Social on a Diet A place with a social ambiance is not usually a choice of people who are on a diet, considering everything good is either sweet or fried. You end up declining your friends’ invitations to hang out at bars or end up sipping on a fresh lime salted while everyone else enjoys their Mai Tais and Caipiroskas. So, when I got an invitation to cover Viman Nagar Social that’s recently opened at Phoenix Marketcity, I was skeptical as to what I would eat and drink, since most of the finger food is fried, which is unhealthy for me. With a little hesitancy, I did accept the invite since I wanted to see if someone with a dietary restriction could also have a good time at Social. So much as already been written about Social ‘s ambiance, that I will not delve much into it. However, I must say, I was very impressed by the Katta that is created bang opposite the bar. Different sized steps that allow you to chill with friends and a cold one [those are our friends too!!] and enjoy any games that’s projected on the screen opposite. Also, the collaborative [that’s geek for co-working] working space on the mezzanine level has a trampoline which is a fun addition to any place. I cannot imagine how anyone would be able to get any work done when there is a huge-ass trampoline right next to you, strong enough to bear the weight of plus-sized people as well. [Yeah, I checked it out myself!! :D ] Social Signatures Made using Gin, Kaffir Lime, Basil, Galangal, Lemongrass, and Coconut water, the Thai Maalish [Rs. 325] does not sport any additional or artificial sugar, rather relying on coconut water for the sweetness. Since I enjoy the kaffir lime and lemongrass flavors, this drink was right up my alley. Loved the design of the serving glass as well – the bottom of a bottle cut out to make the base and the rest of the bottle inverted with the neck fixed into the base. #DeliciousDelicious Salads The Watermelon Vs. Feta Salad [Rs. 230] is the de facto standard in healthy salads. With arugula leaves, pine nuts and balsamic reduction dressing for company, it was light and refreshing. Social Munchies Nachos use tortilla chips which are made from corn, vegetable oil, salt and water and are either fried or baked. The Chicken Nachos [Rs. 260] here at Social had the ubiquitous toppings of chicken chunks, jalapenos, sour cream, and tomato salsa. Good crunch of the chips complemented by the myriad of soft flavors of the jalapenos and salsa. The Butter Garlic Pepper Prawns [Rs. 290] was a simple dish that presented some simple yet amazing flavors. Prawns lightly sautéed in butter and tossed with burnt garlic and pepper makes a wonderful dish to enjoy on a diet. Kebabs from Social Chhatt Kebabs are grilled over a fire or in the tandoor with minimal oil usage, making it a perfect dish for me to devour guiltfree. Aslam Butter Tikka Sizzler [Rs. 330] was served in a small sizzler plate with two slices of garlic bread [which is to be avoided on a diet]. The chicken chunks were proportionately sized and had good char marks on them however the dish overall lacked seasoning. Maybe some more sprinkling of salt and pepper and maybe just a dash of lemon could’ve worked wonders. Jose's Jalapeno Chicken Tikka [Rs. 320] was served steaming on a small tandoor styled arrangement. Loved the combination of the tartness of the jalapenos with the succulent chicken but once again, the dish lacked overall seasoning. Social Chhatt Signatures You cannot come to Social and not expect to have some booziness introduced in your food. Social has tried to uplift the ever-so-popular butter chicken by flambeeing 15 ml of Black Label Whisky into the dish. The Black Label Butter Chicken [Rs. 360] has a lovely creamy texture with a hint of bitterness of the whisky at the end. Considering the butter chicken available in Pune is mainly on the sweeter side, this bitterness helps cut through it. I personally loved the bitterness of the Black Label with the butter chicken however a couple of my fellow bloggers weren’t too taken by it. Desserts Although desserts are a big NO-NO, I simply could not stop myself from clicking this gorgeous beauty. Lucky’s Caramel Custard [Rs. 150] had a golden ball of spun sugar on top of the caramel custard. Lucky sure got lucky!