My first Yelp Elite outing and it didn't disappoint! Thanks for awarding me a ticket Xerxes. This annual adults-only networking event raises funds for the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast through business support and community awareness. Assembled at the Waterside Sheraton, it featured a silent auction, games, raffle, live band, photo spot, wine pull, full bar and a one of a kind tasting experience; local chefs offered celebrity judges and event-goers small plates of unique desserts and savory hors d'oeuvres using Girl Scout cookies as key ingredients. Competing for this year's judges and attendees choice awards were Cyprus Grille, The Dirty Buffalo, Handsome Biscuit, Hilton Norfolk The Main, Il Giardino Ristorante, Kroc Center, Mixxer's Kitchen, RJ's Cafe and Catering, Salvatore's Pizzeria, Sheraton Norfolk, The Skinny Dip Frozen Yogurt Bar, Spirit Cruises, Sysco Hampton Roads and Waterside. Check-in was fabulous, especially when they said "he's a Yelp VIP." I don't get that kind of respect, even in my own house. I proceeded to the silent auction; ~60 items on tables in a sequestered partitioned area. Before I browsed, I wanted a drink. The complimentary selection of beer, wine, hard seltzer, and cocktails/mocktails was diverse and of good quality but I waited in line for 20+ min to get it. The more time bidders spend waiting in line, the less they're bidding, especially when they're not buzzed! I'd suggest giving every attendee a drink at check-in (next year). At 630p, the partition was removed to reveal a live band ("NoiD") playing on-stage. While some thought they may be a tad loud, they were tight musically and vocally, playing songs in a variety of genres and decades in front of a spacious ballroom with lots of seating and cocktail rounds adorned with centerpieces made from GS cookie boxes, what else? The center seating area was strategically surrounded by tasting tables full of sweet and savory delights in addition to a corner turkey carving station with cornbread, rolls and mashed potato bar. My favorite tastings: thin mint panna cotta by Handsome Biscuit (*judge's award: best dessert); do-si-do Mediterranean lamb with dumplings by the Cyprus grille (*people's choice best savory); Smores Macaron and Samoa Spicy Shrimp with fruit salsa by Hilton Main; Frankenstein brownie by Sysco (*judge's award best in show) Other winners: Savannah Smiles Crab bale by Mixer's Kitchen (judge's award best savory); Mini Samoa Pudding Cake by Dirty Buffalo (people's choice best dessert) Perhaps the best part of the evening was seeing some familiar faces while also meeting and hanging out with new Yelp friends; when in Rome with Yelpers, you discuss the food!!! The entire event experience satisfied my tastebuds and nourished my soul. What's more? It was a good time for a great cause. Dilly dilly!!! read more

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Why didn't I book this venue when I got married?! The half moon cruise terminal is an absolute perfect choice to host an event! I was lucky enough to win tickets to this event. I've heard great things about this soiree from people who have gone previously. When you first walk in ...you checked in and helped yourself to some starters. Cheese, grapes, beef lumping, etc. They had an open bar of wine and simple beverages. There were different tables set up for the silent auctions. The reception area was nicely put. Around the reception area was where different chefs from different restaurants sat up their tables. Each one represented their restaurant in their own unique way. They had singers with a band to set the tone of the party. My favorite part was trying the food. Each chef had to make a dish using girl scout cookies. Out of all the restaurants FARM FRESH caught my taste buds. It completely threw me off. Their dish had crispy bacon with mint and sweet potatoes, pork, gravy, and crispy onions. It def was my favorite dish. The other food was mediocre, besides Cyprus Grille. Their dish was delicious as well. I enjoyed this event and hope to go again next year. read more

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A great night and event to help support the Girl Scouts! All the chefs did a wonderful job incorporating all the various Girl Scout cookies into their dishes. There was even a mash potato bar and turkey carving station. The food was great and fantastically presented. The band No ID is a pretty hopping, tight cover band. They were pumping out the jams, unfortunately there weren't a lot of dancers in the audience, but there were some cutting up the dance floor! Various silent auctions were held for a beach cruiser, weekend trips, wine to escape room packages to photography. Other fundraisers included a wine pull, and Mardi Gras bead games with whoever purchases the most beads wins the plethora of gift cards on display. read more

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Attending the 7th Annual Samoa Soirée was a treat. The Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast were more than welcoming. It took place inside the Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center, which is a gorgeous venue with panoramic views of the water. There was complimentary valet parking provided by East Coast Valet. Awesome. No real coat check; just two huge racks of already filled black coats So if you weren't the first hundred people, you had to pile your coat on a nearby countertop or take it with you. I opted to hang mine on the chair of our table, as to not mistakenly get taken by someone. Then I went to pick up my program, a seamless check-in. The ballroom is where the main event took place -- over a dozen restaurants participated in creating original appetizers and desserts inspired by Girl Scout Cookies. Well, more than inspired; the chefs had to use a Girl Scout Cookie as the key ingredient. It was like a real live episode of Chopped, without watching them cook. I almost tried everything; loved most. And was easily stuffed with my sweet tooth fully appeased. We were encouraged to vote for the People's Choice with marbles given to us at check-in. Winners were to be announced later in the evening, but the time kept getting extended as people were still eating and loving it. Outside of the ballroom was the silent auction. Wine festival tables/packages, horseback riding lessons, artwork, etc. Also, there was an open bar there, and inside of the ballroom that moved at a swift pace. No long lines anywhere. Overall, the Samoa Soiree is a fun, impressive and organized fundraising event. read more

Samoa Soirée - Bread pudding from Cyprus Grille - Local Flavor Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I am soooooooooooooo honored I was able to attend this most awesome event a few Saturday nights ago. From arrival to departure - a wonderful experience. Special thanks to Xersex and Ms. Katea (Love you both!!) My guest and I arrived about 615 pm (event time 6pm-10pm). We opted out of the valet parking because the parking garage wasn't far and we were "on time." As a result, parking was available on the 2nd floor and for a few hours of celebrating we only paid $3.00. The walk from the garage was less than 5 minutes. And even though the weather was brisked, no harm no foul. The valet attendants seemed a little all over the place anyway. And I did notice after the event, some guests were waiting (with no heat) for their vehicle. And by 930pm it was super chilly. As a result, if able I would suggest parking in the garage, if you head over to the Half Moon Cruise Center. But once inside, there was a greeter whom pointed us in the direction to register and obtain our souvenir pamphlets. This process was fast and smooth. There was also a coat check (no additional cost). Our pamphlets include our name and bidding number as well. We also received a cute bag of green marbles. These marbles served as votes to be casted for the participating restaurant dishes. These votes counted towarded the "People's Choice Award." There also was a panel of judges. These judges were responsible for the other awards to be given out at the end of the night. So not only was this a contest, but it was a fundraiser as well. A silent auction took place while the event was in progress as well. Hence, that's what the bidding numbers were used for. Some of the auction participants include: Mermaids Factory, Farm Bureau Live, Gordon Biersch, Embassy Suites, ODU, Farm Fresh and the Ferguson Center, again that's only a few of about 79. Before you entered the main room, the front room included the silent auction items and hor devours spread (cheeses, fruit). Here also included an open bar (beer, wine and water). Pretty much the appetizer before the meal took place in this room. But once you reached the carpeted area...let the party begin!! The guest speaker, Vanessa Coria, gave the welcome message. Even though, it wasn't silent during this time, the show went on. And sampling was already in progress. The sounds of Lewis McGehee filled the room somewhat. I really couldn't hear him over the many guests at the event. As a result, this added feature was just ok. Perhaps a full band would be ideal next time. And this way, people that ate too much (like me) can dance off the added calories. Nevertheless, let the sampling begin. I believe about 19 restaurants/venues participated. While I didn't sample them all (by choice), I did have a few favorites. My ultimate favorite, Rocket Fuel Juice Bar & Food Lab. They are located in the Bute Street YMCA. They had an amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing salad, that I cannot wait to try again and again. I think I had about 3 bowls :) And the presentation was super cute! I also overly enjoyed the dish from Cypress Grille. They are located inside the Embassy Suites in Hampton. The shrimp, quiona and a few edamame made this dish soooooooo yummy!!! Some other participants included: AJ Gators, BRAVO, Cotton Southern Bistro, Farm Fresh, Hell's Kitchen, Lucky Oyster, Now You're Cooking, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and Twisted Sisters Cupcakes. Whewwwwwwwwwwwww...and that still wasn't everyone. So perhaps you can get the feel as to why I didn't sample it all. I mean it was just way to much. But next time, I am NOT going to eat before attending this event, because I was sadden I couldn't indulge in EVERYTHING!! This event was pretty much standing room only. But if you were fortunate enough to secure a table of 8 or so then you were A OK. But it was a lot of movement, so even thought we didn't have seats we were just fine. But I'm thinking if I did have a seat, I may have eaten myself into a coma it was so so much to sample. And the sampling lasted all night long. The staff and all that participated were friendly and all seemed to enjoy the evening just as much as the people they served. The awards were announced around 915-930 pm. Awards were given and pictures were taken throughout the night. I'm not sure where they will be posted. But it was such a great way to spend a Saturday night and for a great cause. And if you had your own camera, you could take pictures in front of the Samoa set up. All eateries that participated used girl scouts cookie(s) of their choice to create a dish for tasting. This was such a neat idea and I am looking forward to next year, when they'll be celebrating year 8!! The event cost $60 per person. So in my case $120/couple. We were full off of food and drink and left happy!! Tips were honored! Not your typical Saturday night, and for that reason alone, I loved every moment of it!! See you next time read more

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I totally forgot to check in, but what a GREAT EVENT! Beautiful and spacious venue, nice decor... it was good to see lotsa folks dressed up enjoying some GREAT food! There were about 18-20 tables of food; there was so much to sample- from Shrimp with quinoa to Lamb chops with Samoa sweet potato, to chicken risotto balls and Tuna Tartar! We tried pretty much all the savory samples. Then on to dessert - we tried cheesecakes galore (my favorites were the ones from Ruth Chris, and the Strawberries & Cream dessert bar from gb&d), a cupcake, fruit tarts, smores, even bread pudding! There was a band playing, there was a little photo booth set up where you could take pics with props and even a giant Samoa cookie, and also a silent auction going on in the back. Definitely a fun event - great way to spend a Saturday night! read more

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First time attending and had a blast!! There was a lot of good food AND I got to hang with some very cool folks! I was a pig in mud & enjoyed everything especially, the Lemon Chicken dish made with Savannah Smiles. Whoa!!! There were also had fried green tomatoes that I enjoyed. Pad Thai was another YUMMM & some beef thing with a jalapeño. I could've eaten an entire tray. ALLLLLL of the desserts were delicious. Thank you to Jordan B for your guidance on all of the good stuff!!! I believe there were more desserts which was a concern for two ladies I overheard talking at the end of the night. It wasn't a concern of mine. Bring it on!! I def made my rounds. I'd walk to a food vendor/station, bring the food to the table, stand in line at the bar for a drink, & finally sit down to enjoy my collection. This process caused me to miss the shrimp that I heard of & possibly more. But again, there was a lot of good food. Also, I think the point of the set up was to walk around & taste while standing and socializing. But, who am I to follow protocol? :) I would have preferred some trays of food circulating so I can sit and relax but, no worries at all. I truly enjoyed a night out and what better way than at my first Samoa Soirée!!! Thank you!!!!! read more

What a great event! Walking in from the cold weather into a warm (heated) and friendly event, you were welcomed at the door. Check in tables by last name made getting registered very easy. As you made your way into the event, there were tables for the silent auction. After passing that you walked into the grand room. A half circle of chefs and restaurants greeted you not only with sight, but delicious smell. As we made our first circle around to check out the food, you couldn't help but want up just jump in line and get food. Our plan was to start savory and end sweet. Well, that didn't work out as so many places had both! The group I was with loved Smalls BBQ with their pork belly, but I have to say, my favs of the night were Bravo! Bacon cookies and 80/20's brownies. Holy cow. I could have died and gone to heaven after eating those two treats. Overall, the atmosphere and ambiance added to a phenomenal evening that wasn't you're typical Saturday night. I look forward to next years event! Thanks to Xerxes for hooking it up. read more