PX This.

PX This presents THE F&F REVIEW

Hey, sorry we couldn’t make it to "Friends&Family," we were out of town/ had to work/ not invited. We’re really glad we finally managed to come by, though— it’s so nice to see you!
What’s that? You would still like us to take the time to fill out the F&F survey, because you’d love to take advantage of all our vast experience, knowledge, insight, and expertise as long as we’re already here? Because you invited 75 people to F&F, and afterward all you got was 41 "Congrats[es]!" 22 "Awesome[s]!" 3 "Ciao[s]!" and 9 "Best of lucks[s]!" ?
Of course, we’d be honored. Oh ha, yesss, we’ll be honest— brutally honest even, ha ha! After all, that’s what friends & family are for!
No no please, don’t send anything more, we’re stuffed, we can’t breathe, you’ll have to roll us out of here, ha ha ha… !

East Side Social Club

What was your first impression?
This is cozy.

Please rate the Bar:
Any bartender that opens with, "Hey, I know you!" is OK by me. Way to make me feel special, memorable and appreciated— and I’m not even a celebrity. Yeah, if you’ve ever been a fixture at "EO" or "Macao," there are plenty of the familiar good ol’ boys here. Gotta say though— I’m getting a little tired of the played-out "boys’ club" look. Even Balthazar just put their first female behind the bar. It’s not the 1920’s anymore, guys; get over it already. Sometimes I like my cocktails handled by the warm, loving hands of the fairer sex.
Also, Odeon was 30 years ago, for chrissakes. We appreciate originality every once in a while, just so you know.

Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
The wine list is erudite but simple, straightforward, and reasonable. There’s a lot to like about this list, especially in its sagacious congruity with the space.
The cocktail list is— well, did I mention EO and Macao? Yeah, just like that. Pretty much what you’d expect.

Please rate the Dining Room:
Nice. Warm. Welcoming. Good use of the square footage. Well-controlled chaos.

Please rate the BOH:
An agreeable perspective on your typical "bistro" menu, but what— no onion soup? No burger? Just kidding.
Surprisingly well-executed. A few hiccups on the timing, but no biggie. The food really is a lot better than I’d expected.

How was the staff?
Did I mention EO and Macao? Yeah, just like that. Pretty much what you’d expect.

What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Cured Meats (Prosciutto di parma, Sopressata, Lardo): OK, but the lardo didn’t come "melting on grilled bread" as suggested. So, why would anyone want to eat a small slab of lardo? Otherwise, perfectly fine.
Burrata "Special": Very good and fresh. Why am I so surprised the kitchen is so on-point here? What is it about this place?
Sauteed Mushrooms: Delicious. A great little salad. Who’s the chef again?
Escarole Caesar Salad: Even this is impressive. Is it me, or did someone with authority up in this organization suddenly decide food is important?
Linguini with Clam Sauce : Wow. Simple, but great. Old-world style great. Like, Umberto’s old-world style great. ♪ Memmmmorieeeeeees… ♪♪
Sirloin Steak: OK, that’s it, I’m sold. Oh wait, I’m in midtown? Fuck that. (Just kidding.)

What did you like?
Call me crazy, but the quality of the meal was an astonishing pleasure.

What did you dislike?
Well, there was this exchange between my friend and I earlier in the evening, "51st and what? Get the fuck outta here."

What was your last impression?
I’m impressed.

Would you come back?
"51st and what? Get the fuck outta here." Well, I’d probably have to be in the area already. Also, it’s crowded. Kind of a hassle. And like I said, I’m a little tired of the "boys’ club" look.

Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thanks, it was a pleasure.

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