Preppy With a Capital P Elite Event

I’m so behind on this review! (embarrassed)
+ great, amazing venue
+ Kind bars for everyone, so nice!
+ hendricks gin and playing cards — i use those all the time ;)
+ First time i’ve ever had legit scotch! 12, 15, and 18 year tastings. yum
+ Honestea always quenches my thirst
+ That chocolate company was amazing. It’s a good thing they are small pieces, I would have gained 1000 lbs this night.

What a lovely event! I had always wanted to check out Villa Montalvo, and what better way than through Unilocal!
There was plenty of food and drink, alcoholic and non-​alcoholic of course. The ZICO coconut water was refreshing, so was the Honest Tea, and Magner’s pear cider was delicious! I liked that they had quite a variety of scotch, gin, and lillets of rose and white. I felt like quite the alcoholic! Patxi’s pizza filled us up, and Hobee’s provided a light salad and of course their delicious coffee cake. It was great mingling with other Unilocalers, everyone was looking so sharp. My +1 and I were able to get a few games of badminton in too. The way Abby and gang placed all the vendors was great too! It was nice being able to spread out at the villa and explore all the nooks and crannies.
Last but not least… I loved the guac and salsa contest. It’s just too bad there wasn’t more guac to eat! That was definitely one of the more fun and interactive Unilocal events I’ve been to. Thanks, Abby, et al!

This was my first Unilocal event, & boy was it one to remember.
At first I was worried my GPS was taking me the wrong way as I was going through residentials & hills, but then I was in awe when I saw the Montalvo Arts Center in front of me as I drove past to find parking.
The scenery was absolutely beautiful, lush, and green; it fit perfectly with the theme. The weather was perfect in my opinion, the refreshments complimented it perfectly! I’ve always been a fan of Honestea and stayed true to this day. It’s fruity and refreshing as always. The Tonic & Gin was great too. It was my first time trying that, but definitely not my last. I felt that every sip got sweeter and more refreshing! Am I right? Or was that just my taste buds being wacky? The wine was delicious too, I felt like I was taking a trip back to Napa.
It was interesting to try all the different guac & salsa everyone made, but it went by FAST! By the time I got to the table I was only able to taste the little there was left, and I could see why. Next time, I think I’ll try and engage in some friendly competition (:
The food was great too, but that’s not a surprise, since it is a Unilocal event after all! I had the cheese pizza, and it was some of the best cheese pizza I’ve had in my life! I’m gonna be sure to visit Paxti’s next time I’m in the area. It was cooked to perfection with just the right amount of cheese and sauce which overall balanced each other out, so no wonder there was such an enormous line!
This event was truly one of a kind amazing and I can’t wait see what the others will be like! (:

WHOA WHOA WHOA. This Unilocal Elite Event sure had a lot of elegance and sophistication! This has to be the classiest YEE I’ve ever attended!
Why, you ask!!!
1. CLASSY VENUE!
Montalvo Arts Center is freakin’ gorgeous! As we drove through the hills I was like, DAYYUMMM… this is hecka nice! Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains is this pretty damn swanky Mediterranean mansion with beautiful lush landscaping. I want to get married again so I can have the wedding here! Okay, that might not happen, so I’ll just look out for an upcoming concert, play, or other event here.
2. CLASSY THEME!
«Preppy with a capital P,» people were preppin’ it up with their polka dots, plaids, and popped collars! I felt like I was at a JCrew model shoot at the Hampton’s. My hubby and I were so preppy with our outfits people were checkin’ us out. I bet they wanted to say, «Look at that preppy couple! They are hella preppin’!»
3. CLASSY MUSIC!
It was a pleasure hearing the barbershop quartet’s melodious singing while I was chatting with my peeps. I felt like I was at a garden party in 1900.
4. CLASSY DRINKS!
Glenfiddich Scotch, Hendricks Gin, Lillet Blanc wines were very generous with their pours all night! I don’t know why people were complaining about the heat, Magner’s Hard Cider kept me cool and hydrated.
5. CLASSY FOOD!
Patxi’s pizza gave me a good slice of their delicious spinach pizza that satisfied my belly. But then I didn’t want to miss out on the other food. The pepperoni pizza was also excellent! My eyes lit up when I saw Saratoga Chocolates! They let me taste so many chocolates I don’t even remember what I had. All I know is that those chocolates were melt-​in-​your mouth goodness, especially the one with an almond and the one with a raspberry flavor! There were also lots of yummy guacamole and salsa from fellow Unilocalers who competed in the «Guac Off». Every one was a winner to me! I got a colorful snow cone too.
6. CLASSY PEEPS!
Mingling is what Unilocal events are all about! It’s always fun to chat with Christopher C, Kevyne R, Max F, Jason O, Linda, Albert L. Gotta give props to Bobby L. for carrying his tennis racket around all night! It was great to meet so many Unilocalers like Sopheak, Christine, and Ai and some other people I chatted with but don’t remember the names cuz the aged scotch made some things kinda blurry. I still have yet to meet my other Unilocal peeps, I will find you at the next event… just don’t hide your name tags, *ahem* Denise L!
7. CLASSY ORGANIZERS!
Yes, Abby S. is the brain behind this event. Abby and the other Unilocal crew did an excellent job keeping the party running so everybody could have a good time. One more great Unilocal event!
Thank you, Abby and the Unilocal crew! I had a marvelous time!

The Montalvo Art Center was the perfect place to hold a preppy themed event. Me and my boyfriend were super excited to be dressing up in preppy attire. Parking was easy because there were so many lots and although we arrived a bit late, there was still space for us.
The first thing we did was check in and get our cute Unilocal nametags. As we walked inside we grabbed some of the Kind brand nut and chocolate bars (which were super delicious, the dark chocolate and sea salt was my favorite) and then walked over to the pizza station from Paxti. We got a huge slice of cheese pizza each and then proceeded to try some of the homemade guac and salsa. Every concoction made was super good.
We starting walking around eating our food and tried some of the white wine from Lillet Blanc and some of the Glenfiddich Scotch that had complimentary Unilocal shot glasses which were my favorite thing to bring home. We tried the Magner cider also which was delicious, and the Unilocal bottle opener was super cute to match. Because it was so hot, it was so nice to eat the snow cone that was being offered at the front as well.
My boyfriend loved the Zico coconut water and I thought the Honest tea in blueberry and pomegranate was super tasty as well. The chocolate from Saratoga chocolate was amazing as well, I loved how they separated the dark from milk chocolate (dark is my favorite)
All in all, an amazing Unilocal event, and a super good first Unilocal elite experience for me! Thanks so much Abby for putting it all together :)

Unilocal, Thank you for giving me and my friend an opportunity to dress up. First Unilocal event ever and I felt like a G. Strolling up in the heels and «pearls» that I never wear, I felt extra lady like entering Montalvo. With the hot weather and gorgeous outdoors and beautiful interior, I could call this place home. Stopped at most of the food stations, and also had a honestea and gin. I don’t normally drink often but that gin was pretty good and not too dry. Thank you for those who entered the guac off. it was yummy!
After the meal on the couches inside and a drink, of course I had to stop and «show off» my skills in badminton. Couldn’t resist frolicking around on the grass with my bare feet. Oh yes, this could definitely be home.
One thing I did wish was to meet more people. I got a chance to talk with a couple but I wish I wasn’t so shy to introduce myself. Please say hi next time around! Hope to come to more of these!

My favorite elite event so far (mind you, I’ve only been to a few).
The venue was gorgeous! Definitely fit the preppy theme — my +1 and I felt like bourgeois country club folks. Parking was plentiful. The guac/​salsa off was wonderful! Who would’ve though so many Unilocalers were such great cooks — given you gotta eat out to write this many reviews! The drinks were awesome — I loved the gin, less of a scotch fan, and cider is always welcome in my belly! Lastly, did I mention the free schwag! I love my new Unilocal shot glass and the awesome Unilocal sunglasses!

Montalvo Art Center has serious class. My boyfriend and I arrived 30 minutes early because of my zealous efforts to avoid traffic. After passing many villas on our way up, we finally got to the crème de la crème villa on the top. Easy parking and decided to wonder about and saw awesome art in nature, gardens, lizards, and a baby rabbit! Fun pre-​lude wondering before the event that got us hungry for the food and festivities!
Like many people mentioned, it was FREAKING hot. First thing I hit was awesome Nique making refreshing snowcones for the sweaty masses. Perfect. Delicious homemade guac and salsa. My favorite was the one with kiwi&mango (?). Salad from Hobee and Pesto pizza from Patxi was a perfect combo. We grabbed some bars for KIND bars for later, which we ate on a white water rafting trip the next day and it was DELICIOUS. I especially liked the one with chocolate and sea salt.
Headed over for some DRANKS. I had one shot of the Glenfiddich Scotch (I love the free Unilocal shot glasses), which was a pretty potent shot for a sugary cocktail girl like myself. Got some french wine at Lillet Blanc and playing cards from Hendricks. Got a bottle of honest tea for some chaser and Zico Coconut water to keep hydrated.
For dessert, I basically had a chocolate tasting at the Saratoga Chocolate booth because she asked if I wanted to try all of them and as a recovering chocolate addict, I couldn’t refuse. The raspberry one was my favorite! Went back for 3 more… don’t judge me.
Engaged in some classy badminton playing barefoot & in a dress, which was personally a highlight for me because I LOVE badminton adequately dressed or no. Wondering around the venue was really awesome. We found theater seats to eat on at the art center and saw some performance art of a lady gardening on the apex of a tent. The quartet was perfect and I loved all of their songs. I never found the booth for the mani’s, but that’s life! Everyone looked awesome and prepped out. I didn’t get to thank Abby in person, but this was such a lovely event! I can’t wait for more SBay Unilocal events. :)

Thank God I did not miss out on this event. To be honest, I was exhausted from work and nearly bailed on my partner-​in-​crime but she was so looking forward to this event, that I could not let her down.
The drive to the event was peaceful with plenty of pretty scenery to take in. The venue itself is where a former colleague got married and it was just absolutely beautiful.
I didn’t sample any food as I was too full but the beverages were excellent. The Zico and Honest Tea bottles kept me hydrated and I took a sip of some delicious French wine there (forgot the name).
Loved the mints and the badminton court. Abby and her team did a kick ass job! Well done!

The Preppy With a Capital P Elite Event was hot in more ways than one!
Let me name the ways:
1. Weather. Hot hot hot.
2. Unilocalers. Awesome attire! You guys definitely brought the Prep in preppy!
3. Location. So lush, historic, and beautiful! This was the perfect location for a preppy themed event.
4. Food & Drinks. As always, the best of the best sponsors graced us with their yummies. My favorites were Patxi’s Pizza, KIND Snacks, Magner’s Cider, Hendricks Gin, Honest Tea and Zico. The snowcones were AMAZING considering how hot it was.
5. Homemade Guac & Salsa Contest. I was so impressed with all the guacs! My favorite was the one with the mango pieces. I voted for it, but unfortunately the maker didn’t register! :(I brought the spicy bean salsa — didn’t get many votes, but I hope everyone enjoyed it!
6. Schwag. Who doesn’t love schwag?!
Great event, thanks to all the CMs! You guys are the best!

This was probably one of the fanciest Unilocal Elite venues that I’ve ever attended! Just driving through the single lane road into the estate was amazing. Picturesque trees and nature of the Saratoga Hills scattered all around and nestled in the middle was a beautiful villa and concert venue. No wonder this place is a hot wedding venue every year… even the Bachelor was filmed here a few years ago when it was that pilot guy Jake who was the man.
Although it was a very warm evening, flies swarming everywhere due to a lack of a breeze of any kind, every swanky dressed Unilocal Elite and their +1’s were hanging in there and staying cool with Hendricks and Wagner’s alcoholic drinks in one hand and Honest Tea and Zico drinks for the non booze inclined. Personally, I went for the Zico and Honest Tea because I was dehydrating like mad in the heat. The food and desserts provided by Hobee’s, Patxi’s, and Saratoga Chocolates were first-​rate. I missed out on the Kind snacks and the manicures… nuts! The quartet fooled me when I first arrived to register… I swore that I thought it was a recording but then I looked up and saw that they were real people! Their performance was pleasant and very appropriate to rural Villa Montalvo surroundings.
Congrats to Emmalouise for winning the salsa/​guac competition! Enjoy the beer festival! I had my guac in the contest and the night before, I was boosting to my Unilocal friend Sopheak that I was going to school his guac and win those beer fest tickets. Well, karma came around and smacked me right in the face! This is what happens to smack talkers who can’t back up their words! Sigh… at least my guac and most of the other entries were all polished off… there were still a mountain of chip bags left over too!
Thank you to our fabulous Unilocal peeps: fab Abby as always, Nique our equally fab East Bay CM who handled the shaved ice like a pro, and Jessica and Jason for helping with registration. Special thanks to the Villa Montalvo group for hosting, all food and drink businesses who came to feed and provide us beverages, and to the quartet for the musical accompaniment.

This event was made for me. You know why? Because my name starts with a capital P. Ya-​yuh!
[Lame] Jokes aside, this was a beautifully planned event! Villa Montalvo is an amazing place, with gorgeously maintained landscape and ultra-​classy structures… which brings back this memory of mine when my ex-​boyfriend and I came hiking here once and he planned a very sweet picnic for us and we ate it in the garden. Oh my gosh I am going to cry… Psych!
In all seriousness, Villa Montalvo is super artsy, with various concerts and shows in their outdoor garden theatre, and I was told that they also have this arts program. Gotta go online to check them out!
I’ve never actually been INSIDE the building, but wow, fancy! VM opened up for us and allowed us to enjoy our deliciously prepared pizza, salad, tons of guac and salsa inside their little courtyard (and also in the building). Awesome!
Patxi’s was serving generous amount of pizza — seriously, I thought I was going to get a tiny litle square, but no, it was a full size (maybe even a little larger) delicious monstrosity. I got the spinach pizza and it was to die for. CHEESE GALORE! The crust was yummy and different, did they use corn flour? Regardless, yummy in my tummy!
I really enjoyed Hobee’s salad, too! Loved the dried fruits and nuts I found, and their pastries were yummy, too. I’m a carb fiend!
KIND snacks, well, what can I say, they are super KIND! I’ve been a fan of theirs, but I’ve always found the KIND bars slightly on the pricier side compare to my usual Luna bar. BUT, these guys were very generous in letting me have two of each kind of bars, and hello, that’s very KIND! And of course their crunchy bars were the perfect dessert…
Until I saw the Saratoga Chocolates! OMG OMG OMG, heart shaped everything! I really liked their sea salt dark chocolate, and the raspberry truffles were very good too, and none of them were too sweet (translation: I did not have to chase my chocolate with gulps of my Zico coconut water), so it was a perfect dessert! And, they were super sweet (har har) too in letting me have one of everything so I could try them out. HEART!
Moving on to alcohol, wow, I was amazed that Glenfiddich was letting us taste the 18. According to Lorrie M., that thing is fancy! We also got to keep our Unilocal shot glasses… party up, Unilocalers!
The Hendricks girls were so cute, the gin was light and refreshing with a slice of cucumber, but they also suggested that we mix the pomegranate-​blueberry Honest Tea with the gin, and it created this really fruity and light summer cocktail that I couldn’t stop gulping down because it was so hot outside!
The idea of guac/​salsa contest was very fun, I think people really bonded over their choice of salsa, and even defended for their favorite ones. That pineapple one, whoever made it, AWESOME POINTS!
Again, another event well done, Abby, Unilocal,Villa Montalvo and all the vendors. Thank you guys so much for sending this preppy girl home with a big smile on her face at the end of the night :)

Preppy, good feel Elite event by Amazing Abby and Notorious Nique, the two busy Unilocal bees.
I found out that although I’ve been in this neighborhood plenty of times I never had an idea that this beautiful Montalvo Arts Center even existed. Now I’m honored I was introduced to it and glad I came.
Montalvo Arts Center was a genius idea for Preppy event. It fitted just right. Main building hugged by courtyard and a patio overlooking the beautiful landscaping of Villa Montalvo.
We were greeted by Nique’s shaved ice that helped everyone cool off from the blazing hot weather, then Abby pointing to where everything is located and where to begin.
Hobee’s had taken the corner spot by the balcony, the pizza by Patxi’s
right next to it and then The chips and salsa table with good tasting quacamole and salsa, Saratoga chocolate, Zico Coconut Water, crisp and tasty Magner’s Cider
, everyones favorite Glenfiddich 18 Scotch
and my personal fave Hendricks Gin
.
I bet everyone wished the event would last longer. It really did feel like you would come here and stay for a day. Sports was available in the upper level backyard where you could play Badminton and get your sweat on if you didn’t feel the heat.
A lovely place with preppy Unilocal peeps enjoying the evening, that is just what everybody needed.
Note to self: never leave your shades on the table to mark your territory. Especially when Unilocal shades are available. Lol.

As I spoke with Abby, suddenly out of the corner of my eye a person on top of a tent moved and I almost jumped out of my skin!
This was the scene at Preppy with a capital P Unilocal Elite event where there was food a plenty, drinks a plenty and strange fascinating art to be seen all throughout. Props to Abby for an amazing location for a beautiful party where guests tasted not only Patxi’s deliciously cheesy and fulfilling pizzas, but also ZICO coconut water (my favorite!), Honest Tea and Magner’s ciders which I have never had before.
Glenfiddich was one of my favorite stations as I am a huge fan of aged scotch and thoroughly enjoyed the tastings of the coveted 18 year. KIND Snacks were also kind enough to release two of their newest flavors to Unilocal Elites and the Vanilla was EXTRA tasty!
I also enjoyed the snow cones thanks to Jason O. and the whole event was wonderfully put together. The only gripe was that it was extremely, extremely warm but the delicious guac off more than made up for it. The mango guac was rockin’!

I’m not going to lie, this was my first Unilocal elite event and it rocked. So much free food and such a nice venue. Villa Montalvo is gorgeous and everyone was all nicely prepped up. Except some people (you know who you are, but it’s okay, I forgive you). Also everyone was so nice and friendly. Unilocal elites are the best.
Please have another party like this soon. And hopefully the event will be a lot longer than 2 hours…

If you didn’t rsvp for this event, you missed out on one heck of a party!
Everyone was pretty preppy and donned their best polos and plaid. The drive to Montalvo Art Center was beautiful! I was very excited about coming here from the beginning. Reaching to the art center, there is a giant field and most gorgeous building. After checking in my fellow preppies and I got a shaved ice snow cone and walked around. Our first stop was Paxti’s Pizza! Man, do I love their pizza! I got a slice of the spinach and it was a whole slice! Not a small portion like the other events.
Even though there was no photo booth, I was easily amused by the other things surrounding the building. Outside, I had some Pear Cider which was YUM! Some sampling of the scotch, not my choice of drink really… but I got a cool shot glass to keep :)
Honest Tea and Zico always keep me hydrated after a few drinks.
The photographer was really sweet, Kathleen N. and our +1’s got a great jumping in the air picture. Can’t wait to see that!
Walking around, we ended upstairs somewhere outside and played badminton. We lost track of time and it was already 9 O’clock!
I’m so glad I was able to attend this event because it was the best one I’ve been to yet! All aside to the bloody heat! It was so hot… Luckily we had nifty little Unilocal fans to cool us down. Aside to that, I had THE BEST TIME! Thanks Abby!
One thing I was disappointed about was that my friend forgot to check in her amazingly good guacamole and didn’t get a number… she had a lot of pins voted for her too…

Montalvo Arts Center is so gorgeous! Perfect wedding venue, or perfect for photoshoots! I couldn’t stop gushing to my sister (my plus one!) how pretty it is! Getting there was all sorts of fun because there are signs with sayings on them, and because of all the twists and turns, it felt like I was driving down the rabbit hole… path thingey.
First stop: chip drop off. And then sampling salsa. YUMS! A spread of salsas and guac, with tons of unopened bags of chips. The first salsa I sampled was on FIRE. Loved it.
Right next to the salsa table: Paxti’s. I am in love with their deep dish pizza, but I have never tried the thin crust. I liked the spinach pesto a lot. Loads of hot, melted cheese, pesto, and spinach and sauce! Their thin crust was a little hard though. It’s definitely not thin like New York style pizza. Old man (Ben?) was very friendly!
Hobbes: COOKIE! COOKIE! I felt like cookie monster. What a delicious, soft, and chewy chocolate chip cookie.
Zico: Always one of my first stops. I can’t get enough of that coconut water! So refreshing!
Saratoga Chocolates: I’m so sorry, I couldn’t help myself with your caramels. So soft, chewy, buttery… They’re addicting!
Glenfiddich: really awesome and informative spokesperson poured us a flight! She talked us through the tastings, which really helped us distinguish one scotch from another. While I’m not a big scotch drinker myself, she did help me appreciate scotch!
Hendricks: SUCH CUTE OUTFITS! Gin and tonic was so refreshing and light! My sister got the linnet, so I had a taste of hers and it tasted like grape juice. Linnet is an after dinner wine, right? Seems appropriate!
Honest Tea: I never tried their teas before. Now I will. Slurp! I can see why people like this brand so much. You don’t get an overwhelming drink: it’s more subtle and delicious and something that you can drink large quantities of. Like the coconut water.
Kind: Super friendly dudes. Very informative and funny about their product. I was too full to eat, but I am eyeing the bars I brought home. They look so delicious.
Wagners: My sister LOVED their pear, and their regular flavor is good as ever. My sister and I are picky about our ciders. This one does not have too strong an alcohol taste, and is sweet and light and still has a kick. Perfect!
Constellation quartet: Very entertaining, wonderful singers. My sister used to sing choir (and could’ve gone pro), and she was definitely impressed and entertained. Wonderful!
And how can I neglect the games set out… while not many people played on the field (we played alongside a couple), someone thoughtfully set out a bucket full of toys. Since it would be a waste not to use it… BURN OFF A FEW CALORIES!
I always have fun at Unilocal events. Abby and Jessica and everyone is so welcoming and friendly! So many chic outfits! Thanks so much for throwing this awesome summer party!

Dude, its like I’m back in high school when the Preppy Look was in!
When we arrived, the Constellation quartet was there to serenade the Unilocalers who were in their preppiest! The gorgeous EBCM Nique serving shaved ice to cool down everybody. Jessica checking in people and SBCM Abby welcoming Unilocalers.
The Montalvo Arts Center is so gorgeous and artsy! A very good place for this event! It’s like partying with the Hamiltons. I love the courtyard with the fountain right smack in the middle where all the drinks are being served. First stop for us was the scotch. Glenfiddich Aged Scotch has 3 choices (12, 15, and 18 years old) I tried all 3 of them (*hik *hik) and my vote went to 15 which has a lingering sweetness but the hubby said that 18 is better. It’s probably because it has a robust oakiness and this is the most expensive amongst all three. Oh well, I’m not a big scotch drinker but this one made me feel so warm, smooth and distinguished that I may start buying them in bottles!
On the other side of the courtyard was Magners Cider
. I had a bottle of their Peach Cider and its refreshing. It’s good that I made it as a chaser for Glenfiddich! Lillet, French Apéritif Wine and Hendricks Gin were overflowing. There are non alcoholic Beverages as well like Zico and Honest Tea in the event for the DDs.
HOBEE’s and PATXI’s Pizza fed the Preppy Elites. The Salad was spot on. Very ideal for an event like this. I had a couple of bites of Pepperoni Pizza and the Spinach Pizza. Patxi’s really put other pizzas to shame. They are so freaking good!!!
Congratulations ABBY Dear and the rest of the Unilocal Peeps for another great event! You totes ROCK!!! :)
PS
It was almost a perfect night except for the Hubs aviator glasses that went MIA. Booooo

Oh you fancy, huh? Yes, us South Bay Elites are quite. well, at least for the evening anyway!
What a gorgeous venue for tonight’s Preppy Elite event! The location and theme couldn’t have been any better. Fellow Unilocaler’s turned up sporting pastels, polka dots, polo shirts and the odd cute hair ribbon for this fun event… Admittedly, not being from here I struggled a little with the ”Preppy’ dress code but with thanx to Google I actually got it right and escaped looking like a fool.
The food and drink offerings were great — Patxi’s Pizza, Saratoga Chocolates, Hobee’s and KIND snacks. Yummo! There was lot’s of drinks to choose from too, ranging from Iced Tea to Hendricks Gin and Magners which not being a drinker I stuck to the soft stuff.
The entertainment was fun too — a Quartet which announced to me ”this one is for you” while I was chilling on the steps. How sweet! As well as iBeautify Spa who were also on had at the front entrance too giving mini mani’s and a few games were set out on the lawn but it was way too hot for me to pull myself away from my fan and chilled Lemonade to take part.
The Guac off was also an excellent idea. at first it looked like there would be nothing to dip the dozens of bags of chips in but the table gradually filled up with about 10 different types of homemade Guac and Salsa which was a good conversation starting spot.
To my amazement my Salsa’s were the first 2 to vanish too! Despite it being my first time ever making it and the accidental ”added ingredient” to the Pineapple Salsa (don’t worry if you ate it. it was nothing bad. Promise!) I was actually one of the winners! Haha. It’s off to the Beer Fest I go :) Well done to the other 3 winners too!
The venue as I already mentioned is gorgeous! Thank you to the staff here for opening up to us for us to look around. My +1 (hubby) and I got to walk around the grounds taking in the sights and I must say this would be the prefect location for a wedding. Think of those beautiful pictures.
And most importantly. thank you to Abby for such a great event!

Gorgeous location for a fun event! On the drive, had to love the signs as we drove up the hill to Villa Montalvo.
Pepperoni, cheese, and spinach pizza slices generously given by Patxi’s (officially finally tried them now!), refreshing apple salad from Hobbees along with some sweets, Saratoga chocolates (dried blueberry and almond was my fave), samples of scotch and gin, and refreshed with some pear cider, Honest Tea, and Zico water. Great as it was warm as can be outside.
Can’t forget the quartet either, that made it feel like I was back in high school in the A choir. Polka dots, popped up collars, and plaid also made me feel like we were in the Hamptons or something.
Tasted the guacamole and salsa for the guac-​off, very delicious as well!
Kudos to Abby, Jessica, Unilocal staff, and all the vendors for pulling off such a wonderful event!