You’re usually social (but maybe some times not if you’re typing away on your smartphone) when you’re eating and socialness is exactly the premise of this place. I’m talking about Top Chef hottie Angelo Sosa’s restaurant, Social Eatz at 232 East 53rd Street. The restaurant opened in March so it’s still gaining a following, and if you catch it at the right time, you can still get a choice seat before it completely fills up. Since this restaurant practices what it preaches and is so socially connected on Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and with Scoutmob, which offers “mobile deals fo the local curious,” upon my check-in here on Foursquare, I was able to get 50% off my entire bill thanks to them.
Described as American-Asian (very different than Asian-American) offering comfort foods with an Asian kick, the restaurant prides itself on offering a social experience and “food values” by crafting its unique, yummy dishes with the highest quality ingredients – think certified organic vegetables and humane fish and meats, as well as the fact that most will appreciate everything on the menu is $15 or less – definitely something to cheers to.
To kick off the meal, I enjoyed a White Sangria made with mango, mango seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and pear. It’s a very unique take on a typical sangria, and the different flavors explode to create a drinking sensation as you’re taking each sip. However, what’s also cool about this place is that they offer seasonal sangria and a variety of seasonal drafts beer including their own Social Eatz brew.
To whet our appetite, we chose the Toga Rings which are crispy sweet onion rings sprinkled with the restaurant’s togarshi spiced salt and served with a side of spicy mayonnaise. We also enjoyed the Edamame Fritters which feature ginger and citrus and served with a side of garlic mayonnaise (think mini falafels with an edamame flavor – yum!)
For the main course, I couldn’t pass up the Bibimbap Burger, Korean for “mixed meal” which is served with a slow cooked egg, lettuce and pickled carrot and cucumber (very spicy, but delightful). This burger has also been rated the “Greatest Burger in America” by Eater, so I couldn’t pass it up. I also enjoyed a side of the crispy fries and longevity sauce – cool!
If you like American and Asian, you’re in for a real treat. I’m still hankering to try so many things on the menu including their Crispy Spring Rolls, Mac & Cheese, Kung Pao Wow Sandwich, Korean Beef Tacos and maybe dessert if I can ever save room. Bring a friend and get social here!
Mojitos & Florentine 