I'm back at the Union Social Eatery again, for a family dinner. The location is very accessible by…read moretransit, but if you are driving, then you may need to scout out a parking spot in the sidestreets. It has a cosy, comfortably casual ambience. On a Sunday evening, it was quiet and intimate. Our server, whose name I did not learn, was excellent: kind and willing to make recommendations.
Union Social has an excellent menu, with lots of diversity to cater to all palates, but not so many items as to be overwhelming for either staff or customers. We started off with cocktails, and my son's Citrus Mule -served according to tradition, in a copper mug - was so tasty. I enjoyed my Smoky Apple Old Fashion so much. It is worth coming here for a cocktail alone.
Now, on to the mains (we skipped the appetizers, but the shrimp tacos did look tempting). I explained to our server that I was torn between the Smokehouse Beef Burger (which I regretted not ordering on a previous visit) and the Spaghetti Positano, a seafood pasta finished with lemon-herb breadcrumbs. She enthusiastically and energetically recommended the pasta (I love it when they actually give a recommendation, as opposed to, "Well, it depends what you want"). I was not disappointed! The seafood spaghetti was terrific! Surprisingly, the breadcrumbs more than compensated for a sprinkling of parmesan. I savoured the leftovers the next day, and I'm still thinking about it. The other diners, who ordered Cobb Salad, the Chicken Sandwich Special, and the Tuna Bow, were similarly satisfied. Apparently, the Steak Frites and the Fish and Chips were outstanding, as was my Pasta Positano (especially for garlic lovers!).
A few other diners ordered dessert: they each had creme brulee, smoking hot from being freshly torched. The surface featured that perfectly glossy, lightly burned sugar, which always reminds me of a caramel-colored skating rink. The dessert was, according to my daughter, who is a connoisseur of creme brulee, was perfectly done.
To finish off, my son (don't worry, he's an adult) had an espresso martini. I had a sip, and I can totally vouch for it being so divine!
We had a very satisfying meal, and I'd only wish that I knew my server's name so that I could acknowledge how excellent she was.
I'll be back. I keep planning for the burger, but right now, I could sure go for another helping of Spaghetti Positano!