Mar 7, 2013

Socjal

On first sight Nowy Świat Street looks like a culinary extension of the Old Town, which these days function more like a museum than anything else. Tourists, traders and pensioners gather there frequently, but no real life can be found. No great clubs or restaurants can be found there – they avoid Old Town through Mariensztat and Powiśle. Restaurants here offer prices in Euros and quality that can satisfy one-time tourist customers only. You can feel this bizarre atmosphere of a city that feeds on newcomers because its fake grace cannot fool the natives. Those people have a few of their places just behind Sigismund’s Column, but the numbers are not that impressive. Nowy Świat Street looks a lot like that – it’s a kingdom of tex-mex cuisine and weak sushi bars. It is obvious to see that this area lack of places where natives can eat daily. This is probably why Miedzy Nami gained such popularity – they serve tasty lunches at reasonable prices in neat atmosphere. Another great thing about this place is that it really attracts people from the world of fashion with exhibitions and exclusive meetings.

This niche was clearly spotted and it inspires people to open new places in this deserted area. Especially two of them are worth mentioning – Ali Oli located on Świętokrzyska Street and Social located on Foksal Street. Let’s focus on the second one this time.
Recently opened Social attracted my attention with their lunch offer. “Horseradish cream and pumpkin ravioli in mussels sauce” for reasonable 19 zlotys. It is probably this price that lures here writers, dancers and models. What a lovely scenery!

Ravioli – as it turns out – is formed on site. This place belongs to people responsible for the great success of 12 Stolików restaurant located on Krucza Street, which ensures high level of service. It’s also a concept of Italian provenance that guarantees something extra between 12 pm and 4 pm. By that I mean a great lunch at surprisingly low prices. The portions here may be somewhat small, but after one bite you know that chef put all of his heart to this meal. Dishes here look like small works of art and their taste will win over the love of the biggest skeptics. Amazing ingredients – from truffle oil to homemade pasta – are hoping to take you on the ride. Vegetarians can eat meatless version of the course or become interested in simple yet very good pizza (in price region of 20 to 35 zlotys). On a chalkboard there are always suggestions for guests with bigger appetite, budget and more time. Often you can find here interesting fish suggestions, like zander with calms (for 55 zlotys), salmon served in different ways or tasty octopus served on salad. So delicious!

All of this happens in really casual atmosphere that is ideal for socializing behind big social table. I’m not kidding you – while I was staying in Warsaw in February, I thought of Social almost every day, thinking to myself: brainy students, local employees and other proletarians from Nowy Świat – just go and SOCJALize!

Bartek Żurowski

Źródło zdjęć: Socjal