact, I want to go back to the restuarant so I can try some of the other delicious items on the menu! The banquet hall downstairs, which is where the elite event was, is spacious and has glass windows so you can take in the gorgeous view of Seattle. It’s definitely an excellent space for a party or wedding or reception, etc. There is a parking lot at the restaurant as well as street parking out front, and the restuarant is super easy to find.
I can’t say enough good things about Unilocal’s Elite Events… they are the BEST!!! Salty’s is also one of my new favorite restaurants! Cheers!!! :)

Great event, awesome party, friendly crowds! Thanks Katy H for giving us such a good time!
If you take public transportation, it might not be easy, but still accessible. I didn’t take my chance because it would take me approximately two hours on the road one way. However, parking on a Wednesday night is really not a problem. I parked on the street which is only about 400ft away from the restaurant! I love it when there’s parking available!
It’s very cute that the décor is a replica of Hollywood. I really enjoyed checking on the names on the ground. The Bingo Game really helped us to get around the event. In addition, there was raffling the end of the event giving out gifts from Salty’s. I am really hoping to win next time.
As far as the food and drinks go, there were appetizers (Bruschetta), beef sewers, shrimps, and desserts. The vanilla better shrimps were really good. The citrus flavor cocktail was my favorite. There were also a lot of entertainment as well, DJ, Casino, and photo booth. I had a great time.

+1 for free booze (St. Germain bar was the izz-​nit)
+1 for the competition aspect
+1 for the cute little trophies… even if I didn’t get one. *wipes tear*
+1 for Salty’s, a place with class AND parking
+1 for the photo booth! Unilocalers love taking pictures of food, what a change!
+1 for the Hollywood stars on the ground. So cute.
+1 for me «meeting» Riss again
+1 for the hottie mctotties in the tight ass dresses and the dapper gentlemen wearing colors galore
+1 for Ian M’s blazer and jeans
+1 for Vanessa’s hosiery + heels. Ooh la la. Or, as Michael Scott would say, Shoe La La
+1 for Adam C possibly convincing me to go to France by myself this summer
–Wait, this review is getting off-​track
+1 for the DJ and dance floor, although if it would’ve been a Friday and a few hours longer everyone would’ve seen my milkshake (.and yes, all the boys will be arriving)
I didn’t get to try any of the food because it was gone pretty quickly, but gosh darnit I had a great time. Thanks Katylicious!
Oops. too many stars. Five then.

This is my absolute favorite Unilocal EE in the (short) history of my Unilocal-​life!!! Katy, I think you’ve outdone yourself… Amazing job! Another HUGE shout out to the staff at the event, especially my two favorite bartenders Duncan and Matt. :)
What I loved most about this event was that even with the amount of people present it still felt very intimate. The room flowed VERY well with enough space to walk around, mingle or enjoy some of that yummy food without feeling over-​crowded. There was so much to be seen! Multiple bars, multiple food tables, a DJ, trippy rotating lights, star-​walk, photobooth… you name it, it was here. Oh, and I can’t forget about the amazing view of Seattle… and what an amazingly beautiful night.
It’s funny how much happier people are (or seem) when they’re dressed up. Everyone I scoped throughout the night looked amazing… I mean, who doesn’t like to see a well-​dressed man in a suit or tightly-​fit dresses on hot women!!! It was great to see people participate in the theme: Hollywood. :)
I had such a great time meeting new people, laughing with old friends, and taking in all the greatness of what the Unilocal community is supposed to be about. Can’t wait for the next one!
PS– I was sad that I couldn’t find my name on a star… :(

Unilocal 2013 started in a big big way.
Photoshoots, walk of fames, delicious drinks and food courtesy of Salty’s, THAT VIEW, the best damn dj i’ve heard in a while and gambling to boot? Oh my, what a fabulous night indeed, and I must say. Wow, Seattle. You came out and DRESSED UP. I have never seen such a large group of Seattle-​ites so well dressed. Kudos folks, Kudos.
The theme was so fun, and I don’t know whether to be flattered or weary for winning the «most likely to Unilocal» award (does this mean I never shut up?). At anyrate, thank you for that honor, and congratulations to all the other Unilocaly winners as well.
Thanks so much to Salty’s for the food — I loved the beef skewers and the desserts were delicious (even if the dessert guy didn’t like his speech interrupted). Thanks St. Germaine for the cocktails, SO tasty. And thanks sooooooooo much Katy for putting together an extremely fun EE — you set the bar high for the rest of 2013!

I think I have the distinction of being the only Unilocaler to lose not one but TWO different Unilocaly Awards. I’m not bitter though, I SWEAR! Congrats to all the people who did win awards though, you all totally deserve it! I did have my own star though!(Which at the end of the night ended up on my ass, whatevs).
I don’t go to that many Elite Events. Usually only like 3 a year. I always make sure and save myself for the best. I don’t know if me being there makes them the best, or if I just have a 6^th sense for picking the best events to go to. Whatever it was, this event was Rockin’!
First off. The view is seriously AMAZING! I feel like I didn’t take in the view enough, I was too busy drinking, eating, and socializing. But, the view is top notch.
All of the Salty’s staff did an amazing job. Food was good, drinks were tasty, and strong, and the service was nothing short of amazing. It was the kind of service where you don’t even see what they’re doing, it’s just all of a sudden you have more food, or drinks, or your plate is gone. That’s when you know it’s fancy.
Thanks to Katy H for planning another fantastic event! It was great to see some Unilocalers I never get to see (Shout outs to Vanessa J, Hannah L and Jen B!), and meet some new Unilocalers (Hi Monica B!) So many people went all out with dressing up too, Clover A and Thrill K get my votes for best dressed. Although, me and my wonderful date were smashing, as usual. The DJ was great, the gambling tables were fun, and the photo-​booth was the big hit of the evening, as usual.
Thanks to Salty’s and Katy H for creating such a fun event, and to everyone who came out for making it fabulous!
Is it too soon to call it the best EE of 2013?

If I’m going to make an appearance at an Elite event only every couple of years, I’m glad I chose this one as my most recent! Maybe I’ll turn over a new leaf in 2013 and emerge more often…
I had a great time with my award-​winning hot date and my other dear Unilocalers, a close cluster of whom I see in person regularly enough (okay, not ever enough!) and others whom I haven’t seen in a while and needed to catch up with (Rachel, Kristin C, Nick H). I got to meet the always famous (Riss) and the newly famous (Shalan), enjoy a lovely St. Germain cocktail and a glass of champagne, and sample a couple of decadent chocolates. All while enjoying a beautiful view of the Seattle skyline that reminds me how brilliant it is from any angle, especially a less familiar one, and how fun it is to attempt to rival its beauty with our own sparkly, fancy, colorful, or dramatic attire. (A futile attempt ultimately, but it was quite fine to see everyone giving such an effort!)
Thanks to everyone, especially Katy and Jody, for clearly putting a great deal of thought and creativity into the evening, and making it a wonderful welcome-​back for me.

This Salty’s event was one of the most fun Unilocal events I’ve ever attended!
Thank you to Katy and the crew at Salty’s for all their hard work. The setting was beautiful in the downstairs private room overlooking the water and the city. Everything was very good. The staff was beyond friendly and helpful and fun.
The beef skewers and shrimp were my favorite of the food.
The bars featured cocktails made with St. Germain, Kahlua Midnight, Pinnacle Vodka. and Dry Soda (not all in one drink).
I had a really good drink with Vanilla Bean Dry Soda and the Pinnacle Vodka.
The awards ceremony was a lot of fun. Thank you for the Best Foodie Award! I was very surprised and happy.
The photo booth was great. The food was yummy. Music was hoppin. The DJ was a total sweetheart. It was just a fun time! Dressing up was a nice twist.
Just a reminder to people to be mindful of others when enjoying the food. I did see a few people with plates stacked high with shrimp and skewers. That isn’t very fair to other people who might not get any food because some people are taking 3−4x the amount they should.
Thank you to Katy and Salty’s for a very fun night! I’ll remember it forever!

«Despite what the Wall Street Journal says, our awards are the best-​kept secret in America, with the possible exception of what George W. Bush did in the Seventies»
–Billy Crystal
Our first Unilocal Elite Event of 2013 started the new year with anticipation, glamour, delicious food, tasty drinks and fun entertainment.
Plenty of parking with breath taking views of Alki beach. The owner greeting us at the door.
Red carpet leading us to a private basement enormous banquet. Stars on the carpet with our names on it. Plenty of coat racks on each side of the room. Everyone was well dress for the occasion. Kudos to all the Unilocalers.
Everything was on point and classy.
ENTERTAINMENT:
Bingo stamps of interaction of the stations.
DJ playing music
Two Casino tables
Awards ceremony — Congrats to all the winners including me :)
Photo Booths — FUN!!!
Unilocal Swag and give away prize of a free brunch at Salty’s.
FOOD:
–Hot and Cold Prawns
–Washington Chardonnay Poached with Tomato and Horseradish «Ice»
–Vanilla Butter Poached with Lemon Scented Oil
–Bamboo Skewered Beef two ways
–Pepper crusted with Blue Cheese Fondue
–5 Spice Marinated with Sweet and Sour Thai Chili sauce
–Bruschetta Sampler
–Oil Cured Tomato Caprese with Buffalo Mozzarella Crème
–Roasted Forest Mushroom with Truffle essence and Lemon Chevre
DESSERT STATION:
–Georges Pastry Land
–Homemade Chocolates Galore
–Mini Fruit Tarts
DRY soda was my drink of choice because I stop drinking alcohol till March. Plenty of St. Germain cocktails, Pinnacle Vodka, and Kahlua Midnight.
Thank you for a wonderful evening because of the Unilocalers voted me for an award of «Best Compliments». I’m truly honor… I love my yeeps! Great meeting new and old friends… too many to name.
Thank you to Salty’s and the professional staff for hosting us. Katy did another bang up job organizing this fantastic event. Thank you to Red Fish Blue Fish photography, Viva Productions for the casino games, and Hope Springs photography. If you are looking for a location to host your party… I recommend Salty’s with the gorgeous views!

Everything that needed to be said, has already been described by the reviews before me (looks like I was a little late in getting my Unilocal on today).
The Unilocaly Awards Event was a great way to kick off 2013. It’s been forever since I’ve been in a room with so many people dressed to the nines — looking crazy glamorous! (Even the PNW Ballet has more showings of jeans and casual wear).
I loved the food (especially the bruschetta options), the drinks were delicious (St. Germain cocktails, OMG! And who doesn’t need a stiff one on a Wednesday?! ^_​_​^), and the photo booth… it was all so much fun!
Salty’s — being on Alki — provided amazing views (reminding me of how much I love my city), service, and ambiance.
Thank you Katy, Salty’s, and Unilocal (and of course everyone else that was involved) for making this an awesome event!

Please read this review using the movie trailer guy voice:
In a world where red carpets are rolled out and grand entrances are a sight to behold, the Seattle Unilocal Elite crew would show up to this Hollywood themed party dressed to the nines and ready for an adventure they would not soon forget. The iconic Salty’s On Alki restaurant would take their private event space and, for one glorious evening, transform it in to Unilocal Seattle’s very own tinsel town themed playground.
Fully equipped with multiple stations filled to the brim with delicious food offerings, more than one bar serving up the finest in cocktails, wine, and beers, and finally a table full of delectable desserts that were a perfect finale to the night’s consumable delights. With a DJ on hand to keep the party rocking and a photo booth to add that oh so special paparazzi glam to the event, there would be no shortage of fun to be had.
Of course, mixing and mingling would be the order of the evening and the bingo game kept everyone on the move while checking the sights, sounds, and flavors of this big budget blockbuster production. This roller coaster ride of fun and excitement could only be capped off by an awards ceremony that would see some of Seattle Unilocal’s most dedicated and active members honored with fortune and glory… or at least some really cool little « Unilocaly» statues.
The first Elite event of 2013 will once again set the standard for what is destined to be another 12 months of dramatic highlights and action packed thrills. Thank you to Katy H for organizing, the Salty’s staff for hosting, and to all of the Unilocal Elite members that I currently call or hope to some day call my friends.
SYOY!

Awesome first Unilocal event of 2013! Also a first Unilocal event for me and my gf. Setup was great and everything was very well done. The Bingo idea was great it helped get everyone to mingle with the crowds and try all the different stations.
Food was Noms! I’m not a big fan of mushroom but the mushroom bruschetta was delicious! So were the steak skewers! Sad we didn’t win the big prize but thats ok we got lots of great food and met some great people! Free food and booze who can complain!
This was a great Unilocal event for a noob like myself =). Looking forward to many more Unilocal events!

Glitz, Glam, and Fun!
Unilocaly Awards was the perfect way to kick off 2013. The event felt formal, but not stuffy formal. I loved how dressed up everyone got! The bingo cards were a great idea to get/​remind everyone to visit all the stations. The staff were so friendly about serving and stamping bingo cards. The dj was amazing and I had so much fun taking photos with friends. The casino games were fun. But endless chips made it feel like the game lasted forever.
Food highlights:
–Vanilla Butter Poached with Lemon Scented Oil. (I found this recipe online!)
–Roasted Forest Mushroom with Truffle essence and Lemon Chevre
–5 Spice Marinated with Sweet and Sour Thai Chili sauce
–Mini Mango Raspberry tart
The St. Germain Cocktail was so delicious. The Midnight in Paris (Vanilla Bean Dry Soda and the Pinnacle Vodka) was a bit strong for me.
It was great to catch up with people I havent’ seen in a while and meet other Unilocalers :)