ELITE – The Yelpies IV

Another fantastic Unilocalies event.
When I saw that we’d have a crowd of 200 on hand for this event, I was a little curious where everyone would go. To my surprise, it was great and didn’t feel extremely crowded. We took a spot at the upstairs bar where the bartender was fantastic and to my surprise, she was serving Cigar City from the tap for us. Yum. The raviolis upstairs were really good. We also tried the Cuban, while different, was tasty. I really liked the chicken and waffle even though by the time it came out to us, it was a little cold.
At Dough next door, their sweets were delicious as always. The donut flavors are always fun and different!
Congrats to all of the winners of the Unilocal awards and we look forward to many more trips to Datz!

Thank you to Brett, Katie, Pranam and the Datz team for putting The Unilocalies event together. I had a good time at the event. It’s always good to get together with my Unilocal Buddies. Some who have become good friends. (Missed you Sofia)
The food was really good but I just didn’t like how they served it. There were some things I didn’t get to try. I liked how everything was set up at last years Unilocalies. I think that would have been a better way to go. I think the pumpkin ravioli was my favorite. I didn’t care for the desserts they had but then again I don’t really care for brownies that aren’t homemade. The donuts there, however, are amazing!
All and all the food was great and the company was great. I brought a friend that had never been to a Unilocal event before and she had a really good time. :)

It seems as if the Unilocalies came and went in a whirlwind, much like my first year as a member of this wonderful platform. I can vividly remember joining Unilocal last January in the wake of the Unilocalies III and dreaming of the day that I might be able to attend. Little did I know then, I would not only be attending this year but I’d be given an award! I couldn’t be more flattered. Thank you so much to everyone who recognized me and my meager attempts to try new places throughout 2015.
But enough sappy stuff and onto more important things. Taylor G. and I arrived (sans coats, which wasn’t our smartest decision) and immediately were ushered toward the bar to warm up once we made it inside. Shout out to Datz for having the game on, because I don’t think I could’ve dragged him out of the house otherwise. I had the Rebel’s Brunch, a strong bourbon mimosa. It was very different than most of my typical drinks, yet I really liked it after I got past the initial bite. I stuck with this drink all night, but I have to say that my favorite bar tender Liz made it the best. She was full of energy and might’ve slipped a little extra champagne into my glass!
Unfortunately, I was so busy trying to socialize that I missed out on most of the food! I really enjoyed the Harvest Ravioli and Beer Cheese Soup from upstairs, where I spent a majority of my time. I did make it over to Dough to try half of a donut and a brownie bite, but my timing was terrible because it was right when the awards ceremony was beginning! I am pretty bummed that I missed out on the shrimp & grits and the hot chocolate ice cream though. However, I wouldn’t trade the time with all my new and old Unilocal friends for either!
As always, a million thanks to Brett, Katie, and Pranam for the ungodly amount of effort that you all put into every single event throughout the year. This was the culmination of an entire year’s worth of events and it was incredible. Congratulations to all of the very deserving winners. Special thanks to Gerardo for continuously navigating through Unilocalers and food tables in order to properly document these occasions. And finally, the crew at Datz never ceases to amaze and the Unilocalies were no exception. I cannot wait until 2017 to see how this event could possibly be topped!

This was actually my first Unilocal event, as a non elite +1 attendee, and I was very impressed! My wife is a Unilocal elite, and got to take me to our first event together and the experience was outstanding.
First off, how about that Reuben sushi roll? Two of my favorite things rolled into one! There was such a wide array of food and drinks. Everything from the Havana Hotties to the ravioli and candied bacon! There was so much variety to go around. The wait staff did an excellent job, working extra to accommodate everyone, their hard work was much appreciated.
I also was happy to meet so many new people and enjoyed getting to know the great members of the Tampa Unilocal community. A big thanks to Brett and all who made this event possible. My wife and I had a great time.

For my 100^th review (that took awhile but still did managed to do it in under a year) I chose to write about The Unilocalies VI (cheesy, amiright?). What a night of grandeur, pomp and circumstance! I felt like a celebrity and was fortunate enough to be apart of this special event/​celebration.
I am indebted to to Datz and Dough and Unilocal for this spectacular opportunity. The night couldn’t have been more special. It was incredible seeing so many all gussied up, many in their best, most stylish attire. I enjoyed speaking to existing friends and new friends alike and I really wished I could’ve talked to everyone. I must say everyone was seemingly in a good mood and enjoying the event (how could you not?).
Among the things I didn’t see were the famed and oft-​raved about shrimp and grits or the Unilocal the swag table I still had a fabulous time. ;)
I felt the service was top-​notch and the Datz and Dough crew certainly know how to throw a party. Amongst my favorites of the night were the punch, the bloody marys, the «Reuben» sushi, the harvest ravioli, and the ice cream – delicious! Although there were a few items suitable for vegetarians, I would’ve liked to see more. The sriracha popcorn, harvest ravioli, and the ever-​yummy chips were offered but I would’ve liked to see one more vegetarian option (the beer cheese had bacon in it). Props to the friendly and delightful servers who graciously and pleasantly served us the entire night!
I enjoyed the awards ceremony but I felt that it was somewhat difficult to hear during it at times. In addition, I would’ve liked to have had more awards categories offered. I feel that Brett did the best he could between the loud crowd and doling out the awards on the top of the stairs.
Congratulations to all of you stellar Unilocalers that won awards this year; I’m glad that your hard work and diligence were recognized and the awards were very well deserved! Not to minimize their achievements AT ALL but I think everyone brings sone uniqueness and something special to the table which is why all you Unilocalers are special in my book!
A big thank you to Gerardo for photographing this fabulous and memorable evening. All the official pictures looked great!
Thank you to Unilocal for fostering a community of caring individuals whose concern for businesses and the community makes an big impact (in my opinion). I am humbled and grateful to be apart of such a select group of individuals and I look forward to what the future will bring.
Thank you again to Datz and Dough for putting up with our crazy selves with a smile and thank you to Brett, Katie, Pranam, Allie, and the rest of the Unilocal crew for organizing and executing such an event. You are much appreciated!!!

Well based on the threads, Brett reminded me of the first sort of Unilocalies that I went to. It wasn’t called the Unilocalies at the time, and it was held at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota. It was amazing, & pressing fast forward, there after it was at Datz (I wasn’t at the first Datz,) than Carne Chop house in Ybor, and this year Datz. Yes, that looks right. That’s 4 years of Unilocalies for me. 5 years for Unilocal Life!
This year was great. What I loved most was the 2 levels of space, plus the space outdoors and Dough. People had room to spread out, & walk around, and check out their surroundings.
Parking was something many were nervous about. Luckily we found the last spot behind Dough. The line flew and check in is smooth as ever with the cool Party Passes that we had.
When we got inside there were various stops for snacks and drinks including chips, popcorn, ravioli, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, Itty bitty sandwiches, bacon, and drinks drinks drinks. U could also go to Dough and get donuts, gelato, and brownie bites, and coffee like drinks, and hot chocolate. In my opinion, it was hard to find some stuff, but that’s ok.
My favorite was my Chai latte and shrimp and grits. Thank u Mel for the shrimp and grits you gave me. That surely was the best of the night!
Congrats to the Unilocalie award winners! The set up of having that upstairs was pretty cool. Everyone deserved it and is special in their own unique way. I think next year more people should get them. There are so many strengths and talents that everyone has.
I enjoyed seeing my buddies, as well as those I don’t get to see as often. I also enjoyed meeting new faces. I missed my buds especially Sofia, Lindsey, Thao, Natalie, and Savitre!
Shout out to newbies! I know it can be a lot when the event is as huge as this one. Nice to meet Vanessa & her boyfriend, it was her first event, and I talked to her while we were waiting in line. Also nice to meet Tasha, and see newer newbies like Vi! Eric (I can’t believe u have been in Rhode Island for a year and a half.)
All in all, a great success thanks to Brett, and his crew.
P. S. Gerardo, aka Mr. Pink Tutu man,(I’ll always remember u as that :-))Thank u for capturing memories of the night. The pics are greatly enjoyed. You do a great job putting a smile on everyone’s faces!

First to thank Datz to host this year special venue for the Unilocaliest. We are truly bless with the wonderful food and drink. Not to mention we have large venue with the high capacity, the location is perfect for the event. Big applause to our host.
A year of hard work from our community manager and the Unilocal support group. They have detail this event for our enjoyment. Allow the Unilocaliest people to meet and interact. Thanks to Brett and the Unilocal team for tonight event. We are look forward to crash Brett wedding party in Hawaii :). Just kidding.
Last year was my very first event at the Unilocaliest III. I have met many awesome Unilocaler along the way. I have learn about these awards from the last year winner Steve, Ana, Twinnie, Mark and Dianna. They are Unilocaliest model in my heart

If you’re giving this Elite event 5 stars, then you have not yet seen the rabbits our community manager can pull out of his hat. Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing all my Elite homies in GQ mode and getting some in-​house recognition, especially when it’s unsuspected (I’m looking at you, Anna M). However, I had some major gripes, and those who know me are aware that if nothing else, I keep it real.
The Good
The drinks were adequately stiff, the food was plentiful and the staff was on their A-​game. The southern tea concoction and the Havana Hotties won my heart. I couldn’t get enough of them. Guy working the coffee counter inside of Dough didn’t mind working on his day off, and he schooled me long and hard on cold brew. I now understand it, and crave it. I also got an incredible rundown of the vast array of bitters available for sale near the tea station. Thank you!
The Bad
Parking was hellish. Carpooling should have been encouraged. It was said by the staff that there was plenty of street parking, but the folks on the east side of MacDill weren’t having it. They had signs in their yard citing some city code that allowed 5 minute parking in front of their cribs. We ended up parking illegally at some office building, and it was unknown whether our ride was going to be there at 9 PM. I’d suggest a larger venue for next year’s Unilocalies, as I’m quite certain there will be even more Elites.
The Ugly
This is an Elite event, and as Elites, I was hoping to see more hand-​holding and mingling by my fellow senior members. Instead, what I saw was everyone clique’d up while noobs were sitting alone, looking lost. There was some real live «deer-​in-​the-​headlight» shit going on. I’d like to see assigned seating next year to encourage awkward and necessary conversation among those who don’t know each other.
Despite the issues, I think Datz did an amazing job, and believe it or not, last night was the first time I’d stepped in the joint. Based on the few samples I was able to get, I’m fully looking forward to returning for a meal.
All-​in-​all, I had a good time, and that is what it’s all about.

Thank you sooooo much Datz for hosting this prestigious event!!! I was so very thankful to finally get my hands on the shrimp and grits. The awards were cool but this was the highlight of my night. Deeeeelicious. I also enjoyed the chicken n’ waffles, pig candy (bacon), orange peel champagne beverage, hot chocolate ice cream (great.), cream sauce ravioli, reuben tempura roll, and sammich apps.
Datz is a terrific and glamorous venue, and your staff was sexy and super as per always.
There were too many amazing Unilocalers to visit with and it was wonderful to see them all glammed up. Taylor and best noob of 2016 Jaimie. Bo W. and his beautiful driver Puii. Truest most Unilocaliest in all the worst ways Boon and his more wonderful and superstar leader Grace. Legendary, glamorous, handsome, dashing and wonderful Hurricane Jason was in da house. Dianna and her husbeauty came home to Datz for the event. Beautiful and lovely Kat and Mike are the best. Wonderful peeps.
Legendary Steve Zissou marine biology scholar and Unilocal all-​star Andrew W. and his
wife showed up. I didn’t actually see him at the event, but apparently Chris W. was there (he photobombed one of my pics). Jerk.
Stacy was livin’ large and Tina J. was among the best dressed. Amanda too. Rob was great company on his first official Unilocal event.
Gerardo and Melissa flew in from Iceland to be with us. I LOVE her new doo. Great people.
I was also happy to meet Ash tonight.
Celebrity guest Eric flew in from Deleware or some such to be with us. His beautiful wife Robbie was terrific as per usual. No party is complete without Mel n Mel. And Twinnie was there!!! Love her. I didn’t see her main man. :(Melinda cut me in line for ice cream. Amber and her sexy partner in crime rocked the party. I was disappointed she wasn’t in leather. Next year fo sure!!!
Nadine and Jacob had a VIP area all to themselves. RJ looked fab. I need to hit the gym. Not sure if Anna M. was there or not? Todd B. and Melissa came in his new lamborghini. Swaaaaanky!!!
My fav J-​ville party animals Allie and Adam rocked the house. Love them. One of many HOTTTT couples. Speaking of hot couples, Brian M and Emma were the talk of the town. And James Bond style Bombay Masala Raju looked smashing and was stealing hearts. I don’t know how to keep up with that kind of swagger. Speaking of swagger, Howard is always good times and Lori was ROLLIN’.
So many all-​star great peeps and pro-​bowlers. My main man, always keepin’ it real, Super Elite Mark H. and his chica none sweetah Gigi were partying it up and lookin’ all swanky. Allison snuck in from Tallahassee and brought her A-​game. Cece and her rockstar arm candy were lookin fiiiiiine. And even Brett N. looked halfway decent. Katie S., who actually runs Tampa Unilocal,was smokin’!!!
So many nice people. Ashley came all the way up up from St. Pete!!! Always great to see her. Chelsea. Kristen and Scott. Shary and her hombre.
LoTa!!! Love you girl!!! Where have you been??? Crystal. Shannon and Emilio.
So many legendary peeps there, all in one night. Cray cray!!!
Joel. That dude basically runs Wesley Chapel. Along with Rachel M. and Fern. No event is complete without them. Andrea B. My buddies Dan and Alicia. They looked dy-​no-​mite!!! Another one of those super swank power couples. Amy and Nick are almost at that status. :P
Also shout outs to high roler Shabba and power couple Darryl and Heather.
I hope everyone felt welcome and had a great time. There was a lot going on. Parrrrttttttyyyy. Let’s do it again soon!!!
Come out for Laotian food Jan 23 12:30 at Sokhdii. Kisses.
Also, Steve E., Unilocaler ultimate All-​Star was with us in spirit if not in person. He showed us the way got many of us involved in this crazy game.

Spanx for Datz, Datz and Spanx
So many people deserve my thanks!
First, I’d like to thank The Academy!
So many poems Y’all got outta me.
Next, our lovely CM, Brett.
This event was the best one yet!
And Datz, our very generous host!
The Rueben Rolls, I liked the most!
I loved how we had many levels to the venue.
We walked in the door and were handed a menu.
It laid out where to find all the food.
For some eating, I was in the mood!
There were drinks, such as the French 75.
Sriracha popcorn made my mouth come alive!
I never tried the elusive Shrimp and Grits.
From what I hear from my friends, it was the tits.
But seriously, what a great night with my friends.
They are the reason, that these events, I attend.
And many new friends that I have yet to meet,
Here’s to a new year of us being Elite!