Last Class Bash Elite Event @ The Hunt Club

If I could have given this 10 stars I would have…
It was almost as if the organizers had an interview with me and asked what I would want at a party…
Clothes? Flannel and plaid. Food? Wings all the way. Booze? Bourbon. Always.
There was a really wide variety of snacks that appealed to just about everyone and there was even a drink menu that was equally as varied. Before this party I only drank bourbon straight and on the rocks. I was shown a new way by the Good People of Maker’s Mark and Red Stag and now one of my favourite drinks is a stag and coke.
The music was also great. I was lucky enough to show up early and get the Regal Beagle Band’s album which even now, I still listen to and enjoy.
The downside to this event was that it was sooo good, I don’t even know how it could be beat for next time!

There was no better way to end the Unilocal Year. Seriously.
Location: The Hunt Club is a place that I’ve always been interested in and have never really checked out. Apparently I need to go more often, because the food was fantastic and the space was really great. The marinated pieces of deep fried chicken pretty much made my night. And that little nook with the couches? I’ll be revisiting that space soon.
The sponsors: I need to get a bottle of Red Stag. ASAP. Cherry makes everything taste better. It didn’t hurt that the bartenders used it to create some lovely drinks. Reading the reviews, I’m really wishing I had tried the Red Stag and Coke. I’ll have to stock up and make one (or five) for myself.
The music: This was my first time seeing the Regal Beagle Band and they were fantastic. Also, I go to school with the fiddler (you can all be super jealous now) and his energy and talent stole the show for me.
The people: You know you’re awesome.
Time to start stocking up reviews so I can get in on the 2012 Elite action!

Lets get over my only small minor annoyance of the night: the entrance! For such a great place to be overlooking Spring Garden Road and no more than 10 paces from the corner — it hides its bright light under a barrel with its «back alley» kind of entrance that I have been ignorant of since its opening. And I will admit to walking past that corner numerous times since it opened. Why I ask? Why? Please put up one of those cheeky little awnings with «Hunt Club» in bold letters readable from Spring Garden Road and start sharing this great little secret with others who wander down the main drag daily. Ok — done with that.
Now once in the door I headed up the stairs — which I really like as an entrance. Gaining elevation (up the stairs) the distant sounds of the party drew me toward the Hunt Club and Last Class Bash. Rounding the corner at the top (of the stairs that I love) I was blown away by the buzz coming from the crowd. Party drinks, party dress and party conversations — all perfectly on display in this great little store/​bar.
With a name-​tag stuck to my chest it was over to the bar to try the bourbon. Being a derivative of my favorite drink (single malt scotch) I knew that we would be friends. The Maker’s Mark was a real treat — a bit sweeter than my regular, but still an excellent sipping drink straight out of the bottle. Unfortunately I had an early morning flight so I had promised to be good — and good I was.
The band was just amping up and the heaps and heaps of food were just arriving asI said my good-​byes to Ben B. and his guests.
The real test of the star strength of this event was the big smile that I had on my face as I walked down Spring Garden Road to the ferry. Not sure what others were thinking when they saw me smiling my way through the crowds, but I know what i was thinking: it was another great Unilocal Elite event and I must get back to the Hunt Club ASAP for some Christmas shopping and a whiskey.

My first Elite event. As Ben has said, «you always remember your first».
A great event with great food, fantabulous drinks and good company. A big thanks to Maker’s Mark and Red Stagg for the delicious drinks. Drinking bourbom was definitely a new experience for me, a good one at that! A great spread of finger foods to munch on including the famous chicken wings from Bubba Rays.
The band was great and provided a fun atmosphere.
Gotta love the Unilocal swag everywhere, I may have taken a few too many of those yummy Unilocalsticks. The bf grabbed some fingerless gloves.

This was exactly what I needed in my life. I’ve had a stressful November. And December looks to be jam-​packed.
So this is just what I needed: a laid-​back evening full of good company, delicious food, tasty (and free!) drinks and enjoyable music in a fun venue. From the moment I arrived to the end, it was a great night.
I’d only been to the Hunt Club once before and I can definitely see the appeal. The second bar definitely helps reduce congestion and keep the customers (and drinks!) flowing. As a venue it offers a lot: outstanding staff and a unique environment. With 50% off a future drink thanks to a check-​in offer, I foresee my third visit.
As I was driving, I didn’t get to sample the full menu of drinks but can tell you the Staggerbomb (Red Stag bourbon & Red Bull) was fantastic. The largest «shot» I’ve ever had. It makes me want to experiment with Red Stag some more. And I’d never had bourbon before!
As for food, some of the meat dishes smelled so good they tempted this vegetarian. Tons of dipping sauces for wings — which I didn’t like even when I ate meat but they smelled delectable. Lots of options for food too — nachos, fries, onion rings, sliders, mozza sticks, shrimp and more. I almost wish I hadn’t eaten before so I could have enjoyed more of it.
I’d heard of the Regal Beagle Band once before (I think…) but was blown away by their performance. They warmed the audience up with some covers but weren’t afraid to add their own personality to it. In the second half of the evening, they moved into their own material. And I’m glad they did! When you want to sing along the first time you hear a song, the artist/​band is doing something very right. Pleased as punch I could pick up some of their songs as the event check-​in offer.
And, hey, all those things are amazingly wonderful but what really made the night is the guest list. As the last Elite event of the year, it was a group of people that had gotten to know each other over the last 12 months both online (by reading each others’ reviews and the Talk) and in person (at all the fabu Unilocal events). Everyone was in good cheer and happy to be out, relaxing together on a Friday night.
The tone of the evening was perfect — if you were going out hardcore afterward, this was a good warmup. If you were just looking to wind down from a long day/​week/​month, this was just the solution.
Finally, I can’t forget out amazing host — Ben. Part social butterfly, part MC and with maybe a dash of Martha Stewart, Ben oversaw the evening doing what he could to have ensure everyone was getting the most out of the evening.
Looking forward to more Unilocal adventures in 2012.

Wow. Just wow. I don’t even know where to begin. I guess I should start by saying what a fabulous year it has been to be part of the Unilocal Elite Squad. We’ve been treated to many good times, amazing food and fun cocktails all year long, and last night was no exception.
Let’s start with the location. I’ve only been to The Hunt Club once before and it was just a quick afternoon pop in to see what the place was all about. I’m glad I had the opportunity to come back last night and see how versatile and awesome this place is. Great atmosphere, and the staff were so attentive, friendly and helpful all evening. They definitely went above and beyond to make sure we were all fed and happy.
Speaking of «fed», the spread of food was jaw-​dropping. Unlimited tempura shrimp, spicy chicken bites, pulled pork sliders (I’m in love with these), chips and salsa, giant onion rings, fries, pepperoni, mozza sticks, and so many wings! They share the Bubba Ray’s kitchen, so we had many flavours of wings to choose from. My favourite was maple chipotle — smoky, sweet and so flavourful.
We also had unlimited bourbon cocktails (not kidding). Seriously, how lucky are we? I was a little wary coming into this as I’d never tried bourbon before. And while I didn’t love everything I tried, I very much enjoyed the cracked pear martini, made with Maker’s Mark bourbon, pear juice and cracked pepper. So yummy! The Red Stag bourbon has an interesting flavour as it’s infused with cherry. The Red Stag and cola was my favourite of the Red Stag cocktails. I wasn’t as brave as Kirk F and Vanessa J, who dove in with the Staggerbomb as their first drink of the night. But I later relented and tried the Red Bull & Red Stag combo shot. It was… what I expected. Shudder.
Can I just say I love the band’s name — The Reagle Beagles? What an awesome throwback. Name aside, this band was rocking all night. They were fantastic! Can’t wait to hear them live again, but till then I’ll tide myself over with the free CD I scored as a check-​in deal. Also, I must mention all the Unilocal swag scattered throughout the party. I stocked up on the always awesome Unilocal stick and Unilocal mints, plus Kirk F grabbed a pair of «Yelp Life» fingerless gloves for me.
As always, it’s Ben B and all the amazing Halifax Unilocalers who make these parties and events so fun. It’s been a blast Unilocaling with y’all this year, and I can’t wait to see what next year brings. Many thanks to Ben for being our ever charming host and Community Manager!

Another awesome Elite Event! I knew I was in for a good night when Kirk and I started with a stagger bomb first thing, I’d never tried Bourbon and am generally wary of anything Cherry flavored but I have to say it was rather delicious! I also sampled the red stag and cola which was my favorite of the night as well as the cracked pear and prohibition? All good.
The food was flowing, lots of great pub bites including a sampling of the famous bubba rays wings.
The band was great and provided an awesome vibe.
As always the best was the company, it was great catching up with old Unilocal friends and meeting new faces as well.
Unfortunately I had to cut the night short, but thoroughly enjoyed my time. Hope to see y’all next year!