Chad A & Michael P’s UYE WITH HATTITUDE!!!

I’ll think I’ll start with NAY ^_​_​_​^…
So, NAY For:
–Me for being Smh-​ing TARDY for writing about MP’s & Chadam’s event, which was on May 19, 2011 o_​o
–Not stumbling upon Phillip N in this event (lol, had to meet him afterwards at CSG)
–Not getting enough of those Chocolate-​Covered Strawberries *******Dx
Yet, Unilocalilicious YAY For:
–Michael P & Chad A for all the hard work & effort (Planned since March o. O!?) in creating this UYE in my favorite city
–The sweet, accommodating owner of Alegria Cocina
–Carpooling w/​Mikey S & twinnie Sarah A
–Almost all Unilocalers really having the Hattitude =D
–A sundry of hats, including Harmonie T’s vivaciously red & yellow uli uli, Erin V’s dragon, Sarah A’s ‘lil birthday hat, & Andrea V’s Stitch — awwww, I love that blue «koala»
–COMPLIMENTARY, diverse array of «SAMPLES»: Guacamole, Chips & Salsa, Fried Calamari, Mixed Olives, & undoubtedly delicious Paella
–Not free but relaxing & tasty Sangriaaaaaa
–Humongously festive, Latin atmosphere that came w/​el Flamenco Authéntico
–Name tags provided – really! I think they’re so handy b/​c sometimes a person’s face in his/​her profile may not look the same as meeting in person (I’m saying for common courtesy, gracias.)
–Pretty close meter parking for $ 2; specifically we stationed my car right next to DoLy’s Delectables *ahem, Macarons, ahem*
–Erin V winning the $ 25 certificate
–Obviously meeting & mingling w/​my Unilocal buddies
And OKAY For:
–Being Sarah & Mikey’s DD ;P
It may sound corny & trite already, but hats off to Chad A & Michael P for creating one spectacular UYE!

Michael P posted a PM that said ‘I’m going to taco slap you.’
I know he meant it in jest. Then again, I did bring it onto myself because I clicked ‘I’m in’, just an hour before the event started. Muawahaha! In case you don’t know, Michael P’s OCD gets the best of him sometimes. But you know what, it’s not a bad thing. He’s the host (ess) with the most-​ess. Guaranteed when he puts on an event he’s going to make sure that everyone has a good time. Damn, that was one cool UYE.
I love Alegria, the staff was nice and made sure the light bites provided did not run out. The food was yum! Sangria was perfect. The surprise of the evening was chocolate covered strawberries– my fave!
We got a chance to watch real Flamenco dancing and they even had an audience participation portion which Michael and I didn’t shy from.

Everyone came with Hattitude and looked great. I have to say Andrea won because the hat I wore was supposed to be the hat she was going to wear.
So thank you Mike P and Chad for a fun evening, Alegria was a fun place to host your UYE.
As always, it was great hanging with my fellow Unilocalers and meeting new ones.
SYOY!

This wasn’t an Elite event? Then why did it feel like it was one?
Maybe because it included the usual elements of an Elite event:
Awesome fellow Unilocalers — check
Complimentary food — check!
Drink specials — check
And even the name tags — check!
Amazing hosts and a CM in attendance — check and check! :)
What a great way to start the weekend!
Major props to Chadams and MP for this great event!

In the words of the ridiculous Michael P. I give ya’ll Mount Everest sized props for the fantastic event. Seriously, nobody throws a better UYE than Michael and Chad. If you’ve never been to one, you must and with the UYE roll they’ve been on lately it’s guaranteed that the time will come sooner than later.
Love you both! Well I love Michael, Chad you’re just OK ;)

When I walked into the UYE with my red and yellow uli uli hat, Erin V. practically challenged me with her red and yellow dragon hat with spiky tail, cape, and wings. Hattitude? Oh, I was ready to bring it!
It was fun to see some of my favorite people wearing all kinds of hats. From traditional to whimsical, it’s always cool when everyone gets into the spirit of the theme.
We had an entire section of Alegria Cocina Latina to ourselves and they hooked it up! I wasn’t expecting so much free goodies beyond chips, pico de gallo, and guacamole. There was this bruchetta on a soft bread which was yummy-​yum! And I loved the olives and marinated mushrooms.
I missed the live entertainment because I tend to have social ADD when there’s so many cool people to talk to. But that’s just a testament to how a Chad A. and Michael P. UYE can draw a crowd! Super awesome event! Thank you Chad and Michael for a fun evening and introducing me to a cool restaurant in Long Beach.
In the end, Erin V. took the win (and the $ 25 gift certificate) for best hat. Therefore, I bow down to thee with a humble Hattitude!

Damn you Unilocalers are quick with the reviews…
2 hours later, here I am hoping for another First to Review…
I did not expect so much free food ^_​^
There was bruschetta, pulled pork tostadas, a huge tray of paella, chips, salsa, sour cream, gauc, and fried calamari.
The service was surprisingly attentive for an event with at least 20 – 30 people. They waiters would replace the trays of appetizers when the plate was empty, and I’d go to get food and come back to my table with my cup of Arnold Palmer refilled… sweet!
For all of you who didn’t get to see, Michael P. was a fantastic dancer…
The flamenco dancing lady and him put on quite a show.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get enough alcohol in me…
might’ve made me a better dancer.
Regardless, the great food, the great service, and a wonderful night with my Unilocal brethren is all because of the Chad A. and Michael P.
Thanks, guys!
P. S. I was the one with the policeman hat!

Muchas gracias mi amigos Michael Y Chad!
These guys throw the best UYE’s. I mean really. Free food. Awesome Venue. Performers who encouraged audience participation. HH Specials all night. What more do you want?
I made sure to take advantage of their half off appetizers and try their seared tuna w/​onions and cucumber in a lime sauce. Pretty tasty. I’ll come back and give this place a try for lunch or maybe for dinner if I am feeling romantical.
Thanks again MP and CA!

Kudos to Michael P and Chad A for this most wonderful UYE! The Hattitude component was in full force with most people participating in the festivities. I don’t think anyone begrudged Erin V for her winning the grand prize with her Dragonhead (complete with wings!) hat – it was pretty kickass! Alegria really pulled out the stops for us, generously devoting a whole section of the place for us and providing lots of delicious comp appetizers and drink specials! The servers were very nice, too. This event made me realize what a great place Alegria is, and I’m looking forward to a return visit in the near future. Bottom line: it was a marvelous time and I’m so glad I made the effort to come out – it was well worth it.

Damn it Michael and Chad! Great venue, great (freeeee!) food, and of course great company too. I have always loved this restaurant. They never fail to create awesome comida with efficient/​friendly service and last night was no exception.
As always, I enjoyed the flamenco show complete with audience participation. The performers here are always entertaining and very talented too. Great date night spot BTW.
Another terrific job by our local Unilocal UYE Kings! Thanks again guys.

A Greater Tuna Prop-​O-​Ramma for ALL of my and Chad’s Unilocal friends’ for coming out for OUR UYE (no pun intended. this time).
======================================================
Erin V won the $ 25 Gift certificate for best HATTITUDE! (see photo)
Dan H keeps encopuraging me to post a review about my (and this time Chad A’s) UYE’S; this is the second time I’ve done so and it’s akin to playing the flute at a Blink 182 Concert… I’m liking and getting okay with it!
Very creative hats, a great mix of Unilocal Friends and of course Juan the Manager, Sonia, the GM, Walter Cotta, Head Chef and the rest of Alegria’s staff were impeccably spot on with making sure that we were accommodated in every way.
ALL of you went above and beyond Chad’s & my expectations demonstrating a sincere commitment to generous, loving, compassionate altruism and, a profound professional display of what individuals who truly care outside of the box for all.
The free food and appetizers were a pleasant surprise and then some.
The authentic Flamenco Dancers including Santiago’s guitar added authenticity to what my Greatgrandmother, Grandmother, Mom, Aunts, and Uncles etc. whom so prided themselves in performing as a legacy to my Mother’s side of the family (as does my Prima Lisa & Cunado Daniel do today in Valencia).
Also, like riding a bicycle when I was up on stage dancing (sans my 2 inch heeled boots bought by my Father) I needed very little instruction on how to perform the dance of my people on my Mother’s side.
Chadams, what more can I say except my love and friendship grows stronger every day as the HATTITUDE was your idea!
Hazel & Mike… I need say no more except when you show I know. get it, got it, good!
Please my Unilocal Friends’, don’t just write a review on Chad’s & my UYE but write a review on Alegria Cocina Latina and give cred where it is truly due because without Sonia, Juan, Walter and their staff this UYE would not have been the epic venue that you ALL enjoyed!
Now eveyone (eventually) knows Michael P knows how to have a good time, party and dance but, I truly embrace the love and friendship from people that have become such a special part of my life.
Hugo, Isabel, Mary C, Greg, Erin Andrea, Harmonie, Laura, Nino, Steph, Sarah, Fia, Randoll, Anna, Mikey, enen, Danimal, Mel, Hazel, Mike, ErinV., Matt (what a nice suprise!), Alan, Rain, Phillip, Chewy and Erica et al. OKAY I hear the Oscar Music… Te Amo!
How special?
Well:

What a fabulous event! I had a great time with Brian W. as we met up with fellow Unilocalers at Chad A. & Michael P.‘s UYE @ Alegria last night. It was a lively Thursday night in Long Beach. The flamenco dancers were fabulously entertaining the crowd. This place was pretty cool. We had the outside patio to ourselves.
First of all, thanks guys for the spread of calamares al fuego, paella, chips & dips (salsa & guacamole), tapas frias, jamon serrano, and ropita vieja. Man, everything was so good. It was great to catch up with so many Unilocalers. Of course it was great to see Hazel Q. and Mike Q. enjoying the festivities instead of working.
Brian and I completely took advantage of the ½ priced appetizers and drink specials. We ordered a liter of Sangria for the two of us and wow, that was some tasty but strong Sangria. We also ordered the empanadas pollo and the tiraditos. The empanadas were delicious! The tiraditos, I didn’t care too much for. The fish was overcooked in the lime juice and the only thing in the dish that was good were the onions and I don’t even care for onions. We didn’t finish it. But we did finish our Sangria. It took a massive effort, but we rallied and drank every last drop. Thankfully, the waiters came by with water after we paid the bill. Thanks for the 20% off lunch coupons! We’ll be back for sure.

Best UYE ever? If not, it’s super close!
When two of my favorite guys host a UYE and tell me about it months in advance, you can bet I’ll clear my schedule to make it! A fun hat theme made the night extra interesting. There were lots of classic hat styles, and even a few homemade ones! I especially liked Harmonie and Steph’s creative head toppers! The winner of the night was Erin, but I think we were all winners with the great treatment from the Alegria staff!
What a treat! Alegria really spoiled us last night! Flamenco dancing
, live music, the whole patio reserved for Unilocalers, happy hour deals and a great sampling of their appetizers as well as some dessert to end the night! The flamenco dancers even invited a few people up on stage so we got to watch Michael and Erin’s flamenco moves!
I had looked at the menu prior to the event and had picked a few vegetarian items to order. When we got there, they were already laid out for us (along with additional non-​veggie items to satisfy the crowd).
Impressive!
~Pa Amb Tomate Al Horno– country bread topped with tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, roasted corn and pine nuts.
~Tapas Frias– A variety of Alegria cold Spanish tapas, mixed black and green olives, mixed cheeses and sherry spiced field mushroom buttons all marinated in extra virgin olive oil, mixed herbs and spices.
~Chips and Dips– tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa
And for the grand finale! A huge platter of chocolate covered strawberries.
The rest of the food was very tasty and enjoyable, but after seeing those strawberries, my mind was on nothing else!
Thank you to our hosts with the most, Michael and Chad and to the great staff and management at Alegria. It had been a while since I’d been here, but I’ll be returning soon for sure!

Yay, first UYE! Came from SD, arrived late, and had a great time with Gema C and Harmonie T. Unilocalers are always so welcoming like Erica W.
Great hosts.
Great info about Pride from Hazel Q.
Great strong drinks. Buzzed halfway through my first and only sangria.
Great venue.
Great staff.
Great food setup.
Love the hats donned by Erin V, Andrea V, Harmonie T, and many others.
Thank you for a great evening Michael P and Chad A!

Somebody’s gotta do a drunk review right? Or maybe buzzed?
Typing this while sipping on a dos equis ;)
Awesome venue with equally awesome hosts
With yummy food and specialty drinks
What a great way to start the weekend!!!

Im going to make this short and sweet (just like me)
Great drinks. The sweet as pie Michael P. convinced me that the sangria was the best. I love sangria, so after we sat down Fia, Mikey and myself ordered a glass from our waiter. WOW i was buzzing after the first round (love it!). Another glass and i was happy as a cupcake!
Food was delish
Great seeing friends, and meeting new ones!
Hooray for carpool buddys: Fia (my twin), and Mikey S.
Everyones hats were awesome!
Music was phenomenal and so was the dancing.
Congrats Erin for winning best hat. :)
Staff was super sweet and made sure we were all enjoying ourselfs.
Parking was not bad, the resaurant was pretty inside and out. Love the twinkling lights and simi dark interior too.
Hats off to you Michael P. and Chad A!!! Great get together :)