East Side Social Club

As per our usual weekly ritual, my friend, the Swede and I, usually text each other around 5 to see if the other is available for drinks and some food. Since she has an adorable 5 year old, we usually just drink wine and order in food at her apartment. But, this week, her amazing sister was watching the young blond so we were able to try out someplace new. I had read about East Side Social Club and wanted to give it a try.

Opened by Macao and Employees Only owner Billy Gilroy it is truely a family affair-his brother Jim is another owner, son Devon is the chef, and daughter Grace the GM. It seems investor Patrick McMullan is the odd man out. The space is large - upfront is  a mobbed bar to the right and dining area to the left while there is a whole other dining space in the back. The atmosphere is clubby, with dark wook and burgundy accents. The crowd a mix of after work suits, b&t, and regular foodie, like me. We were walk-ins, so we put our names on the list and headed over to the bar where we were lucky enough to snag some seats.

Since we were starving, we decided not to wait and just order ASAP! I had eyed another customer enjoying Gnocchi Bolognese, but to my dismay the bartender informed us that if the bar gets too crowded, the chef refuses to serve pasta at the bar. I explained that Gnocchi isn't pasta, but my argument fell on deaf ears. But, the saving grace was that all the food was amazing!
Burrata, my favorite cheese of the moment, was properly firm on the outside and creamy and lush on the inside, was paired with  broccoli rabe and chili oil. Homemade Berkshire Pork Sausage with White Polenta and Vin Cotto was true rustic Italian cooking. The stunner of the night were the Crispy Sweetbreads which were crunchy on the outside and melt in your mouth on the inside. Baby fennel, orange, leek and capers added a great salty sweet componenet to the dish. The only dish that I wasn't feeling was the Grilled Octopus with chickpeas, roasted tomatoes, and salsa serde which was so overwhelmed by anchovies you could taste nothing else. We ordered a bottle (well, two) of a reasonably priced red (as always, the name escapes me- need to work on writing that info. down!)

ESSC main dishes round out the menu and also sound wonderful. On my next visit I'll be sure to try Short Rib and Foie Gras Raviolini, Garganelli Ai Frutti di Mare, Bronzino Alla Plancha or their Piedmontese Grilled 30 Ounce Porterhouse.

The owner Jim also act as Maitre D' and when I was leaving I congratulated him on serving such amazing food but let him know my disappointment about the Gnocchi. He aplogized, but said the chef rules the kitchen, so he has final say. But to make up for it, he had the hostess put me into the 'system' to ensure when I call I will be given priority for a table. Who knows if it's true, but a girl can dream!

East Side Social Club

230 East 51st St. b/t 2nd & 3rd

212-355-9442

www.eastsidesocialclub.com

Prices: 

Brunch: Main Course $12-16, Sides $5-6, Bread $2-5

Lunch: Raw Bar $15-18, Cured Meats 3 for $12, Appetizers $7-24, Pasta $17-26, Main Course $25-78, Sides $8, Cheese 3 for $12

Dinner: Raw Bar $15-36, Cured Meats 3 for $12, Appetizers $10-24, Pasta $16-17, Main Course $15-23, Sides $8, Cheese 3 for $12

Dessert: $9-12
Late Night: Raw Bar $15-18, Cured Meats 3 for $12, Cheese 3 for $12, Late Night $9-24