A Silver Era Elite Event @ Salty’s On Alki

Has it seriously been this long since this event?
Good grief. I suck.
This event, however, did not.
It was by far and away one of the best Elite Events. That is saying quite a lot of something and quite a lot of nothing. I went from attending every event to attending a few special to attending none for months (nearly a year)
I know I’ve likely missed out on some you would say were the best, I won’t disagree with you. You’ve missed out on some I loved too, I’m sure.
What made this event stand out, above all others, was the location.
The venue itself, Salty’s management and staff, stepped up and made everything run so smoothly.
There was no long waits at the bar for a drink in a line of dozens, because they had waiters roaming the event with food, taking drink orders and would deliver it out to you. You didn’t have to interrupt *any* of the fun just to get a drink or a bite. This is the first event I can say where the venue *seriously* «got it» and actually wanted to make a good impression and a fun evening for us all. I, unfortunately, cannot say that about past venues (and the very few events past this one I attended) and can recall a few where the venue staff acted like a Unilocal party was a burden (in terms of service and setting up, etc)
This was also my first event in a little while, so I had a fantastic time catching up with people (which seems even sillier to say so long after the event since I’ve not seen most of you in even longer now!)
After hearing «Oh my god i haven’t seen you in forever» so many times, I started making people give me a quarter every time they said it. I left with $ 5 in change.
I hope to attend more events and get a chance to meet new faces and catch up with the ‘oldies’ still on the scene in 2011, but as Sean intimated, the bar was set so extraordinarily high by Salty’s… this night will be hard to beat.
(Sorry to Katy and Michelle for the long delay in reviewing this amazing event, You’re black magic skills are so great that it feels like just yesterday? :D)

I’m a slacker and *finally* getting around to reviewing this great event! I was thrilled to have a location a bit closer to my neck of the woods and what a great event to have nearby!
The food was plentiful, though I can’t say I ate much besides dessert. I’m not a fish person so that left my options a bit limited, but I did manage to snag a few of the delicious BLT things! The drinks were flowing which was great!
Everyone looked fabulous and I was happy to get some extra bling from the tables in the form of silver beads. Overall, it was a fabulous way to start off my Unilocal 2010!

Woo! Best event ever! I’m still chuckling about the shenanigans days later. :)
DH («dear husband») was left at home but I had a blast! I figured on making sure I knew at least a couple people there and once there, they introduced me to their friends and I also stumbled onto new friends on my own too. Anyone worried about no +1 shouldn’t because everyone was super friendly and easy to talk to. Yay! My friends list has grown much since then.
The Salty’s staff were wonderful and smiley. The bartenders were super fast and attentive. (check out the drink menu pic, they were all tasty and too bad I was driving, heh.) The waiters walking around ensured that you had something to snack on or drink. The savory and sweet tables were constantly being refilled with all sorts of yummy delights. And around the corner were bacon lettuce wraps made quickly as you waited (I didn’t know about this until much much later, d’oh).
The band was great and lent a swanky, classy vibe to the place, with its dim lighting indoors, cozy fireplace, amazing view outside, and scores of fantastically dressed Unilocalers? it wasn’t very hard to accomplish.
A huge huge thank you to Katy H, Michelle B, and the Salty’s crew for a memorable night!

ELITE EVENT VIRGIN… You popped my cherry!
This was my very first Unilocal Elite event and honestly I had a killer time even though it sort of cost me my relationship… (well so I thought when I originally wrote this review). Hopefully we can work through it and you can meet Aggie, she totally rocks!
I heard from several people throughout the evening that this WAS the best Unilocal Elite event ever. Hats off to, Katy H and Michelle B and all others who executed such a fun party.
Delicious apps, open bar (on 4 cocktails and 2 beers) and a lot of cool people makes a recipe for success.
I walked in a little apprehensive because well, quite frankly I didn’t know anyone and there were quite a few clicques already formed by the time I got there (drive from Bellevue blows). So I grabbed a lollipop drop (lemon drop), downed it and went over to mingle.
The first group I came upon was Chelsy C and his silver studded sunglasses– (in fact it was great seeing everyone decked out in gray or silver) way to participate!
Thanks for making me feel welcome and pointing out Katy H, because after that ball got rolling I met Kathleen, and Sara S (the choir teacher), Will L, Tammy W, and 10 more connections…
Looking forward to going to more events in the future, meeting more people and making some great new friends… lord knows, I need some new friends.

I was so busy catching up with everyone I can tell from the pictures that I missed out on some excellent food! *tear* What I did get, though, was mighty tasty! The smell of bacon from that salad wrap was enough to have me following my nose like Toucan Sam to the source of the delight — and it was amazing!
The drinks were dangerously good! They were so smooth and tasty that I had had four before I knew it and was a little giddy. :P I know this makes me a dork, but it really shouldn’t be a surprise by now, but I really liked those plates with the wine glass slot in them. What an awesome idea! I wish I had grabbed a picture of one or written down the name of the company who made them. I asked a waiter and he said they were left over from their Holiday party.
A big thank you to Katy, the Unilocal staff, and Salty’s for such a wonderful event. I loved the dress code/​theme, and the location was killer. Top notch classy fun! :D

«You’re Will L? With the yellow ‘Rocks’ sign? Haven’t you been MIA for like a year?»
I think I heard that almost as much as «Holy crap, good to see you again!»
And once again I’m reminded of how much I love this community and these events. For anyone newish to Seattle, when they come to a Unilocal Elite Event, I hope they sit there wondering «wtf is it with all the ‘seattle freeze’ talk? These people are WARM!» :D
So thanks all, for being so warm and friendly! And to the Unilocal gang for setting up such an amazing venue for us!

Everybody looked so festive and shiny tonight! The turnout was a lot greater than I had expected– Jennifer L. and I arrived a little late because we got lost on our way to West Seattle and had to turn around at the ferry terminal, so it was already super busy and lively when we showed up! I unfortunately didn’t get a chance to meet too many other Unilocalers, but it was fun to try and recognise people from their user images ;)
The cocktails were yummy! Like mostly everybody, I was a fan of the lollipop drop despite its intense sweetness. The pomegranate drink was alright too: D
All of that aside, I enjoyed meeting a bunch of new people, including Jeanny M. and Lori M. Thanks for organising, Katy! And thanks to Salty’s for hosting the awesome event!

My first Unilocal event as a Unilocal Elite and not a +1! It was a great experience. Everyone was so friendly and it seemed like everyone was having a good time. Of course it’s a little awkward at first having to introduce yourselves to each other, but the environment was so comfortable and people looked pretty classy! And Katy H. was such a sweetie! :D
Just like the previous event I went to, I was impressed. The food and alcohol was delicious and plentiful! I made it my mission to try each of the four complimentary cocktails of the night, which, by the way, was a success. I’d have to say — my favorite was the skinny colada coz by the end of the night, I ended up having a second one. The food was so yummy!!! I’ve never had deviled quail eggs before, but I felt like I could eat like 100 of those! Okay, maybe like 25, but who’s counting?! Chowder was pretty good too and so were their little pork lettuce wraps!
Another thing to note is that I’ve never been to Alki before. This was my first time here, so when I went with Chrissy Y. and Alvin N., they gave me a small tour around the area before the event, but seriously — I swear it seems like Salty’s has one of the best views of downtown Seattle.
Thank you for a great night, people of Unilocal and Salty’s! It was definitely worth the hangover at 11 later that night and sleeping through my alarm for work the next morning!

Being my first Unilocal event, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Free drinks? Check. Free appys? Check. A group of incredibly friendly and outgoing people? Triple Check!
I was wandering around when I first got there, not sure of where or how to break the ice. Enter Will L. — who called me out and started introducing me to everyone he could. Before you know it, I was driving home with a sore throat from talking nonstop! What did I expect from so-​called Unilocalers?!
The service was ultra-​friendly, the nosh was delicious and the drinks just kept coming! The bartenders were lightning fast, and while out mingling on the floor, waiters came by frequently enough where you never saw the bottom of your glass. And what can I say about the view that hasn’t already been said? You’re practically standing *on* the water, and the view of downtown Seattle at night? Perfection.
Thank you so much to Katy and Michelle for putting this shindig together! Made so many new friends and I can’t wait to see them at the next event, and hopefully sooner!

Thank you!
This being my first Unilocal event, I didn’t know what to expect. Little did I know that it would be this much fun. I got to meet a bunch of friendly Unilocalers all while enjoying great munchies and drinks (skinny colada… yumm).
It’s been awhile since I’ve last been to Salty’s but the location on Alki is terrific. The view is outstanding especially last night’s. I’ve heard that Salty’s has a great brunch, which I will be trying very soon!
So thank you to a great bunch of people and especially to Katy and all others for setting this up and making my first event one to remember.

Like many others, this was my first Unilocal elite event! Now I only can sit and wonder, ‘why the heck haven’t I gone to other events before?’
First off, the digs were pretty darn special. I have never been to Salty’s before, but the view was just spectacular. I think I will definitely have to bring out of town guests here for dinner sometime, because the nighttime skyline was breathtaking! The mini-​bites were good — my favorite was probably the little pickled beet quail eggs that were then deviled and topped w/​caviar. How scrumptious and CUTE at the same time! Those darn mousse push pops were just really fun to eat!
Thanks to Katy H. and all the other Unilocal peeps that made this event happen! And thank you to all the Unilocal elite peeps who came out. Everyone was so amazingly friendly and fun.

This was my first time to Salty’s ever and it was amazing!!! I loved that it was all Elite. Without the plus 1’s it made it easier to mingle with those I haven’t met, or never had the chance to talk to before.
The only thing that bummed me was that it started at 6 and that we couldn’t make it earlier than 7 (especially seeing some of the foods we missed!!). But, even with only being there from half way on, it was one of my favorite events ever!
The food was so delicious. I was in love with the deviled quail eggs topped with caviar, so adorable, and ridiculously delicious. I also loved the layered mousse push up pops. And I can’t forget to mention the drinks! All of the pearl vodka cocktails that they served were bomb, and I don’t typically love sweet mixed drinks, but I thought all of the drinks were perfect.
It was obvious that the folks at Salty’s wanted us to have an amazing time, and they exceeded my expectations for an event! The staff was wonderful, and the food, drinks, and ambiance were all top notch.
***Also thank you Katy for my $ 50 gift card, I’m so so excited to go back and use it!!!

Everything was just right for this event:
Plenty of delicious nibbles (ceviche — my favorite!)
Free flowing Pearl vodka cocktails (lollipop — like kool-​aid!)
A lovely location at Salty’s (amazing skyline view!)
Salty’s great staff who provided us with friendly service
Beautiful Unilocalers (some dapper, even)
All in all, a great way to bring in a Sliver Era and a new year of Elite events. Thank you Katy, Michelle, and Salty’s for a wonderful evening!

Writing reviews of Elite events, after the first four times or so, becomes a challenge because the desire to avoid redundancy and let the newer batch of Unilocalers seize the low-​hanging fruit overcomes the propensity to commend, so I usually avoid it. However, I believe there is no more apropos forum to thank Katy, Michelle and the staff at Salty’s for inadvertently yet effectively doing my birthday party planning for Christy A. for me.
If anything, the only potentially star-​reducing aspect of the night is that from the excellent appetizers and desserts (especially the Rocher chocolate), the great company, the romantic view, the complimentary bling, the old school serenade and the Salty’s gift card to return for a future visit, the bar has been set intimidatingly high and I am destined to fail to measure up in any and all appropriate future years.
On second thought, thanks for nothing. Now I need to start planning for next year.

The first Elite Event of the decade! And at Alki no less. I have been to Alki a couple times, but this was my first time to Salty’s. Yeah, traffic was bad getting there, but the event was amazing and well worth attending.
First thing was that I was in awe of the beautiful view of the Seattle skyline from Alki at night. It is definitely worth heading out there for.
Inside the event, I was delighted by the rustic décor of Salty’s. It has an interesting setup with the lounge to the side away from the dining room. The food was good, though I not try all the offerings. Sad I missed out on the Beef Wellingtons. The chowder and lettuce wraps were good. And the dessert table of Rocher chocolates and the assorted mousse were delicious.
But what was even more amazing thing was the free booze! Well that and meeting up with some new Elite members and catching up with a few since we last met a decade ago.
Props to Katy for putting together a great event. Though sorry I did not meet you for some one-​on-​one time to discuss my ever growing Bakery Bonanza list. You are about as popular as The Bachelor (it’s a compliment) and I am like the suitor who gets pissy about being picked for a group date. Anyways, we’ll catch up at the next Elite Event.
Overall, what else I can say? Great event, outstanding location, good food. Looking forward to the next one.

Wow! The Silver Era Elite Event was top notch! Way to go Katy, Michelle, and Salty’s– Thanks for a wonderful evening!
* First the silver theme, great idea, everyone looked so festive in their shiny duds. I love an excuse to bust out the shiny and *sparkly! * I felt like I was at a New Years Private Party with awesome Elite friends. Wait I guess I was!
* The staff at Salty’s was so fantastic and friendly, I was impressed and will be back to sample their Happy Hour soon.
* Michelle and Katy were also spot on hosting, approachable, and they really took time to meet and welcome everyone to the event.
* The food was fantastic, I loved the appetizers and desserts. I too tried each of the cocktails, since we could. I loved the lollipop drop!
* The people, what can I say Elites are some of the best people to chat with, I had fun meeting lots of new peeps.
Happy 2010, I look forward the new year and lots of Unilocaling! Cheers.

Hm… where was the 70’s music?
Because if you were to look into this room last night, it’d be like looking at a disco ball. A big giant disco ball made out of Unilocalers because everybody was so shiny and silver. The room was stunning especially set against the view of the beautiful Seattle skyline.
Equally as stunning were the food and the drinks. Personal favorites: mousse push pops (brings me back to my days as a kid), quail eggs, and bacon wrap (who doesn’t love bacon?). Favorites for the drink? None because they were all uberly delicious. They were all so good, I was advertising about how yummy they were all night to anybody who will listen!
As a closing note, aren’t those plates fabulous — where you can store some food and hold your cocktail glass at the same time? I’m definitely trying to find them online right now to add to my kitchen.
Thanks Katy and Michelle for a such memorable event! Also, thank you Salty’s for being such a great host!

Dagnabit guys, why do you have to be so speedy on uploading pictures, what kind of mad devices do you have?
The evening was a splendorific, gorgeous success! Katy and Michelle (were you the one taking names at the front?) — holy smokes, thank you for a wonderful shindig. The waterfront view was spectacular, the night sky was clear — the Pearl Vodka was flowing generously and dangerously fruity. And I felt like an absolute piggy stuffing my face with bacon wraps, quail eggs dyed with beet juice sprinkled with caviar (okay, one of the chefs told me what I was eating), raspberry mousse … *swoon*
AND applause for all of those who came decked out in their best silver wear (I made a punny!) $ 50 Salty’s gift cards were passed out to the best and enthusiastically dressed.
I was a little hesitant about an ‘elite only’ event but without the comforting presence of +1’s, I think it was a great chance to meet old and new Elites that we couldn’t have had the pleasure of meeting otherwise.
So yes, to infinity stars and beyond! Couldn’t have asked for a better event to ring in the New Year.

It was an amazing night with fellow Elites, delectable foods and wonderful drinks. For me, the standout comestibles were the ceviche, the cheese hush puppy things and the little blackberry mousse treats. I also enjoyed the fresh razor clam chowder with the little cracker spoon — too clever!
I worked my way through the drink list and increasingly liked each consecutive one. And yes, they were sweet but those Lollipop Drops were infernally good. The only drink I sipped and eventually abandoned was the Berrylicious. I, and a few others, found that decidedly un-​good. It just had an odd smell. Oh let’s face it, it was pretty much ALL good!
I will echo my thanks to the fantastic Katy H. + Unilocal for hosting such a lovely bash. If this is any indication of what 2010 has to bring, bring it on! I’m ready :)
P. S. The next time I’ll be sure to circulate more to meet more my fellow Elites, my knee was a bit dodgy from a recent fall. Flip flops vs. rain soaked cement… guess who won? Yeah… not me.

Slightly dressed up Unilocalers sippin’ on cocktails, tasting little goodies, chatting it up, and enjoying a lovely view of Downtown Seattle? Yeah… that’s a pretty darn good way to spend a Thursday night!
I probably enjoyed one too many Pearl Vodka cocktails, but they were definitely delicious and they kept on flowing. My favorite was probably the Lollipop Drop. I could only have 1.5 of those, however, before it became too sweet to me.
I also enjoyed the food options they provided. The bacon lettuce wrap was a bit messy, but good. The desserts (especially that creamy push pop!) were delicious and I was perhaps a little addicted to the ceviche by the end of the night.
Oh and service? Also fabulous!!! Those were some cheerful people!
Thank you Katy, Michelle, the people of Salty’s, you lovely Unilocalers, and everyone else that made this night what it was!