Social.

Kitchen confidential.

I’ve been to Social — formerly Social by Heinz Back, recently ‘deflagged’ when the famous chef parted ways with the property in late 2022 — on two occasions. I’ll mention that neither trip to the end of the Palm at the Waldorf Astoria particularly impressed me with the food or overall experience. However, with two trusted foodie friends recently enjoying the unique chef’s table at the newly branded restaurant, I decided to give the venue an unprecedented third try. 

Literally in the kitchen, Chef Carmine and his team have carved out a tiny two-top in the middle of the hectic space. It is important to note that no other changes have occurred within the restaurant, and as one good friend refers to the interior as “God's waiting room,” I can only admit he’s not wrong. To clarify, you are not going to the Waldorf Astoria the Palm for any vibe whatsoever. By the time we finished dinner at 11 PM, there was no one to be found in the restaurant or at the nearby bar. This is a shame, especially…