Vivek S

While I’m all for lovefests (not at all, really) I think I need to take this «Vivek S» down a peg. As good as it gets? Clearly you’ve never seen Vivek eat pizza off the floor of an Italian café or faint in a crowded movie theatre lobby[1]. He also sometimes gets intoxicated (on his own sense of bonhomie, no less) and makes inappropriate comments in front of your religious friends or parents. I guess what I’m saying is, he’s pretty good but I’ve experienced better.
For the uninitiated, Vivek S is the former Community Manager of Unilocal Toronto. It’s a position he inherited from the venerable Kat F[2]. So powerful was her influence, one could pitch a circus tent under her immense shadow. According to legend, a sultan strangled himself with one of Kat’s discarded stockings. But enough about not me.
As the CM, Vivek threw nifty parties for the Unilocal Elite, kept an eye on that which was hot (and not), wrote a pun-​soaked weekly newsletter and occasionally broke up the odd catfight on Talk. He would usually take the side of Karl R, but not always. Though he loved the Toronto community, because of his trademarked (pending) failure to commit[3], Vivek eventually cast off from this great community, leaving the waters choppy and turbulent in the metaphor-​fuelled wake of his pun-​boat.
Vivek’s pros include his excellent trivia skills and ability to keep oriented in Toronto even whilst inebriated. Cons include his inability to return calls (just text me, dinosaurs) and his overuse of parenthetical comments (whatever). He also can’t swim, which makes the aforementioned nautical metaphor particularly apt. Think about it.
In summary, I’d probably recommend Vivek with some caveats. Certainly not suitable for large groups, romantic encounters, or kids. Definitely recommended for casual drinks with friends, after-​work drinks, during-​work drinks, etc. You get the picture.
Obligatory Title Pun: Reviewing one’s self borders on VIVISECTION.
Menu Readability: Obsessed with sans serif typefaces. What a fucking hipster.
Need to mention: Toronto Unilocalers are the best[4]. I will miss all of you.
What this place teaches me about myself: My self-​awareness borders on autarky. I need a shrink.
_​_​_​_​_​
[1] Both me and the pizza landed face down.
[2]
[3] A position in San Francisco, actually.
[4] THE BEST.

I pity future Unilocalers who will not know the pleasure of Vivek showing up at a UYE, whipping out his sack and inviting all to rummage around his bag. Ah, the look of joy on his face as we all got in line to get a handful of his tasty Unilocal stick. Vivek was a giver.

He’s throws some great parties, and is one of the most friendliest peoples I’ve ever met. Super personable. And I really like his blog about his stash of random things.
You’ve introduced us to new places, and great Challenges for the Unilocal community. The new CM has a lot to live up to (sorry, but you do!)
We’re sad to see you go, but I hope we’ll still see you around!
p. s. Very cool, who ever started this.

VIBE
Vivek is like your grandmother’s house — warm and cozy; always inviting. (It’s not as creepy as it sounds). But his attire is not like the old furniture you would see in your grandmother’s house. There are definitely no plastic coverings on the couch. Like your grandmother, he’ll see you or message you occasionally to let you know he cares. But never by phone: always text or on Unilocal.Because it’s 2012 right?
THE GOODS
Whether it’s a witty caption, a comprehensive newsletter, a friendly casual sit-​down/​co-​work or a smashing good-​time party, Vivek brings it. Never pretentious, always smiling. Sometimes with stache. Sometimes without. He’s going to be a tough act to follow.
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
Obligatory Title Pun: VIVe la Vivek!
Menu Readability: I think he likes Helvectica. Always default to Helvectica when in doubt.
Need to mention: He’s not going anywhere kids.
What Vivek teaches me about myself: that hipsters really are nice. And puns always make everything better.
Joking aside, Vivek, it’s been really great to know you and I’m glad I can call you one of my friends. Because only you will understand some of my food obsessions in this city! Can’t wait to see what kind of going-​away bash is held. It’s going to be epic!

We all start off in any new beginning a little scared and even a little intimidated of what may lie ahead. May it be at a new school, a new job, a new relationship… and yes, even to a new social community online.
I remember my first days here on Unilocal and how Vivek welcomed me. Far from your standard welcome by a corporate employee, but as a genuine person reaching out and building a community. I can say with absolute certainty that Unilocal Toronto is what it is now because of Vivek. He didn’t build this community looking simply at who’s writing a billion reviews, adding photos or is part of the «IN» crowd, he built it looking at the makeup of each person.
He knows the vital importance of building a foundation of people that want to share what’s good in the city, but more importantly, built on people that care. Thanks for everything you have done for Unilocal and for allowing Unilocal to be a community that’s uniquely different, uniquely Unilocal.
So with bittersweet feelings, I wish you all the best and I know that the best has yet to come for you. We fam Vivek, and nothing can change that.

All hail the King of Toronto!

Fresh off the street, from DC-​TO, I’m just a baby Unilocaler in Toronto! Even within the 2 months of my Unilocal presence here, it was clear that the one, the only, Vivek S. was making Toronto hip, happening, fun, and memorable! It was a kick-​start year for 2012, Unilocaling it up with VS, a short, but sweet adventure! It was awesome hanging out with you, but just because you’re stepping down from the Unilocal throne, doesn’t mean you can’t continue to join us in upcoming events around town! Cheers, my dearest! You are sommin’ sommin’!

Always welcoming, which is especially important when you’re a new Unilocaler (as I am/​was.)
I definitely wouldn’t have made steps to get involved in the community without Vivek’s friendly presence. From occasional compliments my my reviews, to witty reviews on his end, he has shown me how it is DONE.
Thanks Vivek, and best luck in the future!

As I sit here and write this review I am disappointed. Disappointed that there is not a 6^th star above which I may select to bestow on our beloved CM.
Vivek had some big shoes to fill when Kat F left Toronto for greener pastures, but his transition was as seamless as the Holy Coat of Trier. He is charming, personable, caring and creative… and throws seriously badass events. Na zdrovia my friend.
P. S. Vivek’s revolution will not be televised.

How fitting that on the day after the Unilocal February food-​free challenge, we have the opportunity to fête our fearless leader Vivek.
After all, it’s not like we can eat him, unless we were trapped in the Andes post-​plane crash, or struggling to make it through a Colorado mountain range in the dead of winter.
Cannibalistic possibilities aside, thanks to Vivek for making Unilocal a better place.
Vivek la Revolucion!

Vivek, Vivek, he was our man. If he can’t do it, no others can.
He’s one Omnomerfic™ kind of guy who introduced me to some of my favourite places (i.e. Stoneys) and was always there to support my UYEs.
So long, and thanks for all the fish. *salute*

Vivek is awesome. I don’t know how I started posting reviews on Unilocal,but I know it’s Vivek’s fault somehow.
Vivek is friendly, helpful, and throws a kick ass party. His reviews are always a delight to read.
I would recommend him to friends.

I concur. Vivek is always up for anything. He has planned some kickin’ parties with live music, DJ’s, great drinks and venues.
Of course, Kat F is missed, since my namesake doesn’t quite work as well with Vivek, although… maybe I could change my name? Please now call me: Vivekat.

Vivek is the CM extrordinaire that has put together many an ecclectic yet entertaining Unilocal fetes together with ease and flair. Always venerable, he makes all Unilocalers new or old, Elite or non, feel so welcome within the Unilocal community. I will never forget him as he was my first CM and he helped me pop my Elite cherry! So Vivek, I’m ever grateful that you’ve helped guide me on my ever-​expanding Unilocal journey.
On a fashionable note, Vivek can be depended on to always rock the most ironic yet amusing t-​shirts that feature Smurfs and Unicorns… Viva la Vivek!!!

Cheers to the man who did it all!
News of Kat F’s departure as CM was quite devastating, considering how smooth and fun my NY-​TO Unilocal transfer felt! At the time, I didn’t really know Vivek, but I’m sure everyone can agree that this dude did as fine a job growing TO’s Unilocal community as possible!
Being a mod/​man for all seasons, Vivek was up for (almost) anything, organizing /​or attending outings of all shapes, forms and colours!
From farmer’s markets to art galleries, hipster dives to sample tastings, cocktail receptions to church parties (don’t ask) Vivek was there!
I might as well confess that I owe the discovery of my favourite TO spot, as well as the success/​happy endings of a good number of dates to Vivek’s suggestions!
In addition to his kickass suggestions and participation in the community, the man happened to be one of the nicest and most personable people I’ve met in Toronto. His charm, welcoming attitude, in addition to the awesomeness of the Elite events he organized, can be fully associated with an annoying number of my friends trying to become Elite, or find themselves on the list for the next event.
All in all, it’s been fantastic getting to know you a bit, and thank you for everything you have done as far as Unilocal TO goes! SYOY and off Unilocal as well!
PZ
Obligatory Title Pun: Vive la Fête, Vive le Vivek!
Menu Readability: T-​shirt prints, and moustache presence/​style/​length will offer clues to what’s on Vivek’s menu
Need to mention: Incredibly strong… once I saw him bench an ice cream truck.
What this place teaches me about myself: TO has some pretty cool peeps

It’s been just a few months since I discovered Unilocal (thanks to Payam Z.) and just a few days since I’ve been introduced into the world of the Unilocal Elite Squad… nevertheless, I agree with all the previous reviews.
I’ve been following Vivek on Unilocal pretty much from day one and I’ve met him a few times in person at various events. Vivek has been the definition of Mr. Unilocal in every possible way. His helpfulness, friendliness, genuine love for the community, and of course his moustache will truly be missed!

What better way to end food free February than to write about Toronto’s cm VIVEK! As a recent transfer from Vancouver to Toronto, I was definitely intimidated by the smaller town events so the large scale get togethers with a bunch of new people I have never met.
When I had first found out that Vivek was the new CM after Kat, I had thought that he was a friend I went to university with because they have the same name! How coincidental is that!
Vivek from the start made me feel welcome in my new-​old town, being originally from toronto. When I moved to Vancouver, Unilocal didn’t exist here so this is a whole new experience.
It took me several cancellations and a lot of bravery to finally make my way to a Unilocal elite event and Vivek didn’t disappoint. Spin was fabulous, everyone was enjoying themselves and I could definitely tell that Vivek was well respected by everyone in the room. I finally got the chance to speak to him, the man himself and despite him being super busy, he still made time to chat.
I’m sad to see his reign come to an end and the next person has some big shoes to fill but I know we will welcome him/​her with open arms too!

(Great idea Payam!)
Having become an active member/​elite in the transitory phase after Kat F left, Toronto Unilocal was definitely in a drought of community events. Then along came this guy called Vivek, he threw his first CMYE (which happened to be my first YE) and little did I know how important he was going to be for us Unilocalers.
At my first elite event (holiday cookie making in 2010) I was introduced to the type of amazing events and locations that I have now come to expect all thanks to Vivek and I believe I might have been taking it all for granted as it can’t be that easy to find a kick ass place each time around. And evidenced by the outpouring of gratitude towards Vivek in each event review it is clear that I am not alone in realising that Toronto Unilocal was very lucky indeed to have a fantastic event organizer, conversationalist, power house personality, toastmaster and mo-​grower in Vivek. He will be much missed as our CM but something tells me (his post on the talk thread really) that we have not seen the last of him!
Obligatory Title Pun: Vive le vek (I seriously couldn’t think of anything for this)
Menu Readability: Excellent readability thanks to the orange glow surrounding his official talk thread posts!
Need to mention: He’s a great FUCer
What this place teaches me about myself: That a brown guy can pull off a pink unicorn t-​shirt to perfection!