Hi!!!! I’m back! Before I begin with the post, HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRC!!!!!!  On October 1st, China celebrated the 70th year anniversary of the founding of the PRC with a festivals, shows and, of course, a HUGE military parade. While many might not agree with China’s policies and ideology, it’s hard to deny the incredible progress the nation’s made in the last 70 years. I mean, going from one of the world’s poorest nations to a global leader in pretty much every industry is impressive by any stretch of the imagination.

While I enjoy watching the parade and festivals, the best part about National Holiday is the weeklong break. I didn’t get one this year, but my dad did and guess what… he came to visit me!!!!! Even though I had an exam the next day, dinner with dad was non-negotiable. Onto the review!!

Social House 7

Social House 7 is a swanky Japanese Fusion restaurant/bar right in the heart of the culture district. They offer the classic combo of sushi, sashimi, rolls and stir fries, but really spice things up with a smoking Robatayaki grill!

The bar also slings some pretty creative cocktails, but no mom = no alcohol 😉 Here’s what we got!

Food

Appetizers

Roasted Shishito Peppers- I LOVE roasted peppers and this dish definitely didn’t disappoint. They were tender with a slight char and each bite brought a delectable burst of soy. Scared of heat? Don’t worry, it’s all flavour, no burn

Sashimi (White Tuna, Uni, Eel, Scallops, Salmon roe)- Overall, the sashimi satisficed, but wasn’t anything exceptional (exceeded expectation for sure though).

• The Good: WHITE TUNA!!! Most places don’t have it, so I jumped at the opportunity to get a taste of one of my favourites. It definitely didn’t disappoint- fresh, rich and perfectly sliced. The eel and scallop were also delicious. My favourite part was the plating. Seriously, a rice bowl for the roe?! Genius!
• The Bad: The uni was a bit oxidized. Other than that, nothing!

Mains

Robatayaki Mako Shark Fin with Black Quinoa and Asparagus- I’d never had  shark meat before (shark fin’s different), so I was more than excited to try. Unfortunately, the dish didn’t live up to expectations. The fish was quite dry and overcooked. With that said, the char provided an incredible depth of flavour and the quinoa was delicious

Hoisin Grilled Pork Belly- Hands down the best dish of the night. I’m a HUGE fan of grilled pork belly, but this dish took an already solid choice to another level. The meat itself was quite lean with just enough fat to impart the perfect level of juicy richness. I’m usually not a fan of hoisin, but the char turned what could have been overwhelmingly sweet into a magical caramel. However, the meat was a bit tough and over cooked.

Note: Portion sizes are HUGE. The pork belly is technically an “appetizer”, but at 12oz, it’s more than an entree portion

Service and Atmosphere

The food might have been a bit disappointing, but the service and atmosphere (almost) made up for the disappointment. The dim interior ooze and incredible exotic chic vibe, enhanced by decorative fires. The plush, dark red booths give a sense of luxuriance while the colourfully lit bar creates a nice elegant casual feel, making Social House 7 perfect for any occasion.

If the atmosphere was great, the service was better. Our waiter could not have been more enthusiastic and patient in explaining all the nuances of the menu. The food also arrived quite quickly. Most importantly, he didn’t bat an eye when I tried to make modifications to the order. Not a hint of attitude. In fact, it was as if he was expecting it.

Overall Impression

Overall, Social House 7 is a very solid choice. It’s a bit out of my budget now, but for the food, atmosphere and service, it’s definitely well worth the price. I probably won’t be going back; however, I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking to impress guests or just as a nice treat with friends.

That’s it for now! I had an amazing time with my dad. He left yesterday and I miss him already. I hope everyone has a great week! Until next time, Bye!

 

• Dining