Many of you probably remember Riff's Wine Bar, the deliciously dark and quaint place on East Avenue where you grabbed a drink on cold nights. The Social has taken its place, expanded upon its beautiful bar, turned up the lights a bit (don't worry, not too much), added a few brush strokes of color, and hung some oh-so-seductive Artisan Works paintings. What you have is a place that refuses to be labeled - it's tapas meets fusion meets organic - a place like no other in Rochester.
There is a manifesto of sorts at the bottom of Social's menu that exemplifies the type of experience the owners want diners to have. "The Social's Purpose: To present the guest with as much fresh, healthy, seasonal, locally grown and organic ingredients in order to provide a superior dining experience." An environmental, green-living, political, socialistic dining experience? We all could use a little of that in our lives.
The Social has been open for only a few weeks and I found the place buzzing with a sophisticated, maybe even a little adventurous, crowd. Diners were tasting a little of this and that, like the organic black bean and cheddar quesadillas with pico de gallo and crème fraiche, or the Roasted shitake and frisee salad with Lively Run goat cheese and truffle vinaigrette. I hear the lamb is fantastic (it's grilled with three sauces, candied garlic, and micro greens) but I really want to try the mussels drenched in Mexican beer, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and garlic. And best of all, the prices are extraordinarily reasonable, ranging from $5 to $11, which makes tasting a few things even easier to swallow.
But of course, I came to drink. Social has a wide range of organic wines; I sampled the Organic Natura Cabernet and sat outside in the quaint café-style chairs with my puppy Tesla (no, not the band or the electric car; think the scientist) and the ever-present dreamy companion. The Social brings a little piece of heaven to East Avenue. The buzz is true, go enjoy it.
Comments for "The Social" (9)
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Charles C said on May. 16, 2007 at 3:32pm
i HAVE BEEN TO BOTH PLACES LOVE BOTH OF THEM. YOU MADE A MISTAKE THE OWNER OF THE SOCIAL AND VENETO IS DONNA DIMARZO. TRACY IS THE MANAGER.
Charlotte said on May. 24, 2007 at 10:51am
For those of us who don't remember Riff's, can anyone tell me where this place is? "East Avenue" is a tad vague. Or maybe a phone number? (I'm unable to google it, which is a problem in itself for any restaurant).
Eric said on May. 25, 2007 at 1:20pm
Charlotte: The Social is located at 330 East Avenue.
amanda said on Jun. 07, 2007 at 8:41am
why isn't the address, phone number, and hours of operation published? that should be an integral part of any restaurant review. it just makes sense.
Katie said on Jun. 13, 2007 at 8:25pm
The Social is great, not only because everyone remembers you after only one meeting, but also you never be served a clod dish (unless it's meant to be cold), because the food comes out as it's done.
I may be a tad biased, because I know the sous chef, but I would reccommend this place to all, and trust me. I have been!!!
Katie said on Jun. 13, 2007 at 8:26pm
and by "clod" I mean "cold"
Sav said on Jul. 02, 2007 at 3:18pm
The Best Restaurant in Rochester!!! Really, this place has a relaxed, cool atmosphere provided by the food, the drinks, the wait staff, the music and the general buzz of the place. The wait staff are friendly and helpful, the music ranges from catchy salsa tunes, to smooth jazz to those good ol' 80's hits. The full bar is staffed with great bartenders every night who know how to make everything from a simple rum and coke to a complex and delecious martini. Most importantly the food. The food is delicious, full of flavours sure to tempt any palate. Everything is fresh and homemade, mostly organic and locally grown, and a range of foods, from meats, poultry, to vegetarian and all the fruits of the sea, the chef's creations are to die for. The social is by far the best place I have eaten in Rochester. Everyone should check it out!!!!
Dove said on Jul. 30, 2007 at 4:14pm
Have to agree with all the comments, I've been about 5 times now and have yet to be disappointed. The wait staff is great and remembers your name, the wine list isn't huge but still quite good and varied, and the food...its fun, innovative and delicious. The only thing I've had and haven't loved are the sliders - just wasn't my thing, but you can't win all the time! Also, do NOT neglect the veggie dishes! The bean questidillas are one of the best things on the menu. Shhh, don't tell the lamb I said that.
Ann said on Nov. 19, 2007 at 7:18am
I was skeptical about this place, as I'm usually a pick eater.. but it was INCREDIBLE. The sliders were great. Loved the chicken quesadillas.. and the pommes fritas were to die for. I can't wait to go back again. I highly recommend this restaurant.
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