David K.
Yelp
I did lots of research before deciding on Social 27 and I found this place has a fantastic reputation. So I was a little surprised when I arrived around 7:00 and there were literally no other diners! But it turned out to be terrific: the food, drinks, setting, and the personalized service I got from my waitress was outstanding. The hospitable vibe made me feel special, like I belonged, as opposed to self-conscious or on display in the empty room. She did assure me that it fills up frequently, and two or three other parties did come in towards the end of my visit around 8:30. Maybe people just tend to eat later around here.
I started off with a Hemingway daiquiri, one of my standards these days. Fresh-squeezed lime juice, a decent rum, pronounced cherry flavor, and a nice sugar-rimmed glass. Not too sweet and very strong. Enough so that two would have been irresponsible as a driver. My second and last drink, Portlandia pinot noir, was above average for a house wine, a good size and under the going rate for wine glasses.
I noticed Fever Tree sodas at the bar. That's an excellent brand and I don't see them often. Speaking of the bar, it was nothing too fancy but I loved the the white monkey figures swinging from the vines overhead, illuminated by the changing colored lights. Salsa music playing quietly. There was a bartender who I didn't interact with, somehow keeping busy the whole time. I wonder what he was doing with nobody else to serve drinks to?
Taking my time before describing the food because I took my time too, studying the menu and taking in the scene. I started with Serrano Ham and Manchego Croquetas: 4 croquettes, browned and firm on the outside and soft, hammy and cheesy inside, sprinkled with cheese on top and aioli underneath. Couldn't be better.
Entree was Salmon A La Plancha: the grilled, seasoned fish served on top of a large pool of the aji amarillo sauce. A different sauce, sweet and brown drizzled sparingly on top, a very charred half lime for squeezing on extra flavor. Jasmine rice on the side and a small salad with great greens, a sweet dressing, and pickled onions. The salmon maybe just lightly overcooked? A trivial complaint! Fantastic.
Totally unexpectedly, as if it wasn't already special enough, at this point another plate arrived: an appetizer of tostones and a very generous quantity of guacamole, limey and cilantro-laden. Free of course. Well I was pretty full at this point but I thanked her sincerely, tried some - it was excellent - and took most of it home for the next day.
Then it was on to dessert. A Cafe Con Leche flan with Kahlua sauce and meringue. Nicely chilled, brûléed, smooth consistency, and toasted meringue that actually tasted good, not like the usual that I just scrape off and discard. Complete with caramel popcorn, salty and sweet, fruit and mint garnish. Equally important as the taste, it was a beautiful presentation. I finished with a flawless espresso.
Truly a perfect dining experience, no exaggeration.