Elite Event: Tapas the Evening To You

I’m disappointed in myself that this review was sitting for awhile.
Sometimes, I want to give myself some time to conjure up the right words to describe what a fantastic experience I had at yet another elite event.
In the last couple years, I found myself lucky enough to do some travelling. While in London, last summer I got to go to some stellar London Unilocal events. Now, I’m back in LA and I think I rave to nearly every new person I meet what a blessing it is to be part of the Unilocal community.
I loved the atmosphere of D’Cache with the peek-​thru kitchen, music stage, outdoor alcove, and long, well-​stocked bar. It would be a great venue for a girl’s night of Sangria.
And not just any Sangria, the best Sangria in the World. 3 kinds of wine? Gin? Triple Sec? Was there a hit of Brandy too? This was without a doubt the best and most memorable thing for me that night. I had to slow down in the end because it was simply to easy to drink. I nearly forgot about the food because I was distracted by the delectable sangria.
Oh, but don’t worry I didn’t forget. I loved the presentation of the small bits on rustic wooden cutting boards with smears of mashed potatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes, tomatoes, shallots… love.
I adore chorizo, it brings me back to being in Spain. Although I’m not much of a meat eater anymore, the spices in the chorizo were so memorable and familiar, pimento I think it is?
This was such a treat to attend. Big thanks to Katie B. and LA Unilocal Crew, thank you for the great reminder why it is such a pleasure to be an LA East Elite!

D’Cache has been bookmarked thanks to this Elite Event! I never even heard of the restaurant before last week’s Unilocal event, but I am glad I was introduced to a few of their tasty morsels such as the chorizo, which had a slightly spicy kick to it! Although I didn’t partake in the imbibs, I was told the Sangria was truly kick-​ass. I shall spread the word to my non-​Yelpy friends! The only thing I didn’t especially like from the event was the deep-​friend poundcake, which I felt had way too much oil. Other than that, everything was really flavorful and juicy.
Thanks to Marthie D. for making me her +1. I was a little sad I didn’t get to spend as much time with my other Unilocal buddies, or even Marthie for that matter, bc the restaurant was SUPER PACKED. It was getting kind of hot inside so I moved to the back patio area, which had some cute light decorations and a bit more privacy.
Thank you Katie B. for putting together another super delicious YEE to satisfy my carnivourous diet. Where would I be without you?

Thanks again Katie B. for another great event. A quick shout out to some new friends (Lauren P. & Chole M) I made during a night of delicious sangria and appetizer. It was also nice seeing a few people (Andre N.) whom, I’ve hung out with in the past. I’m sure there were others out there but it was kinda crowded and moving around was a bit difficult. Nonetheless, it was a fun night of mingling.
Unless you frequent the Toluca Lake area, I would venture to say that no one would have been able to find this place were it not for this event. Tucked behind a row of stores, lies this little gem. To say it’s well hidden would be an understatement.
Upon entry into the courtyard, it definitely feels like something you’d find in Santa Barbara, not Toluca Lake. The inside is dark and intimate, a great place for a date. And the live music playing was definitely a nice touch.
The appetizers were great when we had the chance to actually taste them. But given the number of people there, food was hard to come by but it didn’t dampen the mood since most of us were already drowning in the free flowing sangria.

First things first: KATIE B THANK YOU SO MUCH, YOU’RE AWESOME!!!
Okay now onto the good stuff. If I could give this event 10, 20, 30 plus stars I would because Tapas the Evening to You was beyond an amazing Unilocal Elite event. It’s most definitely one of the best events I’ve attended but then again Katie never plans nothing less than the best for us.
I honestly don’t know how to put how great this event was in words. The location D’Cache is so romantic and hidden, without Unilocal and this event I don’t think I would have stumbled upon this gorgeous gem on my own.
The Love in a glass:
Okay I’m sure everyone can agree with me and say that sangria was the freaking bombdotcom!!! It was just too amazing and delicious and that cinnamon was like the cherry on top. I lost count after 3+ glasses because James the GM was a doll and kept my glass always full never empty. One of the cute bartenders gave a me a little low down on what’s all in that magic poison. He said it has everything for multiple wines, to liqueurs to gin and more I’m sure. I was shocked because all I could taste was the amazingness and cinnamon. They can serve me up any day.
The goods:
Every sample I got my hands on was nothing less than mouth watering and melt in your mouth tasty. Joe I pray his name is Joe or this would be awkward, he was one of the cuter waiters, there’s even a picture of him in our event photos, anyways Joe? was a sweetie I told him I didn’t eat red meat, he said not to worry he would take care of me and he did. What I got my hands on:
–The mushroom chicken (amazing)
–Chorizo sausage (delicious)
— Flat bread with oregano I think (yum!)
— 2 different kind of dessert cake squares– one was raspberry and I don’t remember the other (too cute)
–Their caramel custard on a spoon (so good)
I’m sure there might have been a few more things but I don’t remember them, I’ll blame the sangria.
So that’s it since that’s all I could muster up in words to describe this wonderful event, delicious food and seductive atmosphere.
Oh, Unilocal Shout Out’s (YSO) to Randy B and Toa B. I met these two fantastic gentlemen and had the privilege of chatting it up with them. I love my new Unilocal buddies :]

Endless sangria in a nice intimate restaurant with live music! woohoo
Sitting outside was pretty cool… the lighting, the couches, the vibe… and freebies that I later shared with fellow Unilocaler Tammy (hello if you are reading this!)
The place was packed to the max, and food samples disappeared with a quickness like no other. I still managed to try 3 different items (chicken, steak and panna cotta) and they were REALLY good.
The staff was super nice. They were going around with the food trays and refilling sangrias like water. Everyone was in a great mood!
Thanks Katie B for planning this event!

There’s a lot of nice things to say about D’Cahce.
The LA East crew did a great job picking a venue that is very romantic and intimate. The live Spanish music brought the place to life. Being able to see the chefs work and prepare food in the kitchen through the glass was neat. Being able to sit outside was very lovely and I liked that they had couches at different parts of the restaurant for you and your group of friends to relax at and mingle with others. The full bar would be appreciated by anyone who likes a great drink or needs something strong after a long day at work.
The food served for sampling was very good. The blackened cauliflower with cauliflower purée was AMAZING. They also sampled grilled chicken and steak which was really tasty. The sangria was easy to drink and really hit the spot. I heard they hired a new chef and he brought in a new menu and I can tell you: I like what I tasted.
A big thank you to Katie, Brittany, and all the other helpful Unilocal contributors for this very lovely and intimate event. I look forward to coming back if I’m ever in the area with my girlfriend or if my buddies and I ever need a very nice place to relax and have a couple drinks at.

The sangria floweth! I was actually in the next town at the Burbank public library getting my study on, so it was super convenient for me to drop by!
The GM was really nice and it seems like he has a big plan to revamp the whole place. The sangria was great, and the people greater!
Big thanks to Katie B for putting this together!

What a fantastic way to kick off 2013! Bravo, Ambassadors, and thanks Katie B for being the one-​woman hug army!
I have actually been to D’Cache once before (which also happens to be the one other time I’ve ventured into Toluca Lake), and I’m so glad that it was chosen to host this event. I absolutely adore the home-​like feeling and décor. The heated patio was absolutely fabulous, and I love that the kitchen is flanked with huge windows so we were able to watch the chefs work their magic.
There’s not much more to be said that hasn’t been mentioned already, so I’ll keep this short and sweet with these parting words:
ERMAHGERD, the Sangria! (Easily the best I’ve ever tasted.)

It took me 1 hr and 30 minutes to drive out to Toluca Lake! I was dying when I got there but it was all worth it at the end thanks to good friends, good food, and delicious sangria that I probably drank a little too much of.
First off I love events with ample street parking! I parked a couple feet away from the venue and it looked like everyone else who went found ample street parking as well! Once I entered D’Cache and saw the guitarist playing and the black and white movie in the background I fell in love! The restaurant vibe is so romantic and the dim lights definitely sets the mood for a romantic time. Once the sangria started pouring, and everyone started mingling I knew it would be a guaranteed good time. The food samples they passed around were gone within minutes, but thanks to Justin Y. I was able to try everything. I loved all the dishes esp the two steak dishes and the fried pound cake they served for dessert at the very end. Glad I was able to catch up with some old faces and meet some new ones! Katie B. you’ve done it again!
Shout outs to Justin Y for letting me be your +1! :D

Toluca Lake? Seriously, where the fuck is Toluca lake? I still don’t know. However, with that being said I actually really enjoyed the first event of 2013! It was good seeing old faces and meeting new ones!
Big ups:
Michelle M: The Duchess of In-​n-​out, the Korean Queen of La Crescenta, and also the girl who said I was KOREAN.
Shanon Y: My +1 who I was babysitting all night
Jessica Y. Thanks for the Sangria!
Christina L. Charles Mata’s
Triniti. Nice meeting you girl!
Katie B: For another lovely event, these things are always so fun :) Don’t work too hard girl!
See everyone at the next event!

This was definitely a fun elite event. I went with my sister and we arrived at around 7:30, which was on the late side. So, we were afraid that there would be no more samples left. Thank goodness, we were wrong. Sangria was free flowing and definitely not watered down. In fact, I thought it was rather good! You can definitely taste the alcohol, but not enough to make you gag with every sip. All the appetizers were delcious. They were well flavored and the steak was juicy. My favorite is the flatbread then the steak tar tar is next.
Staff were friendly. It was definitely service with a smile. I like that there was a good supply of food. Staff walked around a lot offering samples to us. Libation was also plentiful. We socialized with people we know from other Unilocal events, and also chatted it up with other Unilocalers.
I think the funniest part of the evening was when someone asked if my sister and I are twins. I guess it must be because we were both wearing glasses, because we look nothing alike. But none the less, I’ll take it as a compliment seeing that I am 6 years her senior. AND the guy also though that we’re both in our early to mid 20’s. That was too funny! But I’ll take it as a compliment as well. Perhaps he needs to get his eyes checked.
We ended up closing the event again. A good time was had by both of us. Thank you Katie, for organizing yet another fun event!

I always forget to write a review of the event I attended. I’m glad that there is a link in the post e-​mail. One of the greatest events I’ve been to in a while, yet it has been a while since I’ve been to an event. D’Cache is a bit of a small intimate place to be in a Unilocal Elite party but coming back here with a date would be perfect. These parties allow us to see what the place is like, taste a little of the food and drink, coming back is a definite.
Service was awesome especially coming around to pour more sangria. Thanks Katie for pointing out to the designated driver (me) that the sangria also contains gin when I mentioned I tasted cinammon in it. Running into an old school Unilocaler like Ti B. and her husband was a definite treat too. Haven’t seen her for quite some time and while catching up, Lily T. meets some newly Elite Unilocalers and introduces them to us.
Obviously it was a great time and thanks to Brittany for checking us in and Katie B. both showing us a great time at this event.

You do not know how long it has been for me to finally be apart of the elite society !
I was happy to meet Katie B. in person and James the GM of D’Caché was running around like a madman trying to keep all his Unilocalers happy!
They offer $ 4.50 for valet but there is plenty of street parking nearby. Walking up to the location, one word… Romantic. I loved little waterfalls from the entrance to the smoking patios. They had a guitarist playing live music that you just want to sway your hips too.
most of the food that i got the pleasure in trying were pretty delicious, you can tell (literally, as they have a area open to view the chefs at work) that they put a lot of details to every thing they put out. Sadly the portions were so small and there was just way too many people to get to try everything.
Thankfully they had bottomless Sangria to keep us occupied and eventually full. The Sangria was yummy to say the least and got us mighty tipsy too.
Overall I was very please with the event and Unilocal never fails in helping patrons like myself find future restaurants to dine at in the future!

My first Unilocal Elite event, and what a sexy evening! Walking through the dimly lit entrance way with live music flowing, I knew it was going to be a good night.
Glasses of sangria were waiting for us when we walked in. My eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store! I love the layout of the restaurant. There were lounges, tables, and open space to mingle with fellow Unilocalers. We got to meet some fellow health care students at our neighboring school, Western U. Shout out to Corey!
At one point, my boyfriend and I drifted towards the open kitchen, and we were captivated by the fine culinary preparation by the badass chef with tattooed arms and in a bright beanie. And the sangria… oh sangria… props to the attentive service for making sure our glasses were never empty. Now only if that little piece of steak tar tar was bigger on the toothpick… mmmmm delish!
Thank you Katie B. for a fun-​filled tapas night!

Know what makes a good party?
A cool venue, a gracious host, good company, good music, a distinct beverage and good food.
Know what makes a good Unilocal elite event?
A cool venue, a gracious host, good music, a distinct beverage, good food, a hug from Katie B. and a chance to meet up with Unilocal friends. (Yeah! I finally caught up with Randy B in person!)
Thank you to general manager James at D’Cache– you were kind and gracious as was your entire staff. Loved the window to the kitchen, it was like staring into the soul of the restaurant!
Cheers Katie B. and LA East you’re a great group to catch up with!
…wait…there was cake… dang a pregnant lady missing cake is like…

The first elite event I attended this year truly did not disappoint! What else can you expect from Katie’s events? They’re always amazing. :)
The whole restaurant was packed with Unilocalers and their guests. The restaurant was dimly lit and had a great ambience. This would be an awesome place to on a date or a special occasion. There is an outdoor patio with tons of seating too.
I was really impressed with the service. The manager or owner saw us standing around waiting for one of the bartenders and asked if we were waiting for the complimentary free-​flowing cinnamon sangria. He then went back to the bar himself and made them for us right away. The servers were also very nice. There was a guy that really hooked us up and kept coming around introducing different foods to us. Everyone in the whole establishment was super friendly.
The food was pretty darn awesome! It is a tasting so we got to try a little bit of this and that but everything was very delicious. I especially enjoyed the steak. It has this amazing white sauce and tomatoes that complimented the meat so well. All the dishes served had great strong flavors. I will definitely come back here for dinner to try more of their awesome food. One of the servers said that they also serve paella.
As usual, it’s the people that makes the event. I am glad to finally get to meet Troy’s wife and see all my Unilocal friends. The venue was perfect for mingling so I’m glad to be able to catch up and chat with so many people.
Thank you Katie for another awesome event!

Hot, sexy, delicious — but that’s enough about Catherine Zeta-​Jones. But, if she ever returns my calls to cash-​in on the standing invitation to have dinner with me, I’d take her to D’Cache, a lock of a place for romance. Unilocal event or not, the mood was set at the onset — with it’s dim lighting, flamenco guitarist (live music… yes! rare!), and warm welcomes from the manager and staff. The wonderful aroma of meats and spices certainly didn’t hurt.
While there were a lot of rooms, sitting areas, hallways, and an outside patio — this was one of the most social of all Unilocal events I’ve ever attended. Lots of people mingling and intermingling — it was a whole lot of fun. Very happy to finally meet Chloé M and Erika E., Unilocal buds like Natalie K. (heyyyy), and a whole bunch of new Unilocal peeps!
Servers with appetizers canvased the room with the toothpick ‘thang’, and while I didn’t get to try too many food samples with all the talking I was doing, I was more than happy with the grilled steak and tomatoes, and the free-​flowing sangria. Maria, an outstanding and beautiful bartender, was really workin’ it – very busy with Unilocal’s thirstiest fishes (I resemble that remark).
Thanks to East vs West CM gals, Katie B. (yep, I chalked up another hug) & Brittany (
), and to all the staff at D’Cache…for throwing us such a lovely evening. Shout out to James (GM) and Chef Phillip, great to meet you both and thanks for the chat at the end of the night. I look forward so much to coming back this outstanding venue. One word = Paella.

What can I possibly have to say about my first Unilocal event of the year? Well. Nothing but amazing things that is! This was one of my favorite events that I’ve attended, I seriously had a blast! First I would like to thank the lovely Katie B! You’re amazing, and thank you for allowing me to attend this event! And for the famous hug too! Also I would like to thank the manager and staff of D’Cache! So grateful and the whole evening was amazing.
Walking into D’Cache, the place is just has a very sexy vibe, and beautiful décor. I was literally greeted with a glass of Sangria, and I got a huge smile! I can be such a lush. I also love fresh air, so I appreciated being able to sit and lounge in the patio area. My guest was Michael K, and we just had lots of laughs and everyone that attended was just so friendly. The bad thing about sitting in the patio, was the servers with all the food never really made it to the patio after passing the crowd in the inside. Bummer, but the few things I got to taste were great! Oh almost forgot to mention how amazing the sangria was! I LOVED it. I’ve never had sangria with cinnamon in it? Where have I been? not a D’Cache that’s for sure. But that’s soon to be changed because I am returning very soon for a glass of sangria (more like 5 or 6).
I want to point out how great the staff were! They literally made the lack of food great! I barely even noticed because they kept filling up my glass with sangria haha They were very personable and I had a conversation with a few, it was just very pleasant because although they were very busy, you could never tell. My favorite had to be Carmen Diaz. No not the actress, but the lovely server at D’Cache. She was such a doll, and she gave us her schedule so we could go in when she’s working.
The night flew, 8 glasses of sangria later, it was almost time to go. Ah I didn’t want to leave just yet, but went inside to say goodbye to some, and to put my glass at the bar. Instead of taking my glass though, the bartender filled it up with sangria. What the what? Ahh I was secretly happy to have more, but was already feeling. I had to drink though. No choice. So after this, I said by goodbyes and gave Miss Katie B and hug and thanked her! And like she said, the sangria is all that matters! Wise words Katie! My kind of gal!
So as I was walking out gracefully (Or I think I was graceful?), step outside, breeze in my face. and BOOM. I was drunk! HAHA! It was like a smack in the face! Whatever it was worth it and I’m glad I left when I did! LOL
Thank you again Katie, and the Staff at D’Cache!

Seriously, what an awesome event!
Thank you so much Katie B. and GM James for making this event outstanding!
Location
D’ Caché is located right off the 134. They offer valet services for $ 4.50, however there is a ton of street parking nearby. The place itself is gorgeous. Right when you walk up you know you’re in for a treat; the lights on the tree, the personal looking front door, and the welcoming staff. D’ Caché has a ton of seating options; indoor, outdoor, couches, tables, and bar seating. I absolutely loved the variety.
Staff
The employees working that night were beyond impressive. Unilocal Elite Events can be complete mayhem and I have to say they handled the crowd in a professional and timely manner. For instance, whenever I approached an employee they took the time to acknowledge me, which completely shocked me given the overwhelming crowd.
Food
Even though I wasn’t able to get my hands on everything; the things that I did try were delicious. I’m sorry I couldn’t remember all the names so bare with me.. .
–The House Sangria went down easy and was consistent the whole night
–The steak was cutup and served in pieces but still maintained its juiciness/​tenderness
–The chicken was just as juicy and tender with a little kick of lime/​lemon
–The chorizo was full of flavor and made my mouth water
–The almond purée was lovely and paired up nicely with the House Sangria
–The fried pound bread was crisp with a kick of raspberry
*Overall, I would eat anything D’ Caché gives me.. . I don’t think they can serve up anything bad :)
Overall
I had a fabulous night at «Tapas the Evening to you!» Not only was the location, staff, and food good but the people were wonderful. The Unilocalers and their +1’s were beyond some of the most outgoing people I have ever meet.

Once again, another great elite event! To start, you could hear the music outside the venue. The music was a great start to an awesome evening. Lets begin shall we?
FOOD: The steak tar tar was mouth watering amazing. It was cooked and prepped tp perfection and melted in your mouth when you tasted it. The desserts were just as amazing with the different cake morsels they brought around. The cakes were lite and airy with a great flavor punch.
DRINKS: The drink of choice was their fine Sangria. It was free flowing and had just the right amount of fruit and fresh juices. If you want a waterfall this is a waterfall you want to flow in.
SERVICE: Everyone from the bartenders to the wait staff did an awesome job hosting this event. I am definitely bring my wife back here so we can give this place a try for their great dinner choices.
OVERALL: Great crowd, great atmosphere, great people. It was great seeing Chi, Marthie, Matt, Nat, Choy, Cynthia, and all the Unilocal peeps. The social atmosphere was off the hook and truly enjoyable as always. Once again Katie did an awesome job and made hard work look easy.