Food For Thought

SOCIAL, a unique eatery-cum-workspace, is the latest venture from the stable of maverick restaurateur RIYAAZ AMLANI’s establishments. He speaks to Citadel about what sets Social apart from the other places, and his knack in knowing what Pune’s people want in the food scene.

- Sapna Sarfare

The city’s foodscape is something we speak about often. We just love to eat out, but are very particular about our likes and dislikes. While the chosen few have been attracting crowds for decades, some have recently made a mark. The latest to join the troop (after already making a mark in other parts of the country) is Social from Riyaaz Amlani. It is the fifth Social in the country.

Social is where, in their own words, ‘work meets play’. This unique eaterycum-workspace sharing place is quite an offering, with some quirky interiors and interesting food on offer. You could call it a redefined cafe and co-working space. It is all about openness, accessibility and cross-pollination of ideas for an inspired community. You will find fun street food presented in an avant-garde style, while the drinks are representative of an experiment from a laboratory.

Most are aware of Riyaaz Amlani, the CEO and MD of Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt Ltd (IEHPL). He was also the ex-President (Sep 2014 – Sep 2017) of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI). This quirky mind is a whiz kid when it comes to hospitality in India, and he has already established 42 restaurants across 11 cities. This collection includes Mocha, Smoke House Deli, Salt Water Cafe, Prithvi Café, The Tasting Room, the very recent and successful brand Social, and Slink & Bardot. Well- respected for his ability to come up novel ventures, Riyaaz has never shied away from thinking the impossible. He was in the city recently to launch his fifth outlet of Social at the popular Phoenix Marketcity at Nagar Road.

SOCIAL ASPECT