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Celebrate the Harvest with Beaujolais Nouveau 2014

by Katie Schlientz November 24, 2014
written by Katie Schlientz
beaujolais nouveau 2014

Timing.

It’s so important when it comes to food—everything from picking fruit at its optimum sweetness, to cooking that chicken to perfection. It’s all about timing.

There’s also those instances when the stars seem to align and the perfect wine for Thanksgiving is popped for the first time just a few short days ahead of your meal. It seems almost like fate…

beaujolais nouveau 2014

November 19th, I celebrated Beaujolais Nouveau Day with hundreds of other lucky wine lovers at the Tribeca Rooftop in NYC.

beaujolais nouveau 2014

We sipped several wines from Georges Duboeuf—one of the most well known producers—as we counted down the minutes until 12:01 am to officially pop the first bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau 2014.

beaujolais nouveau 2014

The French holiday is a winemaker’s tradition and falls under French law—on the third Thursday in November, the wine is uncorked at exactly 12:01 a.m., just weeks after the wine has been harvested in the Beaujolais region of France, celebrating the first wine of the season. This year, with a later Thanksgiving date, you can #celebratetheharvest just in time for Thanksgiving.

The French sure know how to party—fireworks and festivals take place all over the country. Last week, New Yorkers celebrated with food from great local vendors (including Beecher’s Handmade Cheese and The Crepes Truck ) and a balloon drop at the uncorking hour.

beaujolais nouveau 2014

On Thanksgiving, it’s Beauloais Noveaut time! The easy-to-drink wine is perfect for the holidays, and appeals to both red and white wine lovers alike. The vibrant berry notes pair perfectly with turkey and all the fixings—just make sure to serve it slightly chilled.

I know one thing I’m thankful for this year… timing. Cheers!

 

{IntoxiKate Tip!}

Looking for the 2014 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau in Westchester? Try Wine Bazaar in New Rochelle, Station Plaza Wine in Bronxville, or Suburban Wines in Yorktown Heights.

 

#IntoxiKate #TriedAndTested ~ This post was sponsored on behalf of Georges Duboeuf and One2One Network. I sipped. I loved. All opinions stated are my own.

November 24, 2014 0 comment
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Photo Recap: IntoxiKate Party at Empire City Casino

by Katie Schlientz November 17, 2014
written by Katie Schlientz
empire city casino

Last Friday, members of the Westchester #FoodieNation kicked off the holidays in style with food, drinks, and fun at Empire City Casino’s two amazing event spaces—the VIP Lounge and Alley 810 (for some bowling!). The photo recap of the event is below. For more images of the event, visit IntoxiKate: Living Life Deliciously on Facebook!

Empire City Casino

The first half of the party was hosted in the casino’s VIP Lounge. I took a snapshot before guests arrived… Seriously, how beautiful is this space?!?!

Empire City Casino

Chefs at the casino prepared quite the feast—an antipasto, charcuterie and cheese station was set up in one corner. The other corner featured root beer pulled pork sliders, prawn Caesar shooters, butternut squash with truffle squash chutney, and miniature grilled cheese. Above features an #Intoxikate favorite! Loved the presentation of these scallops in a shell.

empire city casino

In addition to the stationary food set up in the VIP Lounge, guests also dined on roasted tomato and asparagus arancini, herb gremolata crusted lamb chops, spice and coffee rubbed pork tenderloin with Baileys cream drizzle, zesty chicken lollipops, and Thai chicken skewers.

empire city casino

Members of the Westchester #FoodieNation enjoying the VIP Lounge at the casino.

empire city casino

When I first visited the casino and saw the Alley 810 event space, I knew I had to host an IntoxiKate event there. This beautiful space is so versatile, offering guests dancing, lounging, and bowling (and a private bar)! Super chic and super fun.

empire city casino

Just a few of the desserts from Pinch American Grill, just one of the onsite eateries at the casino.

empire city casino

The golden sugar crystallizes before your eyes as staff finished the miniature crème brûlées on site. {An IntoxiKate fav!}

empire city casino

IntoxiKate picked up a spare at the casino’s event space Alley 810, complete with private bar, plenty of couches for lounging, space for a DJ and dancing, and a bowling alley!

For more images of the event, visit IntoxiKate: Living Life Deliciously on Facebook!

November 17, 2014 0 comment
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TOMORROW: Party with IntoxiKate at Empire City Casino

by Katie Schlientz November 13, 2014
written by Katie Schlientz

I’m super excited for tomorrow’s event: The IntoxiKate Holiday Kick Off Party at Empire City Casino. My foodie friends, do not let the glitz and glam of the gambling world distract you. The casino at the Yonkers Raceway has much more to offer than slots machines—the location is home to Dan Rooney’s Sports Pub (read the IntoxiKating review here) and Pinch! American Grill, two AMAZING eateries that feature amazing dishes and drinks.

The other upside of the casino that you’re not thinking of? The amazing event space! Join me tomorrow from 6-10 p.m. as we kick off the holiday season in TWO of their event spaces—the VIP Lounge and Alley 810 (that’s right—bowling too).  Check out the extensive menu below (and their super celebratory signature drinks). Don’t think about calorie counting yet… we’ll dance them all off with the onsite DJ!

Bonus: I’ve collected some amazing gift ideas from across the county and put together a goodie bag for the first 50 guests who RSVP. There are a few spots left—RSVP now!

Hope to see you there!

#intoxikate

EmpireCityMenu

November 13, 2014 0 comment
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Take a Gamble with Dan Rooney’s

by Katie Schlientz November 3, 2014
written by Katie Schlientz
empire city casino

While on my quest for the greatest cocktail in Yonkers during the GenY Cocktail contest, I found myself at Empire City Casino for my final destination. A newbie to the Raceway, I  was excited to try Dan Rooney’s Sports Pub—just one of the four food options on site.

Fully aware that I was there, the restaurant generously sent out a table full of dishes—I felt I was more in a Double Dare physical challenge, placing my bets on how far I could test the bottomless pit of a stomach I claim to have. While I put a solid dent in the food, it turned out to be less about the challenge {or showcase of gluttony} and more about the variety of food this Irish turned sports pub has to offer.

While I make the chase below that there’s more to Dan Rooney’s than catching the game, I don’t want to detract that it’s a great place to catch Monday night football. While the pub may show a little love towards the Steelers, there’s plenty of food and beer to wallow in if you’re a Giants fan like myself.

dan rooney's empire city casino

{IntoxiKate Tip!}

Dan Rooney’s isn’t coined a sports pub for no reason–pairing plenty of TVs with food and beer deals, it’s a great place to catch a football game.
This fall, the bar is offering a 3-2-1 Football Menu available during any professional game:
$3 ~ Sloppy Joe or Pork Sliders (Two per plate)
$2 ~ Candied Bacon Strips or Pretzel
$1 ~ Wings or Honey Cayenne Popcorn
+ $5 Bud and $ Budlight Drafts;
$1 Budlight Drafts during any Pittsburgh game

 

While we’re working with full-on pub décor here {yes, it definitely leans more to the masculine} Dan Rooney’s  is everything I love about my favorite dive bar—there’s personality, a certain familiarity, and a great selection of beer—but cleaned up, offering a much more versatile menu.

When you think of casinos, the last thing on your mind is probably juicy, rotisserie chicken and a generous helping of baby back ribs. You may not expect that from your favorite pub either. But Dan Rooney’s Sports Pub at Empire City Casino at the Yonker’s Raceway breaks the mold on both—allowing you to score big on more than just the slots.

While Rooney’s definitely caters to the sports crowd—there’s a pretty comprehensive menu priced right that blows away expectations. If you’re in the neighborhood to place a bet or two, or just passing through, the pub caters to both, allowing you to catch a game on one of their over-sized screens or order dinner on the go.

{IntoxiKate Tip!}

Get VIP treatment at the casino! The IntoxiKate Holiday Kick Off Party at the Empire City Casino is November 14th from 6 – 10 p.m. The $50 ticket includes food, beer, wine and signature drink (plus dancing AND bowling). Plus, the first 50 guests who RSVP get an exclusive IntoxiKate goodie bag packed full of great holiday gift ideas from around the county!
Buy tickets now!

 

empire city casino

Looking for lighter fare between playing the slots? Try the BBQ pulled pork sliders ($10) or {if you’re watching that waistline) a little hummus and pita bread ($6).

dan rooney's empire city casino

For dinner with the family (or maybe a date?!?), try the fish and chips, served with malt vinegar and tartar sauce ($15) or the rotisserie chicken for two paired with mashed potatoes and gravy ($24). It doesn’t have to be March to enjoy a full plate of corned beef and cabbage. This pub’s got it right, and serves up a dish that rivals IntoxiKate’s version, which isn’t easy to do.

dan rooney's empire city casino

Grab some chicken to go and order the rotisserie ($24) served with mashed potatoes and gravy (serves 2). Pictured with sautéed spinach ($5) and 
mac & cheese ($5) sides.

dan rooney's empire city casino

If you’re going the Irish route, continue the theme in your final course. The dessert menu includes a brownie sundae with Guinness ice cream ($9) {ah-mazing!}. If you prefer to go the nonalcoholic route, there’s chocolate and peanut butter cake, berry crumble and homemade apple pie ($8 for each).

{Dan Rooney’s: 810 Yonkers Ave, Yonkers, 914-457-2531 ext. 531, www.danrooneyscafeandbar.com}

November 3, 2014 1 comment
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westchester

Grab Your Ghouls: Halloween Parties in Westchester

by Katie Schlientz October 28, 2014
written by Katie Schlientz

This Halloween, leave the little spirits at home and let your inner demon run wild! Whether you decide to dress up or keep it low key, here’s a quick roundup of the hottest Halloween parties in Westchester:

Chat 19’s Annual Halloween Costume Party

The Witching Hour:9:30 p.m.
Costumes:Yes, put in a little extra effort and it may score you a prize.
Monster Mash Deets:No cover at this eatery’s event, which features music from FDR Drive. Chat 19: 19 Chatsworth Ave., Larchmont
Reserve Your Spot

chat 19 halloween

The Tapp’s Halloween Party

The Witching Hour: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Costumes:Yes. Win this contest and your tab will be wiped clean!
Catch the Monster Mash:Offering $4 pumpkin beers on tap, prizes, and a 50/50 raffled, The Tapp has certainly caught the spirit of the holiday. The costume contest winner is announced at 11 p.m., so make sure to get their early for your chance to win. The Tapp: 17 N. Broadway, Tarrytown
Reserve Your Spot

 

{IntoxiKate Tip! Don’t miss the haunted walk through at Philipsburg Manor. The Horseman’s Hollow—pictured above—is an IntoxiKate favorite!}

 

3rd Annual  “Sultry & Sexy” Halloween Celebration

The Witching Hour:8 p.m.
Costumes:Optional, but two costume winners—for best and sexiest—win $200 each.
Catch the Monster Mash:A $20 admission fee gives access to dancing (the DJ is spinning all night long), passed apps, and a glass of champagne followed by a cash bar. A portion of the admission goes to the Guy Scanno Foundation Fund, a division of CARES at St. Luke Roosevelt Hospital. Coliseum Night Club: 15 S. Broadway, White Plains
Reserve Your Spot

MTK Tavern’s Tribute to The Doors Halloween Party

The Witching Hour:9 p.m.
Costumes:Optional
Catch the Monster Mash:Check out the Tavern’s new menu while listening to Lizard King’s tribute to The Doors. MTK Tavern: 30 E. Main St., Mount Kisco
Reserve Your Spot

10632784_10205013933216474_4930709758578121942_n

 

Night of the Sexy Dead IV

The Witching Hour:10 p.m.
Costumes:Yes! Costume contest alert!
Catch the Monster Mash:There’s a $5 cover charge at the door, but all the proceeds will be donated to breast cancer awareness (details on the specific charity coming soon). On tap? Specialty cocktails and spooky beats provided by DJ PJ. Zuppa Restaurant and Lounge: 59 Main St., Yonkers
Reserve Your Spot

 10645252_705908519493397_6645265529344170090_n

A Scary Good Halloween Party at Polpettina Larchmont

The Witching Hour:9 p.m.
Costumes:Yes. Prizes for most creative costumes!
Catch the Monster Mash:The location’s first Halloween party is off with a bang! Classic cocktails, small bites and entertainment for $30 per person (includes 2 drinks and food all night). Tickets must be reserved ahead of time, so click the link below! Polpettina: 147 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont
Reserve Your Spot

Headed to the Hollow?

Don’t forget to download the interactive guide to Halloween in Sleepy Hollow in the IntoxiKate Guide to Fall!

Horseman’s Hollow Photograph ©Tom Nycz Photography

October 28, 2014 0 comment
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Dress Deliciously: DIY Food Halloween Costumes

by Katie Schlientz October 27, 2014
written by Katie Schlientz

Halloween is the perfect time of year to celebrate something you love, whether that be your favorite TV show, newsworthy moment, or celeb. If you’re Stacey Brecher, it’s no different! Brecher, a fellow foodie, makes her favorite foods come to life every year with her creative DIY Food Halloween Costumes. Learn how you can steal her styles below…

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Hi IntoxiKate #FoodieNation! I’m Stacey Brecher and I love making my Halloween costumes from scratch and being a different food every year. You’d be amazed at how easy it is to make your own costume with just a few supplies. I have been a piece of sushi, an ear of corn, a bottle of hot sauce, a cupcake and a roll of Lifesavers. 

Sushi- Flying Fish or Salmon Roe Hat

DIY Food Halloween Costume

I love sushi so I decided to create a costume that turned me into a piece of sushi. Created from mostly office supplies and balloons this hat really unique and easy to wear. I ordered sushi for lunch so I could “eat me”! Sushi lovers will go nuts for this costume.
Crafty Supplies
-2 File Folders
-Black duct tape
-Packing peanuts
– Glue
-Clear packing tape
-Water balloons in orange or pink
-Ribbon or Elastic

• Open the file folders and cut and tape two together and fit it to your head size then tape in a circle. Using the duct tape, cover the file folder completely creating the look of seaweed. Attach the ribbon or elastic to the inside of the hat so you can secure the hat under your chin.

• Glue a layer of packing peanuts on the inside of the file folder so half of the peanut sticks out the bottom. This will create the look of rice coming out the bottom of the sushi roll.

• Inflate the balloons and using the clear tape, cluster them on the inside of the hat. Leave room for your head to fit and make sure the tops of the balloons peek out the top.

• Pair the hat with a Japanese dress and wear while eating sushi!

Bonus: Pair it with a soy sauce bag! I made this by printing out the Kikkoman logo and gluing it onto a long red paper wine gift bag. I replaced the short handles with long red ribbon to wear it across my chest.

Let’s get Corny

DIY Food Halloween Costume

Turn yourself into a fall favorite, an ear of corn! No need for a sexy costume that makes you cold. You get to wear a warm hoodie while looking like an ear of corn.
Crafty Supplies
-Tissue paper in yellow and white
– Yellow Yarn
-Tapestry needle
-Natural Raffia
-Safety pin
-Green hoodie sweatshirt

• Start by crumbling the tissue paper into corn kernel shapes. Make about 25 kernels. Line the kernels up on a table in a square shape 5×5 with the colors in a random pattern.

• Thread the yarn through the needle and start to “sew” the kernels together horizontally by each row. Then connect them by sewing each row vertically. Leave excess yarn at each end. You’ll create a breast plate made of “corn” when it is all sewed together.

• Tie all the end to ribbon so you can attach the corn breastplate onto your body. If it falls down use safety pins to secure it to a yellow shirt.

• Using the raffia, attach a bunch of strands together and sttach to the hood of a green sweatshirt.

Hot, Hot Hot!

DIY Food Halloween Costume

I love Frank’s Red Hot and didn’t have much time to make a costume. Printing and laminating product logos can help make a fun costume, fast!
Crafty Supplies
-Scanner
-Printer
-Glue
-Red dress or long tanktop
– Red tights
– A small pillbox black hat
-Chili pepper beaded necklace

• Print out an image of the hot sauce logo and laminate it. Glue the image to the front of the dress, or you can pin it to the front. Whichever works best for you to be comfortable wearing.
• I crocheted a simple black hat but you can make one from craft foam or find one at a store that looks like the cap to the hot sauce bottle.
• Complete the outfit with beads, red tights and red shoes.

Bonus: Carry around a small bottle of hot sauce. You’ll be surprised how many people will ask for a taste!

Be Sweet: Hostess Cupcake

Hi Intoxikate Nation! I’m Stacey Brecher and I love making my Halloween costumes from scratch and being a different food every year. You’d be amazed at how easy it is to make your own costume with just a few supplies. I have been a piece of sushi, an ear of corn, a bottle of hot sauce, a cupcake and a roll of Lifesavers.

This costume, like many of my other ones, is comprised of a long tank top with an awesome headband addition. You’ll need a few more supplies to make this one but its worth it. Hostess loved my costume and featured me on their website a few years ago!
Crafty Supplies
-Brown dress
– Chenille stems in white
-Safety pins
-Styrofoam ball
-Brown Paint
-White yarn
-Cupcake wrapper (aluminum not paper)
-Thick plastic Headband
-Glue
-Small piece of thin cardboard

For the dress
• Using the chenille stems, bend a series of them into a swirl shape and attach to the dress or tank top using safety pins.

• The cupcake hat takes a few steps but is worth it! Start by carefully slicing the Styrofoam ball in half. Paint the ball brown as well as the cupcake wrapper. Once the paint is dry, attach using glue a swirl made of the white yarn to the top of the “cupcake”.

• To attach the cupcake to the wrapper, you’ll need to carefully fill the wrapper with crumpled paper to give the Styrofoam ball a surface to sit on. Add a line of glue to attach it.

• When the cupcake is dry, you’ll be ready to attach it to the headband. Cut a piece of thin cardboard in a circle and affix it to the side of the headband. Then glue the bottom of the cupcake to the cardboard.

• Carry around a box of cupcakes and you’ll be the sweetest treat at the party!

You’re a LifeSaver!

DIY Food Halloween Costumes

I loved the way this LifeSavers costume came out but it was so much work. This costume required sewing and a lot of work to create this unique look. When the costume starts to require sewing and gluing and making jewelry, I know I went too far! Also that aluminum foil was itchy on my skin all night!

What do you think Stacey will be this year? Follow her on Twitter to find out. Hint: It’s a fruit!

 

Still looking for ideas? View more food costumes below…

PinterestIntoxikate

 

 

 

October 27, 2014 5 comments
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wine

5 Foodie Finds

by Katie Schlientz October 21, 2014
written by Katie Schlientz
ponte winery

The top five things you should sink your teeth into this month.

1. A friend sent me a little Sunshine, and I’ve been feeling brighter ever since thanks to this naturally flavored ginger berry energy drink. Send a little pick me up to yourself or a friend.

sunshine

2. Painted Goat’s variety of goat cheeses spice up any party. My fav? The savory fig! Check out the farm’s story and all their products here.

3. I still can’t get over Larchmont Charcuterie. First smoked duck breast, and now beef prosciutto? I’m in love… Shop online now.

larchmont charcuterie

4. Pick up a bottle of MOTTO Sparkling Green Matcha Tea at Whole Foods. It tasted great and it’s good for you.

SOWE Festival

5. Ponte Winery’s Vernaccia Nera 2012 is the PERFECT dessert wine for the holidays.
ponte winery

Read more about IntoxiKate’s fall picks below!

October 21, 2014 0 comment
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{Fall Into} Cedar Street Grill’s New Menu

by Katie Schlientz October 20, 2014
written by Katie Schlientz
Cedar Street Grill

Autumn. The season presents itself as a packaged deal—there’s a spectacular showcase of golds, reds, and oranges painted on the foliage, but there’s also what seems like the never-ending chore of raking leaves. There’s chillier temperatures ahead, but there’s also the introduction of comfort food menus those cooler temperatures always promise, featuring the favorites of the fall harvest.

While all of the fall activities are enticing, it’s the latter I like to explore, visiting restaurants to taste everything chefs {and the season} have to offer…

The IntoxiKate Guide to Fall is a brief look into that exploration process but, for the moment, I’d like to dive in on one location in particular: Cedar Street Grill in Dobbs Ferry. Matt and Joe Kay, co-owners and brothers, recently invited me and a few fellow food writers to visit their eatery to try some seasonal starters off their latest menu.

The sausage and grits are also a treat, adding smoked figs, andouille and toasted almonds to the well-executed traditional southern dish ($9).

I was just finishing the final touches on the IntoxiKate Guide the night before, but all production came to a halt when I tasted the Haymaker ($10), a spiced pumpkin vodka cocktail that essentially rearranged the entire guide and making the cover. While I was smitten with more than a few new options on their menu (keep reading!), the Haymaker is THE quintessential cocktail for the season, combining ginger beer, maple syrup and pumpkin. It tastes like fall.

Cedar Street Grill

The new menu features another IntoxiKate favorite—roasted Brussels sprouts ($9). These babies are served crispy and glazed with Crown maple syrup, mixed with bacon and almonds for an added crunch. These are a definite can’t miss.

Cedar Street Grill

{IntoxiKate Tip! Dine with IntoxiKate tomorrow at Cedar Street Grill’s Beer Dinner with Peekskill Brewery. The five-course meal and beer tasting costs $65. Call 914-674-0706 to make a reservation!}

 

If I’ve convinced you to sit at the bar and try the Haymaker (seriously, put it on your fall to do list), than there are plenty of other small bites to choose from. With Matt’s clear “everything’s better with bacon” vision, the grilled cheese sliders offer the salted, smokiness of the meat paired with cheddar and tomato jam ($8).

Cedar Street Grill

The sausage and grits are also a treat, adding smoked figs, andouille and toasted almonds to the well-executed traditional southern dish ($9).

Cedar Street Grill

The “American” meatballs may have you thinking more meat loaf than ball—but you’ve got it right ($9). Matt creates miniature versions into ball format, adding some seasonal mushrooms and red wine gravy to complete the concept. {Keep in mind that these dishes were served tasting-style and do not reflect the true portion size of the dish!}

Cedar Street Grill

Last, but certainly not least, Matt warms the palate with a little pickled serrano pepper on a lump crab cake, bedded on creamed corn and balsamic glaze ($12). It’s a sure-fire presentation of a “summer” dish transitioning into fall.

Cedar Street Grill

Matt and Joe also introduced a few new main dishes to the menu. I was lucky enough to try the pan roasted pork chop ($26) with wild rice and golden raisins. That gooey goodness on top? Yep, that’s just an extra serving of love coming to you as a sweet apple maple jam. Goes perfect with the pork.

Cedar Street Grill

Fall also makes its way onto the the dessert menu. While you can pair their hot apple toddy ($10) with the baked apple pie ($8), I suggest ordering the banana Nutella bread pudding ($8). The warm cake is topped with salted caramel ice cream and drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauces. Seriously.

Cedar Street Grill

{Cedar Street Grill: 23 Cedar St., Dobbs Ferry, 914-674-0706, www.cedarstreetgrillny.com}

 

 

October 20, 2014 0 comment
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farm to tablewestchester

The IntoxiKate Guide to Fall

by Katie Schlientz October 15, 2014
written by Katie Schlientz
intoxikate

The IntoxiKate Guides take a long time to put together, but I just can’t stop doing them—they’re my labor of love. Between editing photos, designing the pages, and writing content, I get a chance to relive my dining experiences and present them to you in a more interactive way. (Keep in mind, all those links in blue are live and ready for clicking.)
This year’s Fall Guide is no different. From the interactive guide to Halloween in Sleepy Hollow to the roundup of some of my favorite squash dishes from around the county, to the recap of my delicious visit to Dan Rooney’s at the Empire City Casino, these pages are just a brief look of Westchester’s autumn best.
Please feel free to peruse and share!
Live life deliciously!

October 15, 2014 2 comments
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To Yelp, Or Not to Yelp

by Katie Schlientz October 8, 2014
written by Katie Schlientz
yelp

It’s really no question. From a marketing and public relations perspective, it’s great to have location-based websites (Yelp, Foursquare, Google) offer businesses a space for contact information, images, and reviews. In the world of social media marketing, getting that personal recommendation from a neighbor or friend is best for business. Let’s face it—if you’ve got that personal (trusted!) stamp of approval, you’re golden.

But what happens when you receive a bad review? Or better yet, what happens when you’ve visited a restaurant and had a bad experience? What to do?

Nobody Put Restaurants in a Corner… Nobody

Whether you are using social media for personal or professional use, you have to use it wisely. The minds behind these sites are slicker by the minute (No, Facebook, I will NOT download your messenger that gives you access to my photos). And if you don’t stay educated on the changes, it can really work against you.
While you may realize the Yelp is a tool you can use to report on services you receive at the nail salon, spa or restaurant, what you may not realize is how this website works from the business point of view. Yelp salespeople call these local businesses on a weekly (if not daily) basis to offer their “services.” You get some advertising here, some advertising there, and oh, did I mention you can respond to reviewers? Oh, did I also mention you can also control who sees those bad reviews? Negative comments can disappear in moment, burying them in cyberspace where less eyes can see them. While big budget restaurants can afford this disappearing act, those local eateries who may not be social media savvy or have big marketing budget are out of luck. Interesting…

{IntoxiKate Tip!}

If you are interested in learning about the best places to eat, try looking up the food bloggers in the area. IntoxiKate, FoodiePleasure, DeeCuisine, SmallBites and Westchester Magazine‘s Eat & Drink Blog all offer information and reviews from savvy foodies! Most bloggers will also respond to inquiries via Twitter. I’ve done this often when looking for restaurants while traveling!

yelp

Restaurants Behaving Badly

If you are a Facebook fan of your favorite restaurant, you’ve most likely caught a glimpse of how they respond to negative reviews. While some managers poke fun of their reviews and post “come taste the worst sandwich one Yelp reviewer ever ate,” others have taken a much more negative route. Recently I received tweets and emails from a local diner who posted a pretty fair review of a restaurant on Yelp. The manager responded to her directly, providing a less than courteous response that lacked serious customer service skills. That’s not going to be great for business. (Yelp has since taken both comments down and one reviewer states the restaurant is under new management.)

yelp

Diners Behaving Badly

On the other hand, some diners have gotten out of control on Yelp. There’s currently a group of six traveling from restaurant to restaurant in NYC, demanding free meals, bottles of wine, and more. If they don’t get what they want, they threaten to each write a bad review on the site, essentially forcing the restaurant into giving them what they want. It’s a hostage situation. No buneo.

Want To Share a Review?

  1. Join the IntoxiKate Foodie Nation on Facebook. This group page allows you to share photos and reviews on your latest dining experience in Westchester.
  2. Remember to share your POSITIVE experience. We’re more inclined to share a bad experience. Make sure to balance the yin to that yang and recommend a restaurant you loved to friends.
  3. Try to be fair. Is it your first time visiting the restaurant? Did the eatery just open? Try not to judge a restaurant on one experience and give that eatery a second try.
October 8, 2014 0 comment
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ABOUT KATE

Food Lover, Cocktail Enthusiast, Locavore, Writer, Radio Host, Social Media Guru, Restaurant Ambassador LEARN MORE

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