Elite Event: Pop Up Circus at Hudson North and TOTEM

I have been dragging my feet on reviewing this event, mainly because I know nothing I write can fully capture how amazing it was. From start to finish it was such a magical night.
I was a bit intimidated heading to the event as I knew absolutely no one else who was going, but quickly met awesome people at the dinner — oh hey Pam A., Angela M., and Jerry T — who were super friendly. Hudson North was fantastic. In particular I remember some delicious tacos and plentiful Sweetwater 420 (basically the perfect combination in my book).
TOTEM was whimsical, inspiring, beautiful, and mystifying. My favorite act by far was an incredible couples trapeze act. They had amazing chemistry and every move was more impressive than the last. I think part of the mystique was that unlike many of the other acts they weren’t hooked up to any safety equipment which just made it that much more exciting. The costumes in all of the acts were so imaginative — loved them! And let me just say I never knew that people could do such acts on roller skates and unicycles… the performers defied all kinds of things I thought about gravity and physics.
Thanks so much for a fabulous event Kathleen M. — I am so glad I finally got to meet you!

This Elite event was my favorite one yet because of the free ticket to watch Cirque Du Soleil’s TOTEM. These tickets are not cheap y’all, so to be able to go for free was such an honor!
The show took my breath away, literally. Each act was so intense and incomprehensible that I was holding my breath for most of it in fear that the performers would fall and hurt themselves. But they are so talented that each time they completed a trick, I would finally gasp for air and applaud & hoot like no other. I was a little light headed by the end of the night from not breathing enough HAHA.
The acts that I loved the most were:
— The flirty trapeze couple
— Indian roller skate wedding
— Chinese girls on unicycles tossing bowls onto each other’s heads
— Amerindian hoops dancers
BEST PART was if you take an instagram photo and tag Cirque Totem, some of the circus performers will like your photo! Now we know who I’m stalking on instagram!
It was so fun going with a bunch of Unilocalers filled up with drinks from Hudson North becauase when the hot beach boys would come on stage, us Unilocal girls would scream and go crazy haha. Too fun :)
Only tip is that parking for the Circus is a flat fee of $ 10. But if you say that you’re going to the shops, then the first 2 hours are free and then you pay a little less for parking.

This was definitely one of the best Unilocal Elite events I’ve ever been to!
I almost didn’t make it in time, because I was stuck late at school. I thought to myself, «I have to try, damn it! It’s Cirque du Soleil!» By the time I got to Hudson North, there wasn’t much food left. I had one of the chicken tacos, which I think could’ve definitely used more seasoning and the corn tortilla was too soft and broke when I picked it up. In times like those, they should use 2 tortillas. I was still starving, so I ordered the crispy pork belly sliders of their menu. We only had about 30 minutes before we were supposed to head over to the Cirque du Soleil tents. Luckily, the staff at Hudson North got those sliders out to me pronto. These sliders were delicious! The pork belly was flavorful and crisp, the mustard seed aioli was amazing. I wish I could’ve tasted the veggies a little more, they got lost in the mix. There were 3 sliders, which was just enough to tide me over during the show.
TOTEM was AWESOME. I haven’t been to a Cirque du Soleil show since I was a kid, so I really didn’t know what I was in for. Every single act was incredible. Whenever someone did a trick, I was on the edge of my seat. I think my favorite parts were the unicyclists with the bowls, the acrobatic couple on the swing, and the opening. If anyone hasn’t had a chance to go see Totem, I highly recommend it. Also, major props to Unilocal for getting us in for free and just showing us a fantastic evening. The awesome events that Unilocal organizes always amazes me!
Also, someone get me that disco ball unitard!!!

I’m loving these no-​plus-​one events that we’ve had lately. It gives me an excuse to talk with dedicated Unilocalers and get out of my house after 7pm without having to pay for a babysitter. Not to mention that it means we’re getting seriously treated — dinner and a show!
Parking in the deck, they told me that it was a $ 10 for Cirque (which is the equivalent of 6 hours of parking… so don’t do it, just pay the standard rates). I headed up to the street level and to the old Fox Sports Grill space, but that’s not where Hudson North is. After trying to find it on maps and wandering around for 5 minutes, I finally asked an office who said «Oh, it used to be called the Grape.» I’m old school enough to remember where that is.
Hudson North is comforting and cozy-​cool. I hope to make it back before the end of the year, when it closes. I started at the bar, getting myself a 420, then made my way to table of tasty apps, as explained by my friend Billy, of Cypress St. Tuna tartare, halibut ceviche, tomato salad, pork belly sliders, tenderloin with arugula, and pork tacos. Yum. All delicious, with my favorite being the tuna tartare… until I got a taste of Vanessa’s figs. WOW. Get them. Just do it.
All the cocktails sounded delicious, but being a school night, I only had the one champagne cocktail with hibiscus nectar. It comes out festivity pink and is crisp and refreshing.
As I mentioned, I got to meet some new folks, which is much easier when everyone’s a Unilocaler! Shout out to Jackie H, Audrey F, and Kristin F. Also, finally got to meet Jerry T and Min Y in person. We’re all real people!
Then off to Totem. I’d seen Cirque once before (Corteo, a few years ago here at the same Grand Chapiteau), so I knew what to expect. Having just had delicious apps, I wasn’t tempted by the overpriced carnival foods. The show is mostly in the round, so there really aren’t bad seats, unless they choose to do the «funny» bits between the two posts, and then if your in door 7, row M, seat 14, you will not be able to see. Lucky for me Stephie Z gave the play by play, and Vanessa didn’t mind me practically laying in her lap to sneak a peak. I’m not the artist type, and despite having Cats explained to me several times, I still just don’t get the Loose Narrative style. But you can’t deny that the acrobatics, contortions, gymnastics, feats of strength, and circus tricks are impressive. Except for the Native American man in fur-​lined white roller skates with lots of fringe… that is just beyond explanation or appreciation.
Thanks, Kathleen for an awesome night on the town!

If it was possible to do an internet curtsey, I would be doing so to Empress Kathleen.
I’ve attended some great Elite events and this one easily will be most memorable for a long time.
Ha Ha to the parking attendant asking me if I was going to Cirque and the $ 10 parking fee if I was. Thank goodness I’m from Atlanta and frequent Atlantic Station enough to know I get to park two hours for free.
I arrived at Hudson North after all the food had been eaten, so I grabbed a menu. Not being a beer drinker, I also needed liquor. I ordered the champagne cocktail and some fried okra. Weird combination, but I’m a bougie country girl so it works.
This was some fabulous okra. I’ve only had better once before and that place is no longer in business. By this time, Hudson brought out more of their chicken tacos, so I tried two of those. Not sure if I was just hungry or excited, but I don’t remember much about them taste-​wise. I was able to share the okra with Jackie H, Tunica W, and the other Dee-​Dee. I’m still trying to understand how Dee-​Dee the vegetarian was able to order and eat pork sliders, but I think someone else says she described herself as a «bootleg vegetarian», so that does clear it up a little.
The champagne cocktail was good and cold, just the way I like them. I would like to say I’m going to visit Hudson before they close in the next 25 days, but its hard to say, but I wouldn’t turn down an opportunity for more of that okra if I was in the area.
I met two new Unilocalers and brought them into the DeeDee clique. Tunicia W. and Blaire B. Blaire, who I’m sure is going to request not to sit next to me at the next event (joking). I swear I must have been like a six year old, I was gasping, laughing and screaming yes throughout the entire performance. In addition, I had done some online research of the show, so of course I thought I knew everything.
TOTEM: Everyone loves a circus and this girl is no different. As we entered the Grand Chapeau, and took our seats, you could feel everyone excitement about being there. We had a side view of the show, but good seats all the same, and since I was sitting between Dee-​Dee and Blair, I had two ears to talk off.
My most favorite part of the show was the Lovebirds. I silently sobbed as they «told» their story. I swear I am sucker for love, but these two young people clad in nothing but yellow leotards and stretch pants story –spoke both to my heart and the part of me that wishes I had a more loving relationship in my life right now. My second favorite were the ladies clad in purple sparkly outfits that had more movement and motion in their legs and arms than I’ve ever been able to muster. They twirled those sparkly cloths in so many different ways, I could only sit there mouth agape and wonder, should I start squats tomorrow?
I had read online about the bathrooms, and no way was I going to pass us a well-​lit port-​a-​john that flushed. I don’t get to see that ever in my life, It was as described online, clean, well-​lit, tissue hung on a tissue roll inside and a place to hang my handbag.
The gift shop was pricey. My daughter asked me to bring her something. She was so bummed that I couldn’t bring a plus one. I ended up buying her a $ 3 ink pen. I just couldn’t bring myself to spend $ 40 on t-​shirts or $ 20 on reusable bags and I was afraid I would get sticker shock if I looked at the price tags on the scarves, but since none of them had the TOTEM emblem, I didn’t want them anyway.
Once again, Kathleen. GREAT JOB! Thank you!

This was a great event! Food at Hudson North was pretty nice, service staff very friendly and the owner kept walking around welcoming us and making sure we had eaten. Parking at Atlantic Station is never a problem, you will always find a spot, and the walk over to the big top was just 5 minutes. I have only watched a Cirque show at Vegas so was very interested to see how their performances are hosted under a temporary tent. From start to finish, this was one fun show. Every act was one up over the other. Got to meet some new friends as well so thank you Kathleen and Unilocal for a lovely evening!

Never having been to Hudson North or a Cirque du Soleil show, I’m anxious. I begin the evening fumbling around Atlantic Station with Hudson North failing to «pop up». So after eliciting the kind assistance of Audrey F. the two of us are soon noshing on the likes of pulled pork tacos, halibut seviche, tuna and quaffing Sweetwater 420 (at least I was). Named after my home town (the small city on the «Hudson», «North» of NYC) it should have been easier for me to locate. But I always did have trouble finding my way home.
I soon meet Jackie H and Dee Dee C, whom Jackie describes as the «world’s worst vegetarian.» A self described «bootleg vegetarian», Dee Dee goes for the pork belly slider, which was definitely not bootleg. Dressed with a mustard seed aioli, our expert bartender Mike explained that the aioli goes with everything. I’ll take mine in a shot glass.
En route to the show, I’m advised that Cirque will «blow my mind». While I would have preferred a different body part, I was not disappointed. Hey, Asian women on unicycles, you can’t go wrong there.
Once again, Kathleen came up with a show stopper. Thanks for a memorable evening!

I’m so glad I somehow made the list– lately I seem to RSVP just a smidge too late and only make it on the waiting list. Unilocal is too damn popular. It’s probably because Kathleen throws bad ass events like this and word has spread.
Let’s start with the bar… Big Eddy Baltic Porter was on tap and I am a complete dark beer slut so I had to get it. It was tasty, not the best porter I’ve had, but good for some slow sipping. The bartender, Mike, was a gem with a beard. The food at Hudson North was delicious. I will surely be back for some of that halibut ceviche and tuna tartar. It makes me sad to even think that this place will close up shop soon.
On to Tu-​tim, which is apparently the Quebecician way of pronouncing totem:
We walk in with our tickets and sit. Despite all being in the same cussing group, the annoying usher keeps asking Unilocalers to move in to their correct seats since «we» have to follow what the ticket says. We are all being seated in the same 3 rows mind you. It annoyed me that some Unilocalers didn’t just say «that’s OK, I can sit there [in the vacant seat]» instead of «move bitch, get out my seat». One delightful Unilocaler even went and took another Unilocalers seat after intermission because she wanted to sit in her ticketed seat. WTF!!! That’s enough on that.
The show itself was bizarre. This is my first Cirque du Soleil showing and I was quite pumped to see it. I’m not sure if I built that shit up to much or if they are all like that, but I left feeling let down. The show itself hopped all over the place from tree frogs hopping, to Native Americans with rings, to beefy men in bathing suits, to Asian woman on bikes, and on and on and on. There were Neanderthals, monkeys, crystal ladies, futuristic men, men in suits, a scientist, a random fisherman, a ski boat scene, and the most obnoxious stereotype of an Italian who kept mumbling and said Mama Mia constantly. All the cheesy comedic bits I could have done with out. I could have also used a bit more of a flowing story line. I’m not quite sure how all of the things I typed above are in any way related to Evolution of Man or why they left out other cultures. And really, why do women always have to be portrayed as meek and shy? I could go on and on, but I’ll spare you. To end on a positive note I will say that I enjoyed the amazing acrobatics, contortions, and all other things that I sure as hell can’t do.
Again thanks to Kathleen for throwing a wonderful event, thanks to Hudson North for the mouth watering bites, and thanks to Cirque du Soleil for the ticket… without which I would have never gotten to see two people get in to all kinds of crazy sexual positions while on roller skates. I hope Cirque doesn’t have a «don’t try this at home» policy.

This was my first ever Elite event. I know right, it’s the end of 2012. Trust me, if yall really knew me you’d know that I work like crazy so when I saw this was available on a Tuesday night, I RSVP’ed and prayed that I’d get picked. Imagine the happy dance I did when I got my confirmation email!
I had never been to Cirque du Soleil and I’d heard of Hudson North and knew it was a pop up restaurant so I was excited to be able to try their munchies before they departed. See my in depth reviews on Cirque and Hudson North on their respective pages.
I was nervous since I knew I didn’t know anyone and couldn’t bring a plus one. But that’s okay because it made me get out of my comfort zone. I met a lot of other nice Elites and I kept giggling at Kathleen being a psuedo hostess for the restaurant and couldn’t help but laugh when regular customers thought our tasting table was for them.
Cirque was nice, it was on my bucket list so now I can scratch it off.
Thanks Kathleen for an amazing event and I can’t wait for the holiday party next week!

I’m so, so glad I made it to this event. I don’t make it to official Unilocal events often, but when I do, I make it count. I fortunately got there while there was plenty of food. The standouts were definitely the ceviche & the steak. I also tried the champagne cocktail which was fantastic. Meg C. & I split the shrimp entrée & that was an excellent choice. I even ate lamb sausage! And enjoyed it!
Totem was mind blowing. I don’t go into Cirque shows expecting a plot, so I just sat there & was amazed. The doubles trapeze act was easily my favorite. I also loved the shiny disco ball man fi nothing else for the sparkle factor. The girls on unicycles were a close second. I feel like I didn’t absorb half of the show because I there was so much activity. Now that I have some concept of the mechanics of aerial work, I appreciated it even more. I’m temped to go back & see it again before they leave town.
Great event, Kathleen! And thanks Unilocal for the free food & show!

Best event ever. I have been wanting to go to Hudson North since they opened and was so excited when Kathleen paired a comped meal here with an amazing night at cirque. This dinner and a show date certainly impressed this girl. I’m in love, Unilocal.Really.
So on to the amazing businesses.
Hudson north. The tuna tartar and the halibut ceviche were deliciously fresh. The service was super friendly and the ambience incredibly inviting. Added to delish cocktail options, this place is a winner.
Cirque du soleil (totem) — oh circus of the sun. How do you do it every time? It’s not just the amazing stunts, but the creativity of it all. Sure, these performers are more athletic than olympians and risk their lives for our entertainment, but the production is also so… intelligent. How do you come up with this stuff? I mean glowy balls that change colors and look like they defy gravity? The scientist in me kept trying to figure out how they did everything. For anyone out there overwhelmed with work or stuck in a rut, go watch this show. You’ll realize the amazing things human beings can come up with.

This was such a good time. Delicious bites at Hudson North began the evening. I got a chance to hang with some OGs (what up V, D & D) and meet some new Unilocalers (Dru J and Tunicia). The food… yum. How about tuna tartar, halibut cerviche, pork belly sliders, ribeye, and chicken taco? Exactly.
Oh, Vanessa let me taste a fig that she ordered. I wanted to go ballistic. So good. Deidre let me taste some fried okra. Very good.
It was my first time seeing Cir and I was impressed. I really enjoyed the show. My favorite parts were the lovely ladies on the unicycles and the couple on skates that told me a love story via their liquid movements.
Anyway, that Kathleen delivered on a good time. She is the bomb and I wonder if she ever gets tired of hearing it. If so, she ought to quit being a ¹⁰⁄₁₀. Thankee for a fabulous evening!

FAB and Extravagant.
Hudson North is a delightful pop-​up. We had perfect weather for their patio. I upgraded to a gin cocktail and quite enjoyed sipping it alfresco. Good match for the halibut ceviche.
Cirque du Soleil never disappoints. This version was more breathtaking spectacle than magical reverie, and a bit all over the place with the stereotypes and apes. Between the sparkling disco ball man, delicious abs, rollerskates and unicycles, and swirling lights, my head is spinning and I will be sure to dream in color tonight.
Drinking beer right before a two hour spectacle made the intermission quite appealing.
Cheers~

Great event from start to finish! Of all the Unilocal Elite events I’ve been to, this one ranks pretty high!
Hudson North provided us with some really delicious eats. I’m glad I ran into Annie L. before filling up my plate with food, because she told me the ceviche was not to be missed, and she was so right! DELISH! Now I know I have to go back to Hudson North before they’re gone (26 days and counting!) for the fig snacks and creamed corn. Angela M gave me the mom’s seal of approval on that being a perfectly wholesome dinner.
Audrey F. gave us the heads up about the bathroom situation over at Cirque, so we all made sure to hit the bathroom at Hudson North before the walk. And thus began the Epic Wo-​Men Corner Debacle of 2012. I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who was confused about the proper restroom usage, and we could all have a good laugh about that one.
Over at Totem, we got to see some amazing acts! I loved the guys in black & red holding and balancing on the sticks… the laws of physics were blowing my mind. I also loved the girls with sparkly cloths (what a workout!), the ladies on the unicycles, and the scientist who juggled flashing balls in the funnel. Really incredible. And while the roller skating act was fairly death defying, I couldn’t stop myself from giggling through the entire thing as I witnessed a super manly-​man don a stage in white roller skates… I just can’t get into that. ANYWAY– As is true for me in all cirque shows, I could NOT follow the story line at all… but it didn’t matter, since I was mystified anyway.
On a side note, major props for cirque serving mixed drinks in LARGE cups. It helped soften the blow of my $ 11 vodka tonic.
After the show, we all wandered back to the parking garage. Although I was confident that I’d have no problem getting back to my car, it’s a little different trying to figure it out in the lot, with the maze of colors and numbers. Thanks Jerry T for helping me find my Mazda! I may actually have to download Atlantic Station’s parking spot app (
)
One thing I loved about this event is that it was Elites Only! I know this was due to limited space and some people were sad not to have their +1s. But it’s a lot harder to mix and mingle with fellow Unilocalers when everyone is hanging out with their friends they brought. Also, I don’t feel as bad obsessing over checking in on Unilocal and spending 20 minutes trying to figure out how to add someone as my friend on Unilocal from the App. Haha. Can’t wait for next week!

Because I called myself trying to beat traffic, and arrived late, I was not able to join in on the bountiful food Vanessa T. & Jackie H. said Hudson North served. However I did order pork belly sliders, and the other Dee Dee (Deidre R.) was gracious enough to share her fried okra with me.
Honey when I tell you that okra made not one good cotton picking sense, believe me. It was ridiculous, but in a great way. My pork belly sliders were okay, but I think because my blood sugar and hunger was on homicidal, that I wasn’t given the opportunity to really savor the flavor of them. It was a straight plate to mouth situation.
As far as TOTEM, it was very good. The storyline seemed a little incohesive, and I’m still kinda confused with where they were going (even after I did some research on the show’s theme). I mean there were monkeys, scientists, water skiers, and snow queens. However, the Puerto Ricans being passed off as Native Americans more than made up for it. I also loved the Asian women on the unicycles, and I absolutely positively need someone to buy me the blinged out stretch velvet leotard. I’m saying, everyone should look like a walking disco ball at least once in their life. But totally in the, «I’m rich, very rich» way.
Kathleen always throws great Unilocal events, but providing the opportunity to experience a pop up restaurant and going to see a Cirque du Soleil show (all courtesy of Unilocal) gets no better!

Wowowowowow I think I might save writing this for later and sit in a dark room for a bit.
I came to Atlantic Station early to study for an exam I have Thursday for a bit before the event since it was sooo nice out, but walking around trying *not* to go in too early to Hudson North did not work out so well. Those extra ten minutes, totally worth it though.
I tried the pork belly sliders, the vegetable quesadillas, and chicken tacos. Everything was so good!
Bartender, I feel like I can remember his name but I don’t want to be wrong so I will just say I LOVE YOU. I’m sitting there and suddenly a shot of something is placed in front of me. And so we did shots for good luck on my exams coming up. I think the plan was to get me wasted before them but a) I don’t think Totem would have been very fun that way and b) yeah getting home. But that shot was DELICIOUS and like fresh, sweet citrus and not even like alcohol. Also the Sweetwater 420s were tasty as always.
And then it was time to go to see Totem! I was so excited. I’ve never seen a Cirque du Soleil show, and I went into this knowing nothing. I’ll probably say more in a legit review when I’ve also had time to figure out what is going on in this no flashy fancy lighting room of mine. Every single performer was absolutely amazing. I think my favorites were the beach guys, because they reminded me of Ryan Lochte.
AND THE ROLLER SKATING! I have a friend who was actually asked by Cirque to join a show in Canada, and I showed him just the picture on the website of the skaters, and he’s like, what is even going on there. That was freakin amazing. I feel like they just need to call all their shows «Cirque du Soleil Presents ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS???»
I think I will come back to Hudson North before the party next week and take a different mode of transportation because I paid a lovely $ 14 for parking there 7 ½ hours… so yeah, I’m in awe of the amazing acts I just watched AND the assault on my wallet it is to park at Atlantic Station. (I guess I was too early for that $ 10 parking, booooo hiss) And now that I know what really goes on underneath that giant tent, I want to come to the next one Cirque has here in Atlanta!
This was awesome! Thank you everyone involved, especially you, Kathleen!

Tonight was surely a night to remember. I met soooo many new people that I wouldn’t normally have if it weren’t for this event, while noshing on yummy foods (ahi tuna and ceviche I’m looking at you!) AND downing the Sweetwater 420s (cheers!).
The service was very friendly at Hudson North. Without even asking, they refilled our water pitcher in the middle. Nice!
Shortly after we got to see TOTEM!!! I think Mr. Sparkly Blue Brief Pants and the Asian ladies were my favorite acts. I also liked the rollerskating act, but nearly had a heart attack when the male skater was swinging the female skater by the neck. Yikes!
As always, this was an absolutely WONDERFUL event. Thank you to our empress Kathleen, Hudson North, and Unilocal!!!
# UnilocalPRIDE
# UnilocalELITE
#IHEARTYELP