Elite Event: Bolt Goes Burlesque

Man, oh, man, Lauryn definitely knocked it out of the park for her first Elite event! I really enjoyed the Tito’s & hydromelon cocktails and my husband was a fan of the White Street Scottish Ale. I didn’t get around to trying to food (maybe that’s why I wasn’t feeling so hot the next morning), but it looked great. The outdoor patio was really nice, too. But, of course the highlight of the evening had to be the amazing burlesque performances! Such a fun theme, and I loved all the costumes! This was, by far, one of my favorite Elite events! Can’t wait to see what else you have in store, Lauryn!

So, this past Monday I attended my first Unilocal event… ever! Thanks to Gina B. for the +1 !!! :-)
«Bolt Goes Burlesque» was an absolute blast! I believe I had 3 helpings of the best Shrimp and Grits in Raleigh. The guacamole was outstanding, and the Scottish Brown Ale from White Street Brewing added just the perfect touch of inhibition-​dropping goodness. And the burlesque show… yeah…one word — ENCORE!!!
Good times! Thank you for a fantastic event! Looks like I need to get busy doing more Unilocaling!

What a fun night! Sexy burlesque dancers, delicious drinks and good food, and lots of fun times!!! Lauryn C is the best! Everyone was so into playing dress up that Erin and I are throwing in our vote for a huge Unilocal Masquerade Ball! Can’t wait for Lauryn’s next event! Also, the Bolt staff really helped make the night. They were fun, outgoing, courteous, and eager to please. I can’t wait to revisit Bolt for a real dinner soon.

Bolt Goes Burlesque was my first Lauryn C. experience… and she did not disappoint! Thank you, Lauryn for being the hostess with the most-​est. The food and drinks were yummy; the melon/​vodka cocktail was the perfect call for a warm summer evening.
Leave it to a Unilocal-​sponsored event to bring full-​on burlesque dancing to the very streets of downtown Raleigh. As a side note, has anyone ever had a bad time with a photo booth? For some reason the novelty never wears off for me, and I wouldn’t be upset if it were a perennial fixture at future Elite events.
The company was fabulous and it was a great excuse to get me out of my Durham-​centric shell and «all the way» out into Raleigh.
Thanks, Lauryn!

Wow, Lauryn really made quite the unveiling for her first Unilocal Elite event. Burlesque? Silly me, I was expecting the traditional costumes, photobooth and free bevies, but entertainment? Never crossed my mind!
The dancers were all very talented. I took a 2^nd date as my (+1). He enjoyed the evening enough to join Unilocal,so kudos Lauryn.
The food was all very on point. I would had liked a gluten-​free option, but Bolt had a tasty selection of other options. And, I’m always thrilled to see Titos be a sponsor (gluten-​free vodka). Yes, please.
Can’t wait to attend more of Lauryn’s events.

Lace, Tights, and Feathers, OH MY! This has got to have been one of the cheekiest (pun intended) Elite Events yet! I was surprised that it was outdoors, but the weather could not have been more perfect and I think the visibility of it made it seem all the more fun!
Bolt’s kept the food coming, with rigatoni being my ‘food highlight’ of the evening. I did not manage to try the beer, but the Besitos wine is a classic. You seriously could have just hooked me up to an IV drip full of Hydramelon/​Titos and I’d have been cool with it.
The entertainment was lovely too! I loved the variety of girls and styles. From an emotionally-​charged striptease set to Jekyll and Hyde’s Roxanne to a flirtatious fan dance from Purrrl Van Dammit, it was all very, very sexy!
So, 100% well done to new CM, Lauryn C! I know the previous CM is a tough act to follow, but you are majorly WORKING IT, Honey!!! Encore!

What a FANTASTIC event! I was an honored to perform for a fun, professional and creatively dressed group of people. This event convinced me to become increasingly more active within the Unilocal community. Everyone was so supportive of one another– like a family, for sure!
Bolt Bistro was a great venue with amazing food.
Thanks, Lauryn for putting together such a fabulous event!

Do you wanna have fun? How’s about a few… laughs? I can show you a… good time!
Really enjoyed Lauryn C’s inaugural Elite Event. Immediately felt too naked in my fishnets in the outdoor venue, but ultimately ended up being one of the most dressed in the bunch! I absolutely loved the burlesque girls and will be seeking out more of their shows. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with a classy tease.
Thanks to Bolt for the delicious guac and some really bangin’ shrimp & grits. The drinks weren’t my favorite, but this event was certainly not short on fun. I was so glad to see that so many people dressed up and got a little wild on a Monday night.

Christina who? Oh just kidding lady! I can only say that because Christina is my best friend in the world. But let’s be serious for a second. Lauryn has done an incredible job in her few short weeks as community manager. Kicking off the first of several elite goodies over the next few weeks, this event just reminded us all the amazingness we’ve been missing. Lots of fantastic drinks, from the deliciously sweet Besitos wine to the refreshing White River Scottish ale (my favorite) and a nice summer cocktail combining Tito vodka with the Cold off the Press watermelon juice provided plenty to choose from no matter your fancy. And little fat me got my fill and more with some creamy grits deliciousness filled with nice jumbo shrimp and rigatoni with meat sauce. The burlesque theme was quite the hit, and I busted out of my shell a bit to get dressed for this one even though who knows what burlesque really means. Naturally I was overshadowed by that son of a gun, Kuanyu, who had to show up turning heads with his beautiful get up. Speaking of turning heads, how about those burlesque dancers and that show they put on. I had to make sure Mimi didn’t notice how intently I was watching. And last but not least, the always fun photobooth was available thanks to the Shutterbooth folks, to capture the moment forever. Fantastic night all around. Thanks Lauryn and Bolt Bistro!

Oh ladyboy! That was a fun event. Lauryn did a great job pulling together great food, performers, drinks, Unilocalers, and weather for a thoroughly entertaining Monday night. I was introduced to a new brewery (White Street Brewery) and really enjoyed their Scottish Ale. One of my old favorites, Mad Housewife, also joined the party. Thanks, Bolt, for providing the perfect setting and excellent food (particularly the Shrimp & Grits!).
It was of course great to see so many Unilocalers in great costumes. Ken (dra) really shined with her perfectly color coordinated outfit — I could sense a little jealousy from my wife. Kendra just needs to learn to dance in a burlesque style so that she can provide better competition (I hear they have classes for that).
Thanks, Lauryn, for a great show!

While it isn’t quite here yet, if the weather and the fun had last night is any indication, this fall is going to be great. There were some great costumes on display last night. The food, the drinks, and the entertainment were all terrific. A big thanks to everyone involved in putting on such a spectacular start to Lauryn’s tenure as CM!

Our new CM, Lauryn C., kicks off her reign with some sensuality mixed with a dash of silliness!
Imagine this… warm temp, low humidity, and a beautiful clear sky. The perfect conditions for an outdoor party in Bolt’s lovely tree lined promenade and scantily clad ladies and one fine gentlemen dressed in corsets and boas. Let’s not forget to mention the handsome men in suspenders, bowler and top hats, and bow ties. Mix in tasty libations like Tito’s vodka served with Hydramelon (fresh squeezed watermelon juice) from Cold Off The Press, Besitos sweet red wine, and local brew from White Street Brewing Company. I thoroughly enjoyed the Tito-​Hydramelon cocktail, a delicious summer cocktail. It was so light and refreshing and the vodka was smooth. It seemed like a healthy indulgence?! Even though the rigatoni bolognese and shrimp and grits smelled wonderful, I was too busy enjoying the cocktails to partake in the food provided by Bolt. However many Unilocalers gave the snacks 2 thumbs up. Now add in some very creative costumes. I was never into ‘dressing’ up until I got involved with Unilocal.Now, I find it fun and a challenge to put together «themed outfits» for all the parties. I’m always impressed with the creativity and talent of fellow Unilocalers with their costumes. I have to recognize, Kuanyu, for his effort and silliness or maybe bravery to put his manhood on the line by coming dressed in drag… one of his best yet and deserving of winning this event’s costume contest. He was absolutely stunning! In addition to the awesome weather, the delicious food and drinks, and great costumes, Lauryn stepped it up a notch with live entertainment… a troupe of professional burlesque dancers made it a little steamy. Julip Photography captured all the sexiness and silliness and Shutterbooth was on site to capture our personal memories.
Unilocal and our CM, Lauryn C., rolled into town and we had another extraordinary Monday evening in downtown Raleigh.

Hello delicious cocktails and burlesque-​y business. What a way to get down on a Monday night!
Not to mention the shrimp and grits and pasta dishes — now that’s a way to a girls heart. It could not have been a more beautiful night for outdoor festivities and fun. I loved the mixers and Titos was super tasty. I loved Besitos, per usual, and shutterbooth is always a fan favorite. The décor was Moulin Rouge to perfection. Would have liked a little more room on the patio, but overall — it was a great night!
Yay Unilocal

Lauryn truly out did herself with this event! Way too much fun for a Monday night! My husband and I couldn’t take our eyes off the beautiful burlesque ladies while they all did their sexy dances. The drinks were delicious and my favorite was the watermelon — it was so fresh and light that you almost forgot it had liquor!
The food from Bolt was so delicious and the presentation was right in line with the nights theme. Shutter booth was tons of fun and we now have so many awesome pictures of one of the best parties I’ve attended in awhile! Everyone was so friendly and you could tell we all were having a blast! Great job Lauryn!

Amazing party! I’ve been missing the good life of being elite! Hehehe :)
The snacks were delicious, the shrimp & grits were fantastic — perfect consistency with the grits and the shrimp were so big & «crisp»! Love love love it!
The entertainment was amazing. All of us — including homeless observers off the streets — were so impressed and taking so many photos that we forgot to be good audience members and clap. I was personally staring open-​mouthed in awe. You can see from the pictures of the event that I was in good company with the staring!
I’m excited to try the food at Bolt and see what other amazing things Lauryn cooks up!

I’m not sure who enjoyed last night’s burlesque performance more… me, my husband, or the huddle of homeless guys who wandered over from the bus stop.
When I realized our event was outdoors, in broad daylight, I felt a little scantily clad for the occasion. So I must give major props to the daring dance troupe who paraded their various states of undress all along (and even laying down on!) the sidewalk for all the world to see. Kudos, ladies. Kudos. The entertainment was top-​notch; but the costumes, I must say, only slightly topped what Unilocalers pulled out of their party closets. In particular, loved Romin B & Mimi’s of-​the-​era outfits, Erin W’s madame look, and Heather & Andy as a modern burlesque couple. Of course, Ken (dra) was simply stunning in her purple ensemble — from H2T (that’s ‘head-​to-​toe’ for those of you who do not dabble in Tyra Top Model lingo).
Shutterbooth, I’ve missed you. Thanks for coming along to snap us in our feathered frillies! I managed to try one of each beverage sponsor — Cold Off the Press’s Hydramelon paired easily with Tito’s, and made a great patio quencher; White Street’s Scottish ale smacks of fall… robust and earthy; Besito’s makes for an easily sip-​able red table wine. The only food I rounded up was a cup of shrimp and grits, but it satisfied with a buttery, creamy texture.
Congrats, Lauryn C, on a fun-​filled first Elite Event. I know it ain’t easy — but you sure made it look like it was :)

Greetings CM Lauryn & welcome to Raleigh! Enjoyed my first Unilocal Elite event under your watch.
I liked that Unilocal was able to take advantage of a comfortable August night and have this event outdoors. The themed décor was right for the outdoor location with the table decorations. The b&w framed photos were a nice touch as was the appropriate for the theme music that was playing.
Of course we had plenty of Unilocal Elite that got into the spirit of the theme with some lovely creative costumes.
Always nice to have the photo booth and the fun accessories available for your four photos.
I had the bean dip and chips and the pasta dish. Both were delicious.
Thanks to Bolt and Lauryn for a fun event.

Definitely had a blast! Bolt was taken over by scantily clad ladies (and gentlemen) in fishnets and tule skirts, everyone sipping great wines and snacking on delicious horderves from Bolt Bistro!
I must also note that before tonight I HATED grits, the texture always bothered me… But these were amazing! Creamy and smooth, with a yummy hint of… Is that… BACON? You can win me over with bacon if you haven’t noticed.
All in all GREAT time!

Oh Lauryn. You do not know what you have asked. «Dressing up for this event is not mandatory, but highly encouraged?» You must not know my mantra: «If it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing!»
So yes, that outfit did happen, and might I add one of my best so far! But, how do you ladies walk in those heels?! I truly admire you.
But no matter how precious I think I am, I can’t hold a candle to the genuine ladies of the burlesque troupe. If I ever want to get out of banking, I wonder if the lady troupe will take me in? I got the outfit fitted perfect, just need to learn a few moves!
Too bad I didn’t have any bite of the delicious offering from Bolt Bistro tonight; they smelled and looked fantastic… but I was too worry about smearing my lipstick. What a drag (pun totally intended.) But with the help of some straws I totally got to taste all the libation tonight from White Street Brewing (Wake Forest) and Cold Off The Press juices and Tito’s vodka cocktails.
Thank you for kickstarting your first Elite event in a big way; if this is what we should expect going forward, I can a busy Unilocal year ahead!
Cheers Lauryn!
P. S. If anyone has a photo of me, or with me, tonight please send me a copy or feel free to tag me on Facebook. I welcome them all! That corset was too tight to hold anything, I barely kept my phone in-​between my boobs, let alone camera. I should have been more prepared with a purse… Ha!

Way too much silliness for a Monday night! Lots of fishnet stockings, hydramelon and besitos wine. I am speechless.
Please see my pics! :-)