Social

Social is surprising. Big windows and old stone initially give you the feel that this will be a very classy and reserved restaurant - once inside, the spaces are funky and the red and dark brown colours give this a buzzing vibe.

Our scallops! photo: www.social.ca

• Relish: the appetizers were phenomenal. Next time, I would just order starters as they were awesome, and very shareable! The white tuna seared with cucumber and wasabi was refreshing with a good kick that perfectly complemented the tuna, and the scallops with watermelon and fried chorizo were absolutely incredible, a really neat complement of the watermelon sweetness, the spicy oomph of the chorizo and the tender, perfectly juicy scallops. For mains, the focus was on meat - tenderloin, lamb and a steak. All very good, although the portions were massive.
• Quaff: I had a Butterfield Station chardonnay from California, unfortunately not the buttery-creamy chardonnay that I was expecting from a wine named 'butterfield'. I was thinking massive oak and a buttery finish, and got none of it from the weak, almost watery wine. The wine list did have around 10 reds and 10 whites by the glass - so quite a few options to choose from, although pretty standard selections.
• Feel: social. Very social. It's a place that I could see turning into a good night spot after dinner on a thu/fri night (the massive size and thickness of our table-top made me think that it would be a good table on which to get up and dance...I got some funny looks for that comment). It would also be the kind of place where I would hold a work event - cocktails and appetizers in one of the more secluded areas by the bar.

Photo: www.social.ca

A bit expensive for the quality based on the other restaurants I've tried in the Ottawa area, but the portion sizes are on par with the increase in price. Definitely would recommend it for a more 'social' night out!

w: Social Ottawa website