Night of the Living Art Elite Event @ Beatnik Studios

This was seriously one of the funnest elite events yet, if not the best. The venue was AMAZING! Lots of beautiful and strange art on the walls to gaze at, a henna tattoo artist, a graffiti artist and delicious drinks, apps and desserts! Everyone who attended looked great, dressed up or not. I was surprised to see that Elif did not go all out with a great costume as usual, but still looked awesome as always! Olivia L. did a great job as always arranging this party. And Katee R. did another awesome job as bartender, keeping the drinks flowing with Schmirnoff vodka mixed with strawberry Odwalla and fresh mint, then later with lemonade and watermelon. And thanks to Debbie P for helping with the caps on the cider!
The food was A-​MAZ-​ING! Finally, chefs who were prepared that did not run out of food and seemed to match the theme. I am pretty sure everyone got to eat/​taste at this one, a first for the Elite events.
David Boswell from Bella Bru in Carmichael did an excellent job planning and preparing the menu for this art party with: braised oxtail in phyllo cups, roasted Duroc pork belly with southern slaw on fresh baked and house made squaw bread, hand/​house made duck polpetini (mini meatballs) with tuscan white beans, and the strawberry and mint/​basil salad in Belgian endive. I came when I tried the oxtail.
Bella Bru’s owner Mike and catering chef Girlie De laCruz were there to lend a hand in food production as well and did so never showing a sign of stress. I loved that we could see the food being made and talk to the chefs. And did anyone notice the plates that were there for serving yourself? They had the silverware attached! How fun!
But one man actually asked Mike if they had «.any simple food?» What!!! You idiot! This food was good and for your lame ass, McDonalds is just up the street. How rude for a free event where everyone who made it happen donated their time and money! People, please consider who your «plus one’s» are!
As for the desserts from Freeport Bakery? Who else fell in love with the chocolate cake with the salted caramel on top? Or the mini fruit tarts, lemon curd tarts, carrot cake or coconut cake? I was truly stoked to meet the owner, (Margot on Unilocal) and would love to take a trip to that bakery very soon. And great job to her helpers for helping pass trays of desserts too.
Wes was there as usual taking excellent photos, and creating memories. Amy was great and creative with her grafitti art. Too bad the announced body painter and model decided not to show at the last minute. Shame on them. The DJ spun some great beats and the three piece band near the end was an excellent surprise!!!
I loved meeting the fresh and new elites, as well as seeing the old ones! I can’t wait to eat dinner at Bella Bru! A UYE will be planned soon to take a trip there for dinner, so those of you who never venture off the grid or only know of this place for breakfast, can finally try it’s new menu. Look for the event posting.

Another Unilocal Elite event, another excuse for irresponsible midweek drinking
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A cool collision of art and local food flair came together for our Unilocalin’ pleasure Thursday Night at thurr yonder Beatnik Studios. The scene of the crime was funky and Unilocalers were looking lovely… it was a cool party vibe. So tasty looking was the Bella Bru grub I almost went savage 15 minutes after a hearty dinner.
Thankfully, I went with Johnna B who guilt tripped me into acting like a human. When she gives you that look you stop and re-​evaluate your behavior. Johnna B is totally natural mom elite status.
Speaking of Bs, it was cool to shoot the breeze and take ridiculous pics with Stacy B (and her +1), one of my fave reviewers! There are other Bs I am going to forget, I’ll stop naming names.
I had fun at the event and love the crazy pics jogging my memory after the Katee pours (Not to mention the after party!!). So to all old skool pre-​official Sac event crowd and newbie Elites, high five everyone! This one was crackin’. See ya next time.

Another memorable Elite Unilocal event! Always fun! Always unique! My boyfriend, Joe K, his daughter Sasha C and I, all had a great time! We enjoyed mingling with our fellow Unilocalers, who are the nicest people you’ll ever meet… old friends and new!
Leave it to Ambassador Olivia, bartenders Katee R. and Debbie P. to keep things running smooth, organized and lively!
There were lots of interesting things to do, like eating specialty foods and drinks of course! We could get a free henna tatoo by talented artist Renu of «Henna Designs», talk to the great staff representing «Bella Bru» and «Freeport Bakery» who created some delicious snacks. Alvie from «Cosmic Family», DJ’d some music and then a band also performed for our listening pleasure. A photographer from «Beatnik Studios» (who’s name I didn’t get), took pictures in front of a hand painted « Unilocal» background. He was very nice and had a great smile! He seemed to be enjoying himself too! There was artwork to view and plenty of room to roam around or dance if you so desired.
It was never a dull moment! There was a lot more going on that I probably missed out on, but I can only do so much partying anymore!
Another Unilocal event well done!

Best believe I left Beatnik Studios feelin tipsy! How can you not with such great alcohol and company?! Unilocal never fails to impress, whether it be in San Diego, Los Angeles, or SACRAMENTO, where I grew up.
This event was a smaller, intimate event compared to ones I’ve been to before. This made it much easier to mingle and the lines weren’t incredibly long so we had a lot of time to check out the venue AND get our grub on.
First of all, the food was amazing! My faves were the pork belly and the pulled pork. They literally melted in my mouth! Good job Bella Bru, I’ll be checking out your restaurant with the boyfriend because he LOVES pork belly. Another shout out to FREEPORT BAKERY for the finest desserts ever!!! I’ve had Freeport Bakery bookmarked for the longest time but never had the chance to try it. I have definitely been missing out! I can honestly say they provided the best fruit tart I’ve ever had! The carrot cake and the chocolate with caramel bits cake was amazing as well. Not too heavy, not too sweet, so scrumptious! Everything literally made my eyes widen at the first bite.
The choices for alcohol were cocktail and cider. Cocktails were made with Smirnoff Vodka (which I utterly despise) and Odwalla juice. It was actually pretty good, I’m a fan of Odwalla now. However, my faves were the ciders! Apple and blueberry, both tasted DELISH. Didn’t even taste like there was any alcohol, which was probably why I felt a bit more buzzed than I had hoped to at the end.
The venue and art was so gorgeous! The Unilocal backdrop was a great addition to the event, I can’t wait to see the pictures! Thank you thank you thank you, Olivia for putting on a great event! I’m sad I didn’t get to introduce myself! Hopefully, we’ll have many more opportunities to meet in the future!

Free food, drinks, henna tattoos, photobooth, lunch box… what’s not to like?
Best thing was to see everyone from the old 2008 UYE crew!

EXTREMELY IMPRESSED! As a newbie, I must say, this was all I had been talking about for a week straight, and it lived up to every one of my expectations… GREAT people, GREAT food and a GREAT time… I sort of sound like Tony the Tiger, but oh well «IT WAS GRRRRRREAT»
mmmm…Bella Bru, how I loved your food, ox tail, duck (my favorite!), and pork belly… indulge me why don’t you. Delicious.
Plus, FREEPORT! I’m not the biggest fan of dessert, I’d rather take the appetizers in life, however, the lemon tart and salted chocolate cake were to die for!
I definitely will look out for the photos!
THANKS OLIVIA!!! Awesome job, awesome!

Oh yeah, hippies with berets, this was a fun one! I got there a little early donning my ‘beatnik’ gear (a red beret, striped sweater, flats) & was greeted by delicious bites from Bella Bru & sinful treats from Freeport Bakery! YUMMMMMMMM! Pork belly bruscetta, who doesn’t love that?
Beatnik Studios: What an awesome space! So roomy & the flow in there is amazing! Thanks for letting us some play:)
The music was wonderful, a nice mix. We definitely wanted to dance because I was digging the beats but I’m blaming my wool beret for making me too hot to cut a rug. Also, great spray art for the backdrop! The drinks were being skillfully poured & everyone looked like they had an excellent time! Oh, & I can’t forget the henna! Fun designs that were skillfully done!
I can’t wait for the next one!

Unilocal understands the Art of a Party.
Is my body a blank canvas? Do stretch marks from being an obese child and scars from many wild encounters count? Perhaps not, …but Renu Lal from Henna Designs guided me through a traditional path of enlightenment.
My «third eye» gave me clarity, …as well as something to excuse myself with during this morning’s business meeting. Trying to explain my new found appreciation for Hindu and Sikh beliefs and willingness to be «inspired» was a great way to break the ice and close the deal!
Beatnik Studios was truly ideal for the event. The unique, contemporary, and open layout of the studio not only accentuated Michael Rosner’s masterpieces, but was also an adequate place setting for our other hosts. Cosmic and Pops kept the ambiance lively, while Amy provided much eye candy for the masses to enjoy in the upper levels (feel free to take this the wrong way).
Bella Bru did an excellent job keeping up the pace and making sure the vignettes did not run dry. The lightly spiced but very savory pork was a hit. It’s firm squaw bread base complimented the texture of the slow roasted pork. Freeport Bakery sweetened our palates with chocolate/​caramel, coconut, and carrot cakes, as well as a delectable fruit tart.
Katy R bids us farewell like no other Unilocaler can. Her Van Gogh masterpieces kept us refreshed, and her presence in past and future events will truly be missed. Special thanks as well to Debbi P and Olivia for keeping the Woodchucks and Crystals flowing while managing crowd control.
It is always great meeting new Unilocalers and catching up with the regulars. I also discovered I had an evil twin named Skyler. Quite a handsome fellow if I do say so myself… (call me!!!)

Unilocal Elite-​you rock! This was a fabulous party. I loved the gallery. Who knew it was next to the bait & tackle shop that I frequent!!! It’s a beautiful space, great place to have an event. Cool art. Food was yummy and plentiful. Cocktails were strong (thanks Katee and Debbie!) Ciders were refreshing. Grafitti artist was bad-​ass & sprayed a funky Unilocal photo backdrop. Hung out with Stacie B and her +1. Great company. I always look forward to the swag. Lunchbox is too kool for skool! Olivia is the hostess with the mostess as usual.
Damn, Elite life is good.