Great food and new friends. What’s not to like about social dining?

At first glance, The Social Feed (part of Grub with Us as of July 2012) could be mistaken as a dating opportunity. And when I’ve told people about the concept, it’s the first question asked. Why else join a group of strangers for dinner? While a romance to eventuate from the events would make a great story, it’s not even close to the motivation of the organisers, or the guests, of Social Feed dinners.

The creators, three friends from university, enjoyed hosting dinner parties. Friends would come, they would bring their friends, and eventually these guys were having complete strangers over for dinner. Sandy, one of the masterminds, said they found the more random the group of people, the more fun the evenings. Five months ago the guys took the concept from social to commercial and launched The Social Feed. They organise regular long-table dinners at restaurants in Vancouver, opening up the seats to anyone who wants to come. The dinners are limited to about 20 people. The concept is very welcoming to those who come alone. Those who do come with others are encouraged to sit side-by-side to open up conversation around the table.

The dinners sell out quickly. After all, it’s a pretty good deal. The meals usually consist of several dishes and the price averages at $20-24, including tax and tip. On Wednesday night,the dinner was at Cork and Fin, an upmarket seafood restaurant in Gastown. The restaurant does a Prix Fixe menu of three dishes for $32 (before tax and tip). The Social Feed diners enjoyed a very similar menu for $24 (including taxand tip). All the dishes are placed in the centre to create a more social atmosphere. “Can you pass the potatoes,” type thing.

This particular group were mostly women. There were a few SF regulars (includingSandy) but most of us were first-timers. The intriguing concept has gained a bit of media attention in the last few months and appealed to a variety of people. Some are new to the city and having trouble breaking into new social groups given the insular nature of a lot of Vancouverites. Others just like the idea of enjoying a good dinner. So far, every event on the website has sold out. Everyone comes with the same idea – to meet new people andenjoy good food. With that as common ground, conversation flows easily.

The organisers partner with a variety restaurants. Past locations include a Lebanese restaurant, Chinese, vegetarian, Irish pubs and traditional Canadian fare. There isalso a focus on local produce.  The menu consists of dishes placed in the centre of thetable, adding to the interaction between diners.

Our menu

Sawmill Bay Oysters with Champagne and cracked pepper mignonette

Lobster Bisque with truffle cream

Beef Tenderloin with Dungeness Crab Hollandaise served with Haricots Verts and Nugget Potatoes

* The acquisition of The Social Feed by Grub With Us has changed things, but the concept is essentially the same. Social dinners with great food open to anyone.