Yelp

When Marissa Mayer, Google's Vice President of Search Products & User Experience, isn't managing and overseeing their product release process, she's on the quest to becoming Yelp Elite. Yelp's own Connie C and Nish N met up with Marissa at the Googleplex, which they discovered is truly one of the happiest places in Silicon Valley.

Nish N: You were one of the first employees at Google, having been with them for nearly a decade now. Before there was the Googleplex -- with over 17 cafes to dine at -- what were your favorite lunch spots in the area?

Marissa M: Andale was a big favorite of ours.

Nish N: Did we hear correctly that you have one here?

Marissa M: We do, we're keeping the tradition alive! We also liked Pluto's, Pasta? and the Whole Foods deli. Overall, University Avenue has a great feel; there's a bunch of great restaurants and places to eat that are close together.

Connie C: Where do you like to go to wind down after a hectic week?

Marissa M: I like to hit the Sports Club LA after work on Fridays. I can get a nice long run or swim in and then take a sauna before going out.

Connie C: Your cupcake and frosting spreadsheets have gained quite a bit of notoriety. When you're not baking your own, where do you go for cupcakes that are just as meticulously made as yours?

Marissa M: I Dream of Cake. My business partner Shinmin Li, while she usually focuses on wedding cakes and larger sculptured cakes, makes the best spice cake cupcakes you'll ever have. There's been one place I've been meaning to try on University Avenue called Satura Cakes. 

Connie C: We've seen you gracing the pages of several magazine wearing designers like Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. When not out painting the town, where do you shop for that casual elegant look?

Marissa M: I can't give away my secret shopping spots! But, I can tell you where I get my clothes and shoes cared for because there are a few places that do a great job: Town & Country Cleaners for dry cleaning, Zvart's Alterations, and Paul's European Cobblery on California Avenue in Palo Alto. There's also a great shop there called Leaf & Petal and they stock AG Jeans, which are my favorites.

Connie C: What are some spots around Palo Alto that you've frequented over the years?

Marissa M: I live close to University Avenue now so I'll walk over there and grab food at University Coffee Cafe, Il Fornaio, Zibibbo, and Krung Siam, which are some of my favorite places. I'm a huge fan (and have been for 15 years) of Palo Alto Creamery. It's great for a late night dinner experience (pineapple malts aren't on the menu, but they'll make them for you if you ask) and Gelato Classico is perfect for a small, delicious dessert after dinner (be sure to try the Bavarian Mint or Burgundy Cherry).

Nish N: Google is one of main ways people find out about Yelp. What would you say makes Yelp relevant?

Marissa M: I really like restaurant reviews because not only do you get sense of the decor, the service, and the general quality of food, you get recommendations and observations on specific dishes from real customers. I find that I order better after I've read a Yelp review. Like, at Live Sushi in Potrero Hill in the city. They have this amazing sea urchin presentation that is the most dramatic meal I've ever had in SF. I wouldn't have known about it if I hadn't read about it on Yelp.

Connie C: What was the last thing you googled?

Marissa M: First: Chrome tangle -- I love the way it's both a toy and essentially a piece of art. The second: The Lost Episode Guide.

Nish N: And the last place you looked up on Yelp?

Marissa M: Spruce, and to see reviews on Secret Agent Salon. I have been going to Melissa Wagner there for highlights for 7 years. She said, "Yelp is absolutely amazing." Eighty percent of her referrals come from Yelp. I hesitate to even say anything because she's so good and I'd hate for it to be harder for me to get an appointment.

Appel & Frank's "Babes & Babies" Shopping Event -- Sunday, July 20th

Appel & Frank’s "Babes & Babies" shopping event brings together 50 talented, emerging designers who create unique items specifically for modern moms and their trendy tots! Because your little ones should look as stylish as you do! A portion of the door proceeds will be donated to Project Night Night, who will be collecting new/gently used books, blankets and stuffed animals at the event. Tickets are free for all yelpers by entering the discount code YELP at www.appelandfrank.com (they are $5 each at the door). 

For more information and to see "who's in," visit Yelp Events!