Restaurant Review Deluxe: Southampton Social Club

What’s better than dinner for two at Southampton Social Club (SSC)? Dinner for 20. Dan’s Papers staffers thoroughly enjoyed themselves at a dinner there recently. Twenty of us sat at two big tables and ordered from the Group Prix Fixe Menu. What could be better than dinner for 20? Dinner for 2,000 at Dan’s Taste of Two Forks presented by Farrell Building Company on Saturday, July 23, on the waterfront at Fairview Farm at Mecox in Bridgehampton. SSC executive chef Scott Kampf will be there to serve you some of his choicest tidbits, along with tastings from owner Ian Duke’s latest venture, Union Cantina, and selections from more than 30 other top East End restaurants.

Stand-outs for me and my date (aka “Husband”) included appetizers of very hot and flavorful mussels, the ultra-creamy burrata served on a slab of Cherokee Purple Tomato, and the “lobster rolls” on mini-croissants. Our group represented a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. In fact, there was even a bright-eyed, “gluten-free child” among us. I passed the restaurant critic badge to my colleagues for this one, and this is what they have to say about the Southampton Social Club experience:

The food was delicious, and the presentation was well done. The best way to describe what this venue evoked is an understated energy and mature elegance with the dimmed lighting, white curtains, the beautifully adorned fireplace, exquisite chandeliers and candle-lit tables.

The skillfully seasoned and perfectly plated dishes were complemented brilliantly by the lively, yet upscale atmosphere. Our cozy booth, lit by stunning chandeliers, made for an extremely comfortable experience. Whether you’re there to enjoy a drink with friends or to enjoy an impressive meal with clients and coworkers, SSC will not disappoint.

Each course was beautifully presented and absolutely scrumptious. Outdoor lounge décor, fire pit and uplighting added to the ambiance. Date nights at Southampton Social Club are on the horizon.

The ambiance at SSC makes dining a complete experience for the senses. While you enjoy your meal, dance music pulsates throughout the restaurant giving off a fun, playful vibe that makes you want to be part of the vibrant bar scene after finishing your meal. The flow of air and sunlight coming from the open patio and the bustling noise of people enjoying themselves while dining makes you want to stay all night long.

The appetizers were delicious and the presentation was well done. The filet mignon was excellent; the lobster dish was very tasty. The desserts were scrumptious, especially the cheesecake. All in all, a fine dining experience!

Dan’s Taste of Summer kicks off with Dan’s GrillHampton hosted by Adam Richman on Friday, July 22 and continues on Saturday, July 23, with Dan’s Taste of Two Forks presented by Farrell Building Company hosted by Alex Guarnaschelli, both on the waterfront at Fairview Farm at Mecox in Bridgehampton. VIP tickets for GrillHampton are $185 and offer early access to the event beginning at 7 p.m. General Admission, from 8 p.m.–10:30 p.m., is $135. VIP tickets for Taste of Two Forks are $295 and offer early access beginning at 6:30 p.m. General Admission, from 7:30 p.m.–10 p.m., is $185.

The oceanfront food and drink fest ClambakeMTK at Gurney’s Montauk hosted by Marc Murphy and Eden Grinshpan premieres on Saturday, July 30. General Admission for ClambakeMTK, from 7:30–10 p.m., is $150. VIP tickets are $250, and include access to the after-party from 10 p.m.–12 a.m.

Dan’s Harvest East End, the can’t-miss food and wine classic, hosted by Geoffrey Zakarian, is Saturday, August 20, at McCall Vineyard and Ranch in Cutchogue. VIP tickets for Harvest East End are $285 and offer early access beginning at 6:30 p.m. General Admission, from 7:30 p.m.–10 p.m., is $135.

A portion of this year’s ticket proceeds from GrillHampton and Taste of Two Forks will benefit All For The East End (AFTEE), a 501(c)(3) that showcases and provides support to the more than 1,000 charity organizations in the five

East End towns. A portion of proceeds from Harvest East End benefits Long Island Farm Bureau and HRHCare.

To purchase tickets and get more info on all Dan’s Taste of Summer events, visit DansTaste.com.