Elite Event: Mathletes vs. Athletes!

Sweet event! It will hold a special place for me as not only Cyndi’s first event as a CM but my first official Elite event as an «Elite» :)
St. Regis has a very cool atmosphere, and I liked the fact that we had the whole downstairs section to ourselves. The staff were super friendly and always kept my wine glass topped up, right to the very end of the event.
Speaking of which, the white wine that I had was excellent. While I wasn’t able to sample the full selection of food due to gluten issues (although I did try one piece of the pizza, which was excellent) I VERY much appreciated the giant fruit and veggie trays. Seriously, whoever included those on the menu obviously knew the way to my heart, food-​wise! ;)
I also loved the mathletes vs. athletes theme, the puzzles that people were trying to solve and the great costumes that everyone was rocking throughout the night. I had planned to go as a full-​fledged athlete but at the last minute had to attend a work function in between work and the event, meaning I didn’t have time to run home and change into sports gear. So I ended up being more mathlete than athlete, long-​lost math skills notwithstanding. But I was in very good company with my decked-​out fellow Unilocalers.
Looking forward to the next event!!!

As a giant nerd who often ends up in the corner by the food at parties, I appreciate when a) there’s delicious food (those pizzas were good, although my boyfriend forbade me from eating too much because of the wheat) and b) there are activities for us to do when we’re feeling awkward and antisocial. It was nice to stretch my math/​logic skills and realize that I haven’t totally forgotten everything from high school!
I didn’t try the beer, but the wine was lovely, and the serving staff were great. Anytime I was near the wine, they offered me another glass, and they topped me up at the end of the night without my asking because they needed to finish off the bottle.
The location was great. Plenty of room to walk around and chat with people, and lots of tables to rest your drinks!
Good job, Cyndi. Can’t wait for the next one!

This is my first elite event and boy was it alot of fun! I rushed there straight from work and didn’t get the chance to participate in dressing up like a mathlete or an athlete. Boo.
I had never been to St. Regis hotel before but after this experience I will definitely be heading back there. They so graciously provided lots of yummy food (the pulled pork sandwiches and pudding were fantastic!) and plenty to drink.
It was fun to talk to fellow Unilocal members and I’m looking forward to the next event already!

YES! The perfect place to satisfy my raging nerd-​on, and YES, I can finally use «raging nerd-​on» in another review!
Sure I was disappointed that I didn’t rock out a star trek uniform that was two sizes too small but that did not distract from the copious amount of fun made possible by the organizers and the very friendly Unilocal community.
The food was great and the host was most gracious, I spent a lot of time hanging by the pulled pork and Yorkshire puddings and they are both get the drunken Garth seal of approval.
Thanks for Cyndi and Co for pulling this off and making us nerds feel so welcome.

Bad weather in Vancouver, Unilocal Event on the same night, I can only put it in one way, there was no way I was missing this event, like the rest. If you are an Elite, or have been to any of the past events you will make it an effort to haul your lazy butt to get to it. With snow in the forecast, and treacherous roads, I decided to venture from a land not so distant on transit to attend the last (sniff) Elite event of the year!
The one thing I look forward to is before all else (food, drinks) is the friendships I have made through this tight knit community. It is great being able to finally meet that little snapshot picture of the people who you read on this site from time to time, and actually have a similiar interest in free opinion on everything Unilocal!The other great thing is meeting the new people, which there seem to be many at this one.
The first official Elite event with the new community manager for Vancouver, Cyndi (where I promised, but haven’t had a chance to update my profile picture yet!), and also the finale of the year for the BIG Unilocal event, so it was like a double celebration, and at the St. Regis Bar & Grille, or as I confirmed the old floor of the night club called Legends! I thought I was lost when I came in here, as usually you would know when Unilocal’ers are ho-hum’ing it up, and coming through the main gate, I couldn’t see anybody or even a hint of a party going on. I had to check my Android Unilocal application to make sure this was the place, and it was a turn to the left, and down a flight of stairs where the party was about to start ‘kickin’. A huge area for all of us to gather, and just seeing Crystal there was a great sight, in her geeked out glasses, and pink Canucks jersey! Where she was this time in charge of marking down who was coming through the cold air into this warm environment. And then of course seeing Cyndi, and that big hug, which is more welcoming than spiked egg nog (which also would have been nice!). Tons of Unilocal goodies on every table, from those flavourful lip balms, pins, stickers, wrist bands, geek glasses, and tin cased mints (if they were mints, as I have not opened mine!).
I came in my football jersey, where I do not get a chance to work, and even more now, as the player I was wearing got traded! But it was another successfully themed event, with most of the floor being good ‘sports’ in regards to the theme of the night. And right away someone (I forgot who?) told me to start drinking, and to walk toward the beer (or beer opener Paul D.) near the back of the room. Paul D. was another great host (and he’s on Unilocal too) in regards to telling us the history of the St. Regis, the room itself (which I knew, and he confirmed used to be club Legends) and that the plan was to pair the beers up with the great food coming out of the kitchen. So near the backside, we had Yorkshire pudding, and Pork Sliders, these were definitely a hit, and they kept on coming, where I did not see a shortage of food near the beers, and I did not see a shortage of beers either (it wouldn’t be a Unilocal event if they were short on the beverages!). Near the front, you could try a red and a white wine, and the food pairings here were thin crust pizzas, a veggie platter, and a fruit platter (and I saw dragon fruit on that platter, nice touch!).
There was a cool photo booth in the corner, with sporty props, like football helmuts, a football to name a few, and I had to ask the photographer if he was the one that was being ‘twitter’d’ as the one that almost did not show up! I am looking forward to the pictures from the photobooth, and also from Larry, as he was dressed up like a golfer, from head to toe!
A nice speech from Cyndi ended the most fabulous night of this November, and even the daunting task of taking public transit home was nice and warm. Too all the Unilocal’ers that I have met, and some that I did not get a chance to meet, we will do this again, and I shall know your name (that is why sometimes I take pictures of you with your name tag, due to the excessive alcohol that goes down my throat at these events!), or I shall add you in time. Also a big shout out to the St. Regis, you should pat yourself on the back, the venue, the staff (from front to back end) as you guys made this a great night by welcoming us into your excellent venue. One last word, to Cyndi, and to Crystal, Vancouver Unilocal wouldn’t be what it is without you two, it feels like a passing of the torch, but it’s always great to see how much energy both you two fill the room with, and it carries over to all of us!

This was my first Unilocal even, attended as a «+1»
This was definately a 4 star event but I give it 5 stars since you guys managed to offer a great time to your Elite’s and Guests, for FREE!
I was unaware of the theme but stopped by the swag table on the way in to «nerd up» and it was all uphill from there.
Kudos to Unilocal staff and the St Regis for the fabulous time, the food was amazing… yorkshire pudding stuffed with roast beef, pulled pork, fresh fruit, flatbread pizza. Need I say more?
Becoming a member of Unilocal has been on my to do list for about two months but I was so impressed by how welcoming everyone was so here I am!

I have been to St. Regis numerous times… great pub to be at for hockey, football or UFC!
Was most recently here for the Elite Mathlete vs Athlete Event! Im always super excited when my schedule works out that i can make it to these wondrous elite events.
WICKED job on your first Cyndi! Crystal has set high standards but you faced it head on and what delicious eats and fun fare for all to embellish in! ;)
The food was great. really liked the set up. having different areas to wander to for more tasty treats. i LOVED the pulled pork sandwhich… even the other item (which i keep forgetting the name of)… the dough was extra yummy.
The flatbread pizza was delish. and didnt last long! i only got one little square. but the huge veggie/​fruit platters close by were a great 2^nd choice.
Local beer… wines…pictures.and great costumes… oh, cant forget the stickers, the best kissable chapstick and mints! Wooo!

Nerds just do everything better. Unilocal nerds are no exception and made this Elite event nerd-​tastic awesome.
This was the Ginger Ninja’s (aka Cyndi H) first event as Vancouver CM and she picked up right where Crystal H left off.
Not wanting to miss out on the nerdiness, I grabbed one spiffy patented Unilocal bow-​tie along with some Unilocal spectacles and I was set. Great to see so many die-​hards in truly nerdified outfits.
Food was bountiful. My favourite by far was the pulled pork sandwich. Wow. Perfect level of sweetness in the sauce with moist pork = happy nerd stomach. Pizza was also solid.
Beer man was super nerdy and kept the cold ones coming. Stanley Park’s amber ale was clean, crisp and refreshing. Interesting to learn the beer & food pairings.
Photo booth, as always, was super fun! Prop selection was ample including a giant nipple clamp? I wonder how that slipped in there.
Congrats and thanks again to Cyndi for organizing! Props also to the St. Regis staff who genuinely looked like they enjoyed themselves and hosting.

This was my first Unilocal event and I had an AMAZING time!
I came with my room mate Nicole F as her guest because I have yet to make Elite status (soon hopefully!). She forgot to tell me there was a theme so I didn’t dress up, but luckily there was a selection of nerdy props for us to borrow!
There were delicious fruit and vegetable plates sitting out for us, and everything was great. One of the melons tasted kind of like dirt, but I’m not going to deduct points for something as insignificant as that. The booze was a-​flowing and I had several glasses of red wine throughout the night. Maybe I got a little bit tipsy. Maybe Nicole and I made the photographer take a picture of her pretending to beat me with a football while I lay lifeless on the floor. I wonder why that one didn’t get published hahaha, anyways…
There was beef stuffed Yorkshire pudding and little roast beef sandwiches, but the BEST was the flat bread pizza. I couldn’t even pick a favorite, they were all so delicious. Aside from eating and drinking, I had a fantastic time mingling and meeting new people. I can’t wait until the next one!

A long time ago, in a city far, far away…
— — — -
[trumpets blare & opening crawl]
Unilocal WARS
— — — -
Episode IV
REVENGE OF THE NERDS
— — — -
It was a dark time for the Rebel forces of Vancouver Unilocal.Turmoil had gripped the land during Community Manager Crystal’s departure. All hope rested on the shoulders of a young Jedi Knight, the Ginger Ninja, to restore good times to the galaxy.
— — — -
A great inaugural even from our new CM, Cyndi. Being lazy, I appreciated the Mathletes vs. Athletes theme — you mean, I can wear my normal clothes and still be in theme? I just equipped my +1 Agility Shark Backpack and +99 Charisma Glasses Tape — done! It couldn’t have been easier unless the theme was «Unkempt Drunken Mooches». That would have been easier than Pi (nerd laugh).
It was a great venue — I would have never guess that such an old-​world style tavern was tucked away under the Regis Hotel in the downtown core. No complaints about the awesome staff and the seasonal Black Lager (a.k.a. +20HP Potion of Healing) either.
To be honest, I didn’t expect there to be so much food. The Unilocal Elite are a ravenous horde and hor’deorves are usually cleaned out post-​haste. Thinking I was a smart boyscout, I went for dinner before coming up here — with snacking tater-​tots in my cargo pocket as backup. The bounty of thin-​crust pizza, Yorkshire pudding and pulled-​pork sandwiches were a happy surprise and delicious — just wish I hadn’t stuffed my face before coming here. Oh well, I suppose it was a good insurance plan in case I got jumped for my lunch money.
Good times and fun crowds as per usual.

I had a blast at the Regis! Cyndi you and the crew did an awesome job and the food was fantastic. I also really enjoyed the amber ale… a little too much so lol.
All the costumes were fantastic and the photos just say the rest. Was great to see Crystal too.

This was my first elite event and it was a blast! As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by Crystal H. She was such a friendly and welcoming former CM. In order to make me feel more comfortable, she gave me a «Newbie» stamp. Thanks!
Next, I met Cyndi «Ginger Ninja» H., who was the new community manager for Vancouver. Cyndi was so smart for choosing this venue. It was classy, yet laid back and cool. Cyndi was so friendly with everyone and she was the life of this elite event. People like Cyndi makes the world a better place.
I meet other well-​known Unilocalers too. Simon K. was so funny and very helpful. Larry L., was so cool, and I want to thank him for the photos. I met Johnson C. and Joe who really knew how to have a good time. Mark H. knew what was good and not-​so-​good. I met sporty cheerleader Reena, and her outfit was so authentic — it had her named stitched on it!
The food at this venue was healthy and hearty. The fruit and veggie platter was amazing. The pulled pork sandwiches on French bread were yummy. The pizzas were delightful for the eyes and tastebuds. I loved how they had bottles of water at this venue. Water = good stuff! I took home some cool Unilocal pins too. All in all, I had a wonderful time and everyone I met were very friendly!

Never thought so many mathletes and athletes could be stuck in the same room and all get along so well. Although afterall, this was a Unilocal Elite party, and they always defy the odds.
I had a super fun night at the Regis, and I really liked the private basement space that we were given. The seats and tables available to rest our feet and our glasses of wine on proved to be convenient when so much was available here.
Thin crust pizzas, fruit plate, veggie plate, pulled pork sandwiches (which were delicious), and a Yorkshire pudding stuffed with beef. Then the drinks-​I only had the white wine-​which was a Viognier by Como Sur… I’ve seen a 1.5L size of this wine before, but never thought to try it. Now I know it’s not too bad!
And the photobooth! Between all the props (helmets, books, pompoms, ruler, chalkboard…), we were busy coming up with poses for the photographer! It was so fun!
I also did the most math I’ve done in a long time. The ‘question’ sheet was a little complex for us, although we put all our brains together and managed to come up with the answers.
The cute bow ties and glasses were a hit; and it was cool to see how everybody dressed up! As always, Kassim was our AFP (after party planner) and Johnson was the ‘name-​tag’ boy.
Hip hip hooray for Cyndi, as she did a wonderful job in creating an awesome party! It was also great to see Crystal again, you’ve been missed!
Another memorable night!

I came up here before the Elite event with a friend. I was highly disappointed in the service. I had 2 drinks (purple haze martini, yum!) and we ordered a pizza to share.
The pizza took over half an hour. People that sat down after us got their pizza 15 minutes before we did. When asked why the pizza was taking so long, all the waitress said was «Oh it’ll be a few minutes.» No answer as to why. I didn’t feel like being a nuisance or pressing the issue as I was going to be downstairs for the event, but I still wanted an answer :(
The pizza was GREAT though, thankfully (bbq chicken pizza ftw!)
But, I really think that standing around and chatting with another waitress for 10 minutes while ignoring us/​waiting on our bill was totally uncool. I’ll be back just because I KNOW that it could be better service and she was just a one off, but I was not impressed. She was nice, but I just don’t deal well with bad service, especially when it wasn’t full or that busy. There is no reason a pizza should take 30 minutes without explanation as to why. at least offer a discount. Next time I’ll ask for the Manager because I met him at the event downstairs and he was awesome.
The space is really cool and oldish looking which is what I like.

Way to go Cyndi on your first event!
The theme was super fun, and the staff from St. Regis were very, very nice. The thin crust pizza was my fave, as the balsamic reduction was divine. And as usual, the drinks did not stop flowing until the very end.
I was geeking out with the mathletes at the quiz table, and I think I spent far too much time working on those puzzles. I loved seeing all the fantastic costumes. There were some incredibly geeky outfits, and I had to wonder how some of those folks dress regularly.
I liked the space. It wasn’t too crowded, but there were enough people there that it was comfortably full. Having some tables to put our drinks while cramming food in our faces was nice, too. I’m never good at balancing food and booze at once.
Hats off to Cyndi! I can’t wait for the next event!
And thanks to Kassim for planning the after party.
EDIT — Apparently I was too busy nerding it up that I totally missed drunken paper crane folding (I used to rock those things in elementary school) and the photo booth. Damn you, math quiz!
Oh, and a tip — pizza delivery boys do not like their money folded creatively into cranes and boats.

This was one of my very very favorite elite events. The space was perfect for the fill of nerds and jocks. My wife was thouroughly impressed by this party. She also mentioned that the pulled pork sandwiches were pretty much the tastiest things ever.
The staff were so great and the feeling we got from them was very warm. I think I downed about 8 glasses of red and yes, the manager kept me topped up. It was so nice to see the elite crew all dressed up in hilarious outfits. I bet the after party was fun too.
Way to go Cyndi!

Best time I’ve had on a Thursday in a while! I’m happy I arrived looking like a young professional chic mathlete (direct from work — where I sometimes dress like a real grown-​up just to remind everyone I kind of am) because I think it adequately disguised that I came starving, stuffed myself with all the food I could (Luisa, yup — this «mostly vegetarian» ate two beef yorkshire puddings. Those things were awesome! And with battered onions? Way to destroy my morals, St. Regis) AND I went home nicely drunk on malbec.
Besides throwing away my principles for good food occasionally, the veggie pizza was food-​pornographic all drizzled in balsamic reduction and laid out on a wooden slab tempting all who passed by. The veggie and fruit platters were piled high and I don’t think there was a bottom on either platter.
It was also proven to me once again, that everyone who shares my name is pretty much undoubtedly fabulous, as the wine-​serving-​Alexis kept my glass full and was supremely delightful. And I loved that the manager introduced himself — he knows what he’s doing! I’ll totally eat there again, and even pay to do so next time.
The drunk paper crane lesson may have been the highlight of the evening besides the food and wine.
Great to meet you both, Crystal and Cyndi! I will see you at the next event, I’m sure.

Does anyone else remember JD’s line from «Heathers» that «the only place different social types can get along is in heaven»? Well, without any teenage suicide (don’t do it) required, the Regis was heaven! The jocks and geeks — and a few mixes of the two — were having such a good time that it took the staff at the Regis quite a few «hey, time to go!» cries before everyone got their slide rules and footballs together to part, yet again.
Great job on throwing your first Unilocal Elite fiesta, Cyndi. Although perhaps you picked the theme just so you could wear the fetching BC Lions jersey to match your ginger locks? Loved Reena’s cheerleading outfit, Evilyn’s I Love Nerds t-​shirt, Catherine W.‘s patriotic Team Canada getup, Peter S.‘s crazy Canuck Jersey (hey, boobie!), and of course, the lovely Crystal’s nerd-​emerging jockette styling. And it was also great to see the long-​lost Sarah O. and hear about her Indian adventures.
The rest I don’t remember, as I was lost in a haze of Stanley Park beers and meat n’ bread gluttony coma on those pulled pork sandwiches and roast beast-​filled Yorkshire Pudding.
Oh and poing!!!

I started to write this as soon as I stepped out of the Regis and then my Iphone conked out on me. Bleh! bad I-​phone.
Cyndi and crew did awesome. the event was flawless and the food and drink were most excellent.
Loved loved the pudding with roast beef and gravey inside. I love that idea! Officially my vote for best pudding.
Great to see Crystal and at least get to chat for a bit before she went and hit to road to her milieu of other Unilocal events accross the country.
So congrats to the both of you!
Loved the costumes. Yes, I was a golf photographer. The guy that took the photo of Tiger Woods errant ball as it headed straight for the camera lens.
it was also Thu’s last Elite event in Vancouver as she got a job down south of the border. We’ll miss her but the result is we have to get her Vancouver crew to start writing and taking over from where she left off.
Tien…write more… makes lists… more pictures…
Great to see familiar faces and meet some new ones. David L. Nice to meet you finally!
For Johnston. I think we’re going to have to find another suppository for those errant name tags. i suggest we stick them on Kassim and make him the Unilocaly party favor!
For me? I stayed sober, and watched the festivities through a clear lense. I’ll be sending the pics to Cyndi later tonight for approval and then up on Unilocal.If any of you want pics, please send me a message and I’ll see if I can dig them up.
Thanks to the sponsors and an excellent venue to host this event!
Cheers all!
And I thought Hilda looked the most Nerdy! Thhppptt! cute.
Typo’s FOC, half written by i-​phone.

So my husband joined facebook last weekend. Seriously. Getting him to come to a Unilocal event was, well, challenging. I almost felt like I tricked him into coming to this one. No offense to previous events.
On the cab ride home I’m pretty sure I heard him say something along the lines of ‘That was f**king fun!‘
Totally enjoyed the large space for milling about. People were geeking out big time and getting all nerdy and talking to strangers.
The cutie-​pie that let us know she had wine in the corner was working the room. We’d already had dinner but I swear I saw a vegetarian sneaking a beef stuffed Yorkshire pudding.
I loved the way the manager (I think that’s who he was) from the venue got up and thanked everyone and announced himself and the space. Way to work it!
Nerdy high fives to the Ginger Ninja who I finally got to meet in person. She’s even prettier fo’ real. xo