Elite Event: Hard Rock Hotel’s Float!

As this was the last Elite event of 2013, some pesky thing called rain wasn’t going to stop me from attending! One of the more simple Elite events, this was a merry Unilocaly way to end 2013, Brad’s first full term as Unilocal SD CM. Thanks to Brad and the hosts at Hard Rock Hotel for setting up this event rain-​or-​shine! I wish Brad all the best as a CM going into 2014, even if I’ll have to read about it secondhand.
Rain also did not stop me from having a good time with my other fellow Elites and their friends: Elle, Brett, Mel, Vin, Steve, Andy. and his +1 and Grace along with her +1. Out of all the people there I LOVED Mercy’s costume (incorporated ornaments into attire) and Jeff’s costume of candy canes. Sorry that I couldn’t dress more Christmas-​ey, I was still recovering from food poisoning I caught earlier that weekend.
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Although I knew SD had a Hard Rock Hotel for at least several years, I only paid attention to their rooftop bar when I was camping outside the Hall H entrance during the last Comic-​Con. I noted how much fun those Comic-​Con parties hosted there were and how it would be like sipping drinks overlooking the Convention Center down below.
PARKING: 6^th and K was the closest parking structure. Parking was $ 1/​hr as there wasn’t a Padres Game. Valet parking was available but I was too cheap to utilize it.
VENUE: Entrance to Float is through an elevator.
There was a mild sprinkle at the time, but this did not detract from the spectacular views I had of the Convention Center and the entrance to Gaslamp. If Comic-​Con was occurring I could have seen the B20 and Hall H line crowds. It also helped that there were heat lamps and fire pits scattered, I was never too far from a source of warmth. Too bad the rain made the seats too wet to be sat on.
There was a bar towards the back that serves beer, wine and mixed drinks. Closer to the elevators was a pool and the area where there’s supposed to be cabanas were occupied by vendors — fitting as this event also closed out Unilocal Shops Local. One vendor was selling sports clothes and had a wheel you could spin that gave you whatever you spun on the wheel.
SERVICE: The servers handing out drinks were quite observant and made sure that you always had a drink in your hand, alcoholic or not. I was quite impressed and tipped the server who seemed to notice me most.
DRINKS: Vodka drinks were made with Absolut Vodka. Didn’t have too much to drink (~2 drinks max) but my drinks contained Absolut in them. I think one of them was an OJ with a splash of pineapple, vodka went down smoothly. Thanks Elle for covering tip!
Montalvo Tequila provided samples and had blanco, reposado and añejo versions of their tequila. The reposado had a bit of a bite but still went down smoothly. For these type of tequilas they are best consumed by itself.
FOOD: 400 pieces total, 100 for each piece.
Bruschetta: Not mentioned in the original invite and the best offered. Crunchy bread, fresh, slightly sweet and juicy tomato pieces with bits of salty cheese.
Hibachi Beef Skewers with Teriyaki Glaze: Not only was the glaze covering the beef, I could taste the teriyaki in the marinade. Portions were just right.
Kahlua Pig Empanadas with Grilled Pineapple Salsa: The empanadas were filled with lots of pork — LOVE empanadas that have lots of filling. I could taste the roast pig and it reminded me of the times I’ve had kahlua pig in Hawaii. The salsa had a bit of kick.
Lump Crab Quesadilla with Smoked Gouda and a Grilled Corn and Mango Relish: The quesadilla was creamy with some crabs yet lots of cheese. The relish reminded me of chutney.
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This event is looking to be my last Elite event in SD for a while as I’ll be going up to the Bay Area in several weeks for school for at least a year and some odd months. I’ll be missing you guys and will look forward to reading all the Elite event writeups for SD/​NCSD 2014. Until next time, SYOY!

Impressive view of the city below. I’m usually down below. The change in perspective is momentous.
I suppose I’m still not use to how awesome it is being invited to these incredible elite events. Upon arriving to the top of the city I was greeted with glorious beef skewers and wondrous drinks. Tender delicious meat with a bell pepper in the center. Also impressive was the chef able to accommodate my guest with gluten free chicken skewers. Normally reactions are gasps that you would even try to get something not on the menu. My fav item was the kalua pork empanada. It was fried, crunchy goodness, with a nicely seasoned pork center. My only regret was I only found one.
«One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them»
One advantage to being early was I found treasures on the festively decorated tables. Immensely useful Unilocalstick and playing cards to amaze my friends and family.
This was a glorious way to close out the year with my fellow Unilocalers. There were a good number of Unilocalers in festive holiday apparel. I had a great time and I sighted Rossi, he of the devil eyes out among the shadows.
Thanks Brad and the awesome staff of the Hard Rock for the excellent event to close out this amazing year.

You know it’s a killer event when you arrive with 20 minutes left to spare and you still manage to get tipsy…
I love how they had premium tequila tasting.
Love how toasty the fire pits and heaters kept us.
I’m sure the food was good too, but hey I was late … No wonder I didn’t get any!
Bit what a wonderful way to end the Unilocal San Diego year. Great choice, Brad B. !
I really loved the space to mingle worth all my Unilocal friends that I’ve made through the years. I even made a few more that night.
Float is a cool rooftop bat and I’m glad that I know about it now! Thanks once again to Unilocal

Well that was effin rad.
Gotta hand it to Brad for closing out the 2013 Unilocal Elite Year with a rooftop venue with food, drinks & a beautiful view of the city that we call home. Rain or shine, who would want to miss that?
I think there were quite a few people who skipped the event due to the foreboding weather and honestly that cleared out space and really made this feel much more «chill». Food samples were coming out regularly and were much more available. The staff was super friendly, very helpful and did a great job taking care of us.
Personally, I thought the fact that it might rain on the last event of the year and of the few outdoor ones was just a funny scenario. Nobody should want to miss and event where they get to hang with a cool, close knit group of people on top of the Hard Rock soaking in views of the city that has been so good to us… and definitely not on account of a little rain.
Personally, I loved it. I’m never going to let rain ruin my day.
Anyway, this was an awesome venue. Brad & his crew did an awesome job setting up, especially considering the weather. The Hard Rock’s crew executed perfectly as well, couldn’t really ask for a cooler event to close out the year than what we had here.
Tons of great people, some great bites, great drinks, great music, great view of America’s Finest city made this an outstanding night. What a great end to 2013 Unilocal Elite Calendar.
Usually I’d write a lot more but really it just boils down to the fact that…
This was the last stop of 2013 and I’m glad I was there.
Thanks Brad. Thanks Stephanie, thanks to the Hard Rock crew & thanks to those who actually showed up.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & Happy New Year. I’ll see you guys in 2014!

I love the venues that Brad picks. Especially this one — very classy! I had a fabulous time at the Hard Rock Hotel’s Float. I had never been to this Gaslamp Quarter icon before, and was delighted at the ambience. Float is a rooftop bar-​lounge with a swimming pool and spa, private cabanas, open seating, and beautiful views of the streets below. The service during our event was amazing, attentive, and very friendly. But the most amazing thing was that the place was packed with elite Unilocalers who ventured out on a cold, windy and rainy evening to meet up with their fellow elites! The drinks were plentiful but the snacks were few and far between (although they were delicious).
I have to say how impressed I am with San Diego elite squad. Brad said it — San Diego is the example of the way to do things right!

«‘Cause it’s too cold
For you here
And now so let me hold
Both your hands in the holes of my sweater»
— The Neighbourhood, «Sweater Weather»
Last night was the final Unilocal Elite Event of 2013 — and it was a sweater party! Although it was cold (and definitely sweater weather), the rain had thankfully let up by the time we were admitted into Float at the Hard Rock Hotel.
FOOD: I think most of the attendees heard about what happened at Bootlegger last week (what with the servers being swarmed as they came out with the dishes) as I noticed that the servers weren’t crowded this time. Looks like the message got across… that, plus we heard that only 400 of each appetizer was made. Anyway, I got to try the following —
Hibachi beef skewers with a teriyaki glaze: This was my favorite of the four; the beef was very juicy and the glaze was just right.
Kahlua pig empanada, with grilled pineapple salsa: Not too bad, though I forgoed the salsa.
Lump crab quesadilla with smoked gouda and a grilled corn and mango relish: This was the first of the apps that I sampled, and the mixture of crab meat and smoked gouda gave the quesadilla a good taste.
Bruschetta on toasted baguette: Very light and refereshing, with the right amount of garlic.
DRINKS: I went with a Stella Artois, and later had a sample of tequila one of the shot gals on staff was going around with. The cocktails made with Absolute Vodka and Montalvo Tequila looked really good, and my friends who were drinking the house red and white wines were pleased with their drinks.
AMBIANCE: Float looks really nice — there were a number of fire pits that were quickly claimed, and the lighting around the pool and jacuzzi looked inviting (wonder what it would’ve been like if we could’ve gone into the jacuzzi?). The view from the top of the building was gorgeous, especially once the sky started clearing. The staff were very nice (and easy to look at), and the DJ spinning the trance music gave the party a great vibe.
What makes the Unilocal Elite Events great are the participation of its people (let’s see how many of you get that reference!) — I don’t know if it was because this was the last event of the year, or because of the vibe, but it was cool seeing some new faces and hanging with some regulars. Isabella B., Jack M., Maricela H., Melanio F., Mel J., Vin C., Elle, Maria, Shalini, Cinna, John B., Juan, Ace, Arlene, Nette, Amanda… nice seeing you! Alex D.: you had the coolest umbrella EVER! Mercy B.: loved the lights! Anna N.: loved your name tag placement!
To the staff at Float — thank you for being gracious hosts! To Brad and Estephany — THANK YOU for the great events you held for us in 2013!
See you all in 2014!

What a stressful time of year! Work is piled high for some reason and needs to be finished yesterday. You got a million relatives you need to buy a ton of gifts for some of which you actually dislike. Crowded streets, malls, and freeways. Planes to catch, bags to pack, Hens to care for and reviews to write…
Makes me want to just climb up to a rooftop and…
Drink myself silly with awesome people!!!
Float is a great space and the bartenders were on point. I know this because of my aching head the day after and my boozy appearance in the photos. It was a wet night but the heaters kept me and Camilla the Unilocaling Hen toasty. I want to go back and check it out again for sure!
Camilla liked that they had little places to shop. BCBP had to help me explain that she had to leave some things for other Unilocalers.
Brad B, thanks for throwing a great party, showing me an awesome venue, and ending the Unilocal year on a high note!!!

Last Unilocal Elite Party of the 2013 Year and it went down nice and WET!!! Given the fact that we’ve been sick the past week, we just HAD to make an appearance. Luckily, by the time we arrived, the skies have cleared and the rain stopped. YAY!!!
We were greeted upon check in and up to the rooftop we went. We had been to Float before so it was great to come back and celebrate with my closest friends.
I have to say the service was impeccable. Everywhere we hung out, we were always asked if we were doing OK and if we needed anything. Drinks were flowing the bites kept coming. Unfortunately, I was still under the weather and only tried a few items (crab quesadilla and the Kahlua empanada) and OJ (as in orange juice). The ladies were so sweet to me and offered other juices, but I declined.
The photographers of the night (Chris and Hildi) were awesome. Thank you so much for taking our snapshots and our group shots! You guys are the best!
Brad — You are certainly appreciated in all that you do for us Unilocalers. I’m so very happy that you’re our CM and that you are on the ball with everything! 3 events in December?! You truly outdid yourself. Cannot wait to see what 2014 has in store for us!
Props to my peeps: CJ, Nette, Tupac, Mandy, Jeff, Yvonne, M&M, Cat, Conrad, Jack, Steve, Tiffany, Tiffany Michael, Ace, Billy, Stephani, Danz, Jimmy, Leslie, Rog, Mario, Rossi, Victor, Shalini, John, Matt, Mari, Amber, Andrew, and Coleen. Did I miss anyone?!
Sorry, I’m still a little slow from being sick!!!
SYOY my Elites in 2014!!!

Is that a tin of Unilocal mints imprinted on my cheek? Possibly, it was a great night! Float at Hard Rock was new to me and I loved it! I had been to Hard Rock the week befo. Me in re for my work party.
They have a pretty sweet pool area with awesome bartenders who remembered my drink each time I came up… hmm maybe I went up to often… maybe not. I drank a lot more than I ate. All flavors of absolute were flowing, I was partial to cherykran. So damn tasty.
I made a pass through the cabanas, no boys but there were local merchants;-) Too many things. I want to buy alllllll the things! Yvonne won one of those fancy knit sweaters.
It was good to see all the Unilocalers out in there sweaters :-) Finally met Maryella, Juan and Janae! They were great additions to my already awesome Unilocal friends! So happy to see Ace back too. It was a great way to end the year. I may have photo bombed a few pictures.
So for my last elite event in 2013 I was able to partake in the fun and am so grateful fort good friends like Roger and Laura. The Dragon cooked my steak and Laura tucking me into bed safely. All in all it was an amazing night for this soccer mom’s first night off :-) Thank you Brad! We love you!

Brad is so good that he was able to stop the rain for this event. Amazing! How does he do it?!
This was the perfect intimate event to celebrate the end of another Unilocaltastic year! The staff made sure every guest had a tasty beverage in hand… wine, beer, vodka, tequila… yes please! The servers also did a great job of navigating food around the crowd. I really liked the beef skewers stuffed with green onion!
The relaxed, yet lively, event was perfect for catching up with fellow Unilocalers!
Thanks to Hard Rock, and Brad, for giving us the opportunity to check out this awesome space!

Rain can’t stop San Diego Unilocal Elites!
A round of applause to Brad and the Hard Rock for an awesome last event of the year.
The food was great. My fav was the beef skewers, the Kahlua empanada’s came in second in my book and the crab quesadilla and the bruschetta tie for third. Although the food was tray served they were out constantly and made their rounds. So great job at having enough for everyone to try a sample or two.
As always, the drinks were easy to get and a good beer selection at that. Score!
I was excited (as I always am for Unilocal Events) for an event at Hard Rock. And it didn’t disappoint, from the food, the drinks, the atmosphere and of course the people. It was another great Unilocal event.
Driving down to the event I had my concerns on the turnout and the event with it being outdoors and it raining hard as I drove on the freeway, but the Unilocal Elite Gods heard our cries and it stopped raining right before the event and only felt a few sprinkles throughout the evening. Although the floor and some of the seating was wet, it didn’t stop anyone from having a good time and enjoying our last event of the year.
Cheers for a great 2013 and looking forward to 2014!

Rain rain thank you for going away… It was a dark rainy night…
Ok. Let’s get past the cliché and just get ourselves to the event. After the Initlal Bootlegger event to the Totally Bazaar to the final stop to get your Holiday shopping complete, all events had their own unique twist.
Overall, the last Unilocal Elite Party of the year proved to be blessed because the rain stopped. Libations and food just enough to have people mill around and say hello and browse through the vendors (LOCAL). Sweater jerseys make a perfect gift as well as for those who forgot the party’s theme was a Sweater Soirée. My Unilocal wife even won a Chargers themed to wear to this Sunday’s game. So Gary if you have more business cards — contact Yvonne C. she will be more than willing to represent it at the game.
Truly blessed this year to be part of the Unilocal Elite whether its solo or with a plus one. The events are never ever going to be perfect but it’s always fun and a good introduction to new and old businesses in the San Diego area.
The last event typifies the support we need to give to our local businesses. We support them and they will support us by providing great service, wonderful products and a fabulous time.
Happy Holidays. Merry Christmas to those who celebrate that holiday. Happy Kwanzaa. Happy New Year and lastly
Have a wonderful and safe holiday to end the year and see you in
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Here I am a mere +1, non-​Elite with my take on this rooftop event! First off, thank you Brad, vendors, DJ, and all other staff for making this party what is was: nothing short of outstanding. Secondly, weather permitting was not even an issue, «the show goes on», and it did, free of rain and full of people ever grateful for that! Lastly, to all Unilocalers present, thank you for adding the special touch that Unilocal events call for: all different walks of life coming together to have nothing short of a great time!
From vodka so smooth you could take sip after sip without a single kick or bite from your drink, to appetizers that stimulated withdrawals of the pallet as soon as you were finished with your last bite, the eats and beverages of this event were out of this world! Drinks came easy both at and away from the bar and bartenders and servers alike were all so cheerful (’tis the season, am I right?)
Let’s not forget those views! Atop the Hard Rock Hotel, poolside and equipped with many-​a-​blazing fire pits, eyes were plenty occupied by all there was to see! Turn around and you were taking in a view of SD’s bustling gaslamp district. There was something about a reflective, rained-​on street that made the sights all the more magical too. Such a rad venue! And way to go with the sweater theme, guys! Who doesn’t like a good turn-​out of sweater-​savvy Unilocalers to celebrate the last big bang of 2013?!
One final and extremely sincere thanks again to Mr. Brad B and his extending a «you’re in» to my Elite sister of Houston, Texas because if not for that I sure wouldn’t have been there! Here’s to 2014 :)

Boy did Tony, Toni, Tone lie!
IT DOES RAIN IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.
However, somehow the awesome Unilocal elites stand in good favor with the Gods and dry weather was granted for this glorious event.
As always, the crowd was friendly, beautiful, funny, witty, photo happy,
lovely and amazing. Always nice to run into Unilocal friends, we truly have developed a very close and wonderful community thanks to Brad.
The hardrock roof top bar was gorgeous, nostalgia set in as i viewed the convention center from the top and longed for comic con summer days.
Bartenders at the event rolled out the red carpet, generous pours of red or white wine and sips of tequila.
Looking forward to a new 2014 as elite (crossing fingers).

I don’t need to get a life. I HAVE Unilocal!!!
What a great way to end the Unilocal season! Loved FLOAT, first time there, won’t be my last. Can’t wait to go in the summertime!
They kept it simple with 3 apps, my fave was the kahlua pork empanadas with the pineapple chutney, Just the right amount of crunch. Beef skewers were so yummy with the veggies in the middle. Least fave was the crab quesadilla… was too mushy inside for me.
Bartenders were awesome! Started with that Absoult Vanilla Vodka with pineapple juice. Bartender said it was like a chain reaction, everyone around us started ordering it!
I was lit up like a Xmas tree… no, not from the Vodka… ok, maybe a bit from the Vodka! But I was wearing snowflake lights and I pimped my cane out with lights… got some great reactions from fellow Unilocalers.
Was fun meeting some new peeps, Mel G, Steve F, and hanging with my new BFF, Mel R.
Next year is #5 for me as an Elite… can’t wait to see what Brad has in store for us!

There is no raining on this parade!
The festivities were up and running despite for the minor degree of «wetness». Wet? Cold? Bah! That is no problem! There was no such thing as being cold on a rooftop! There were plenty of heat lamps and fireplaces all around! Not to mention there is an awesome pool and hot tub. I’m not entirely sure how the attire works, but even I was tempted to jump it because it was so inviting! The bartenders were very nice, the drinks were tasty, and the atmosphere was amazing! Many thanks to Float for their superb service, atmosphere, and food. Also, to Brad who worked very hard in organizing this amazing event. Special note to Absolute Vodka and Montalvo Tequila for the drinks and anyone else I may have missed! There are just way too many people to thank but please note you’re not forgotten. This was a wonderful event and it was great seeing every Unilocal elite and their guests there.
A little note about the food (because I just have to):
Kahlua pig empanada: The pineapple chutney was an amazing complement to the tender and tasty pork on the inside. The empanada was a perfect golden brown with a nice crust on the outside. I would definitely come back and order this one!
Bruschetta: Tasty and simple with a slice of a baguette, fresh diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese on top.
Hibachi beef skewers: Still quite noteworthy with the beef wrapped red pepper slice and green onion slice. I enjoyed the blend of flavors and textures from the vegetables to the juicy golden brown seared beef on the outside. The beef is a bit more cooked than I would like but probably better for the general crowd. Either way I would try ordering this!
Once again, thank you again for the wonderful year. Every event was noteworthy and this was a wonderful way to end the year! Thank you Unilocal Elite San Diego!

Night has. just begun and this event has the makings of being EPIC!
Foodies are delish and stellar service from the staff!
Love the. vibe! Dj is spinning the tunes.
The.rainy westher isnt putting a damper on this event.
GREAT WAY TO CLOSE OUT THE. UnilocalY YEAR

Hey I’m floating above downtown San Diego at Hard Rock hotel! Surrounded by San Diego’s finest Elites, and served by Hard Rock’s professional and friendly staff. Every moment of this funktastic Unilocal event is punctuated by party music.
I’m in a fuzzy warm coma of white wine and a vodka drink, and I’m fueled by appetizers like empanadas and other tasties. Hard rock knows how to spell PARTY!
Deaf to the world in ear-​drum shattering music laced with the scent of incense and sexy vibes in the 207 for third Thursdays club at Hard rock after the Unilocal party. 10pm and it’s 30 years past my bedtime but I’m jet-​fueled by vodka and Hard Rock coolness zapped by time travel. Hi Melanio! Hello San Diego! Where am I? 0-​;
Fun to meet the famous Mercy B, soon to be gold! Love reconnecting with my Unilocaling friends like Carmen & Joe, Maricela, Juan, Conrad, Randy, Jazmin, Diego, Steve, Isabella, Staci R and Chris, and I finally got to meet and chat with Ace. Met some new folks but don’t remember all their names yet… welcome new folks! Rachael R? Cool your first elite event! Welcome!
If you are fun-​loving, float over here and enjoy Hard Rock hotel!

There are two things that the Hard Rock and Unilocalers have in common, that is that they like to have lots of fun. This was a fun event, an event where the libations kept flowing throughout the evening, as much as the great lively music that filled the air.
For the moment I walked in, and the rain had just ceased, the place had a great vibe. We were greeted by an amazing friendly staff as we nestled our way up to the bar. I am not sure what kind of red wine I had, but I drank it, and it was good. As for the food, I did have the opportunity to sample a beef skewer which was tender and lightly seasoned. (
)
The venue was stellar, with its roof top swimming pool and hot tub, and comfortable sofas smartly placed around warm burning gas fires to keep you warm. (
) The music the D.J. played was appropriately mixed for the crowd and venue. The L shaped bar was very cool and provided comfortable seating. The event sported a variety of Unilocal goodies for the taking (
), but that elusive blue Unilocal button still mysteriously keeps its distance. I have one, but just one… I need another.
It was great seeing Karen L., my fellow teach bud, and Nicole D. (
) What a great personality she has, and Zildheam D. with her charming personality and great conversation. (
) I did not forget about you Frank! It was great seeing you Amber and meeting your husband. And It was great to see everyone having and great time and enjoying the event. The conversations were great, and the laughter was even better.
I like a good party and we can not forget our lovely Unilocal Hostess! (
) And Brad B. who I finally ran into towards the end of the evening. What a busy man, and all I had to do was hold a glass of wine in my hand…

«Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful…»
OK, well «frightful» might be a bit strong. This IS San Diego after all. But we did encounter a fair amount of rain walking the 10 blocks or so from my office to this event.
But, Brad had a chat with the weather gods, and when BeeRad talks, people (and apparently the elements, too), listen, and there was no more than a festive sprinkle on this fabulous last great Unilocal Elite Event of 2013. Plus, we had our sweaters, and the cozy roaring fire pits, to keep us toasty warm.
What a cool party! Very hip spot, fabulous views, and most of all, the staff of Float at the Hard Rock were on fire, keeping us connected w/​drinks and passing around tasty bites;and were SO friendly about it. «Would you like another cosmo?» You read my mind; sure! The house Cabernet that my hubby was drinking was really good, too.
Great times connecting w/​old Unilocalers (Hi Jack M! Zidheam and Frank — sorry I missed you!) and meeting new Unilocalers (Hi Shalini, Julia and everyone else). Loved the views and the vibe of this rooftop bar; reminded us that we have to add this place to our rotation of cool downtown spots. Some great sweaters and festive attire, too.
Happy holidays everyone! And a big thank you to Brad and the folks at Float — may Santa be generous to you this year!