SHARING >>>

Weekly Volcano Street Team leader Brandon Stephens attended his first Nosh League foodie group gathering Thursday at The Social Bar and Grill. Here's the report he filed.

Thursday, Weekly Volcano's foodie group Nosh League was back in action, this time gathering at The Social Bar and Grill - a place I been dying to try since I first heard about the communal restaurant this past summer.  Located on Dock Street at the footsteps of the Museum of Glass - with a view of Thea Foss Waterway - Social delivered on all levels.

Social's sleek layout resembles a commons-type environment - high ceilings and low dividing walls. The Nosh League gathered in the front dining room lit with candlelight.

As the last few late Nosh's trickled in, and raffle tickets passed out, our super friendly host and Social co-owner Philip Panagos launched into the night's schedule. He informed us everything eaten would be shared - food and drinks. I met several new people over shared doughnut holes and pitchers.

Pitchers of Sangria launched the sharings. Red sangria (Merlot, brandy and fresh mixed berries) and pink sangria (Zinfandel and fresh-cut melons) were the options. I went red, which happened to pair nice with the first appetizer of the night, doughnut holes.

Yes, doughnut holes!

Of course, these weren't everyday pre-frozen, bring to your Monday morning meeting doughnut holes. The cassava flower based doughnut hole carried a heavy texture - deep-fried and topped lightly with salt. 

Pappi Swarner ran the raffle. Although it's early November, there was already holiday spirit flowing through Social as one lucky winner snagged a groovy Frosty the Snowman lava lamp tie, perfect for an ugly holiday sweater party.

With the sangria pitchers emptying quickly (natch!), the room of 25 naturally or unnaturally came roaring to life. Raring for their first dishes, Social didn't disappoint. The way to this guy's heart is definitely shrimp, and that's what was delivered. The sautéed prawns in shells were a first for me. I didn't mind spending a couple extra seconds peeling off the shell, which helped trap that delicious flavor I adore. Delicious sautéed mushrooms with a paprika sauce, clams in Riesling and rustic bread, accompanied the prawns. 

Executive Chef Rodel Borromeo came out to greet the Nosh League patrons and speak on his inspirations for his dishes, which spanned Latin America, the Mediterranean and Asia. Chef Borromeo faired well on the floor, especially for a guy who does his best work behind the closed doors of a kitchen.

Sean Armentrout of United Way Pierce County gave a very brief presentation on helping the homeless. I texted "HOUSE" to 20222, contributing $10 to the cause. A few minutes later I scored a rad Warren Miller DVD during raffle round two. Just sayin'.

It was host Philip who dropped the most difficult question of the night. "Are you ready for some beer?" Thankfully it was a rhetorical question and the growlers emerged as if in a parade.

Out of the kitchen next were tri-tip skewers, stabbed with mushrooms, roasted red pepper capers and green onions, as well as a locally grown grilled chicken satay, fresh slaw and more of that amazing rustic bread. 

These final dishes were accompanied with a Predator Zinfandel, which had a peppery kick.  One bite of the roasted red pepper skewer, tailed closely by the Predator wine, let the spicy tastes linger for the rest of the night. 

As always toward the end of the night, Nosh Leaguers freely wandered from table to table before eventually heading off, chatting away as intended by our gracious host Social Bar and Grill.

I can't wait to come back and try the brisket, which I hear is the best there is this side of the Mississippi.

[Social Bar and Grill, 1715 Dock St., Tacoma, 253.301.3835]

LINK: Past Nogh League reports

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