Cartwheels with Yelp Reno

I have to be honest. Yelp was a tough sell for me.

We don't get any reprieve from the bombardment of social media and apps out there, that really, who needs another one? And to be honest, there are many harsh critics out there and although some make a good point, others are perceived to come off as unfounded and unecessariy mean.

But in some places such as in my town, it seems like Yelp is doing something right.

For Yelp to define itself as simply a means to adjudicate an establishment or a service is simply missing the point. Yelp Reno is building a community that encourages that necessary symbiosis of a thriving local scene between providers and loyal patrons. They cook. We eat. They execute their outstanding mixology. We gladly indulge. Everybody is happy.

I don't think I will meet anyone who will deny that we are living in an extremely hyper connected society. A virtual one. Everyone is friends with everyone. On Facebook. But what Yelp Reno has done marvelously with the two events I have been to so far (a rad molecular gastronomy event and a hosted Aperitivo tonight), is that it brings like-minded people together, in one room, IN PERSON, in the thick of that same local scene it is wanting to change.

It is daunting - yes, including for me - to be in the midst of total strangers, having to introduce yourselves and trying to come up with clever things to say to fill the awkward silence. But no one today was mean. Nobody was a harsh critic. There were no awkward silences. It was just plain old fun.

The contradiction is that while Yelp encourages users to check in, take pictures, post pictures, write reviews, yadda yadda yadda, also in the same vein, Yelp Reno is also bringing back socializing as we knew it before smart phones. In the moment in lieu of Instagram. Face-to-face instead of Facetime.

And I rather like it.

Now what?

Join the community! Yelp Reno events require RSVP's and depending on capacity, there might be wait lists. Here is what you do to get the 411.

1 Get a Yelp account if you haven't already.

2 Check here if there are any events you might be interested in. The Official Yelp events are what you should go for first, but there are so many local events on that page worth bookmarking.

P.S.

Reno Provisions did an amazing job hosting. Head honcho Mark Estee was around to welcome the giddy crowd and give tours - including the basement where they have a full-time butcher and bakery oprations.

Come for aperitivo at Reno Provisions Mondays to Fridays, 4-6:30. Tyson at the bar is the most wonderful character and if for that in itself, I recommend you go. Ask him to make you that lovely margarita with lavender syrup and pulverized vanilla bean and lavender on the rim.

For more of Reno Provisions on this blog, including a quasi-homemade pizza using Reno Provisions dough, go here and here.

P.P.S.

Yelp Reno events will not be as enjoyabe as they are without the hard work of Michael T. and his team. Kudos!

#renotahoe #food