It’s terribly easy to stay within the confines of our unique bubbles. The parameters we keep usually have all the amenities we need, at most only requiring a 10 minute drive in the car. Getting the itch to have a new dining experience, our short ‘safari’ took us just five minutes past the boundary of Town to experience The Social.
Just behind the infamous outlet mall, up highway 85, lies a cute little area known as Castle Pines. It is a beautiful place, full of nice homes, that has a small outdoor pedestrian mall filled with businesses- a Tony’s Market, Smartlife Audio Video, and several restaurants that pepper the pretty sidewalks. That’s where you will also find the ‘fresh menu’ restaurant, The Social.
Arriving before Friday’s dinner rush, we were greeted by eager and warm faces, ready to serve our dining needs. As we walked through the modern décor, we passed the impressive bar with no shortage of beers on tap, the hostess escorted us to a quaint 2-top by the window overlooking the twinkling lights on the stone patio. We were met by a clean table and we couldn’t help but admire the nice touch of the petite, real, succulent plant amid the salt and pepper shakers.
Several faces came by to make us comfortable, offering to take our coats and fill our waters. After opening our menus, we glanced over the very reasonably priced variety of fares, gradually deciding to start with the calamari and the mussels. And though we expected a wait for our first course, because it was Friday, instead we were pleasantly surprised by their prompt arrival. The tasty, very lightly breaded Calamari was finished with a lime Siracha that added a nice kick. The mussels were equally amazing in their white wine-apple-coconut reduction, disappearing quickly from the plate.
Our eyes were also pleased to find the menu had a huge selection of gluten free options, including gluten free pasta that could easily be substituted if desired. Prime rib was a quick choice and we chose to balance out the protein with a cup of their award winning green chili and a small strawberry, mandarin orange, greens salad.
When dinner appeared, the presentation was simple and the portions were pleasant. The medium-rare prime rib was cooked to perfection and had a nice saltiness surrounding it. It was enclosed with firm, bacon Brussels sprouts and a lobster paella cake that was a tasty, crisp disk of yumminess. Eager to try the green chili, my skepticism was readily corrected. The spice and flavors were matched well and the small morsels of pork made it filling. Getting stuffed, we finished the meal with the strawberry salad whose very fresh strawberries, greens and sweet balsamic mix settled the meat and spice already in our stomachs.
The Social is great place to take a date and a prime destination for a girls or fellas night out. A table of two can easily eat for much less than $100, especially if you can make it to there during happy hour. We also liked the touch of having cups and mouth wash in the bathrooms to keep your breath fresh for the evening. THERE IS A KIDS MENU, as well as several booths to help keep them contained. And save room to look at the dessert and cordials menu selected by Sommelier and manager, Michael Mercandetti, to finish off the evening.
For more information and hours of operation:
http://www.thesocialcastlepines.com/
The Social
872 Happy Canyon Road
Castle Pines, CO 80108
303.524.8788
Genie and I had a bit of a different view. We will have to give it another chance since we were not at all happy with the service. While the place was busy, it was not packed. It had but two servers that meant about 15 tables each. Food was good but not great and we did have to wait quite a long time. The place was quiet and easy to carry on a conversation. We have eaten here before but it was Rodney’s and a couple of other places.
We look to do it again and are anxious to try this Spring or Summer when the patio is open. The patio seems to be a great asset.
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