Uber Visa Card Media Launch
SLS Hollywood Jr. Suite
Hollywood, CA
In November of 2017, Uber and Barclaycard US flew me out to California for an extravagant all-expenses-paid weekend marking the launch of their new Visa credit card.
They put me up in the SLS Hollywood (the eggs there are worth every bit of someone else's $20), and wined and dined me for three days.
I was told to dress in "California Casual Chic," which of course was a problem for me, because I'd never used those three words together.
Here's how I tried to make it work.
Snake Girl
SLS Hollywood
Snake Girl watches over the billiard table in my hotel. I bet she's California Casual Chic.
Magic Potion Cocktails
SLS Hollywood
Liquid nitrogen is the magic ingredient at our first cocktail hour.
Jump!
Catch LA
Uber had reserved a private room for us in the ultra-exclusive Catch LA. Here we stage a spontaneous celebratory jump.
Dinner
Catch LA
And here's our dinner spot. You can barely even notice the subtle "Uber" branding...
Nobu Malibu
Malibu, CA
Lunch on Friday was at Nobu Malibu, where the food — mine was vegetarian — was exquisite and the ambiance delightful. I can't wait to return.
Selfie, Sort Of
Nobu Malibu
Unfortunately, the environmentally sound double-paned glass foiled my selfie attempt on the outdoor deck of Nobu Malibu.
My Ride
Malibu, CA
There was nothing subtle about the way Uber ferried us about. A motorcade of these custom-decorated SUVs drew stares as they brought us to each new destination.
Sharing the Experience
Malibu Wine Safaris
More of an outdoor zoo than a true safari, Malibu Wine Safaris — our first real destination — offers a serene and picturesque way of spending an afternoon in nature with animals, scenery, and wine. Here influencers from the event work on a photo.
Feeding Stanley
Malibu Wine Safaris
The giraffe that puts the "safari" in Malibu Wine Safaris is named Stanley. He's friendly and photogenic and loves to be fed.
Ready for the Wine Tasting
Malibu Wine Safaris
The scene is set for sipping some wine against the backdrop of the stunning Malibu hills.
The View
Malibu Wine Safaris
Fellow participant Lauren Bowling enjoys the wine and the view as the sun sets over Malibu.
Traffic
Los Angeles Area
Two hours to drive 36 miles back to Hollywood? Yup. And that's because we made good time...
Cannabis Cocktails
Gracias Madre
The next day we had a delicious brunch at Gracias Madre. When they serve cannabis cocktails at your vegan and organic meal, you need a photo!
Schmoozing in Style
LA Foothills
Then it was off to a private pool party at Katy Perry's former residence. Here a couple of us schmooze by the pool overlooking L.A.
You'd never know it was a sponsored event, except for the "#UberVisaCard" branding all over the place.
Photo Time
LA Foothills
Influencer Kimia Kalbasi poses by the pool at Katy Perry's former residence.
Fan and Die
SLS Hollywood
Back at the hotel, a mirror-shelf in my room displays an SLS-branded fan next to a solitary die (for luck). California Casual Chic, I bet.
