Social Resto Café Bar Launches New Fall Menu

August 31,2010

Even though the thermometer still hovers around 90 degrees, Social Resto Café Bar, the lively restaurant right off Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta, is getting ready for the start of fall with a new menu. Known for its authentic French and North African cuisine as well as its innovative interpretation of Mediterranean classics, Social Resto has become a treasured meeting spot for in-town residents, international ‘foodies’ and music lovers.

“When we first opened Social Resto almost two years ago, we brought authentic international dishes to downtown, including couscous and Andalusian meatballs,” says Rheda “Ray” Chikhaoui who co-owns Social Resto with his brother Jalil (“J”). “Drawing on our French and Tunisian roots, our new fall menu has even more delicious European favorites as well as North African specialties, like grilled Merguez, North African spiced lamb sausage with an organic lentil ragout, and a Cornish hen tajine with olives, lemon confit and caravel spices.”

“And,” continues Ray, “…we also had this vision of bringing different people from all over the world together by making Social Resto the place in downtown Atlanta where a variety of cultures and live music intersect – and I am happy to say that this has really come true!”

Every month, Social Resto features a variety of live international music acts, including bands performing Andalusian music (Meteo), jazz (Tree-O of Love with Justin Chesarek) and French chansons (The Rendez-Vous with Arnaud and Christophe – who happens to be a bartender at Social Resto as well!). DJ Salah Ananse regularly spins soul, house and hip hop while Enrique Romero plays live World Music every other Friday. Various social groups and meet-ups gather monthly, and the restaurant also hosts regular wine-tastings.

Social Resto has become a favorite with downtown office workers who enjoy its fresh, well-priced sandwiches and fun sharing dishes, such as eggplant caviar and chargrillled calamari. Conventioneers and business travelers staying in Atlanta’s downtown have also discovered Social’s vibrant flavors and cozy atmosphere. “Guests come for a relaxed and fun dining experience, and enjoy our ‘comfort food with an exotic twist’,” notes Ray.

New fall menu
Social’s new fall menu features a lot of interesting dishes from different countries around the Mediterranean, well-priced and expertly prepared by Chef Khaled Chebbi. The menu is divided into ‘sharing plates’, ‘pissaladieres,’ salads, pastas, entrees and tajines (a type of dish found in various North African cuisines, named after the special clay pot in which it is cooked). Social Resto also offers a wide selection of well-priced French, Spanish, Italian and Moroccan wines that are available by the glass or bottle.

Couscous night
Every other Saturday night is ‘couscous night’ at Social. That’s when Chef Chebbi serves his traditional North African couscous dish, studded with zucchini, squash and chickpeas and a luscious lamb shank. In order to sample this authentic couscous - which takes more than half a day to prepare - reservations are recommended.

Weekday Specials at the bar
During the week Social Resto offers $15 dinner specials at the bar such as steak frites and a glass of house wine on Tuesdays and steamed mussels, fries and a Stella on Wednesdays.

Social is open for lunch on Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., and Social’s dinner hours are Mondays through Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. The restaurant is conveniently located within walking distance of many downtown hotels, and is one block south of the Civic Center MARTA station. Paid parking is available in nearby secured lots.

Social is located at 12 West Peachtree Place, Atlanta, Georgia 30308. For reservations, call: (404) 525 2246; or visit the website www.socialintown.com. All major credit cards are accepted.