Fab Review: MAD Social // Photo: @fabsoopark
MAD social is the newest project by Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants. It is the first restaurant they have opened in 14 years, and the first restaurant opened by Gina Stefani, daughter of restaurant icon, Phil Stefani. MAD Social combines traditional values with a modern approach to create a warm and inviting atmosphere where people can come together to enjoy a good meal.
I had the pleasure of attending the preview of MAD Social and meet both, Gina and Phil Stefani. The Stefani family exudes their love for family, food, and traditions through every aspect of each of their restaurants. From the décor to the menu, everything is thoughtfully planned to provide the best dining experience.
{Ambiance}
The “French industrial chic” vibe was designed by Adolfo Garcia. Think hardwood floors, dark wood, exposed brick, timber ceilings, antique fixtures, plush banquettes, and mosaic wall art. Oh là là!
Fab Review: MAD Social // Photo: @fabsoopark
The space seats about 65 in the dining room and 12 at the bar. An outdoor patio will be available during warmer months.
Fab Review: MAD Social // Photo: @fabsoopark
Gina Stefani wanted to create a neighborhood spot where “everybody knows your name” and knows your order…a place where you want to keep coming back because you feel at home and part of the family.
{Food}
Executive Chef, Mariela Bolaños (formerly Bar Siena), creates an eclectic menu with inspiration from her travels around the world. The menu with Italian, French, Mexican, Asian, and American influences, is grouped by Madness (veggies), Cured (charcuterie), Aged (say cheese!), The Coop (bird is the word), The Range (meats), and The Sea (seafood). The small and large plates are meant for sharing and all are priced $20 and under. You can’t beat that!
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Even if you don’t like brussels sprouts, you will love this dish. The brussels sprouts are flash fried and mixed with red cabbage, carrot, cilantro, toasted garlic chips, shaved shallot, wonton strips, and sesame seeds in a yuzu soy vinaigrette. Each bite has some serious crunch. OK, it may not be the healthiest veggie dish but who cares when it tastes that good.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts at MAD Social // Photo: @fabsoopark
Tuna Crudo
The Tuna Crudo is served with caramelized grapefruit, avocado, serrano pepper, Meyer lemon vinaigrette, extra virgin olive oil, and micro cilantro. The dish is fresh and light with a hint of spice from the peppers. I loved the sweetness and slight bitterness of the grapefruit with the tanginess from the Meyer lemon vinaigrette. I could eat this everyday, on a warm summer day, paired with a nice crisp white wine.
Tuna Crudo at MAD Social // Photo: @fabsoopark
Steak Tartare
Raw meat can either taste really good or really bad. MAD Social’s version was MAD good! The quality of the beef tenderloin was exquisite and the combination of the Dijonnaise, herb chimichurri, wonton crisps, and micro spectrum made me forget I was eating raw meat. Despite popular belief that raw meat is unsafe, it has many health benefits including increasing metabolism, detoxifying the body, and helping with digestion.
Steak Tartare at MAD Social // Photo: @fabsoopark
Duck Confit Bao Tacos
Now, let’s taco about some buns. The warm, pillowy steamed buns are generously packed with duck confit, carrots, napa cabbage, and tangy cucumbers, then topped with a creamy Sriracha aioli. I would have preferred a little less aioli but nonetheless the flavors were delectable. The duck was tender and the veggies were crisp.
Duck Confit Bao Tacos at MAD Social // Photo: @fabsoopark
If you love a good charcuterie board, MAD Social has a great selection of meats, which are sliced fresh at the charcuterie section. They have the Parma Prosciutto and Mortadella Levoni from Italy; the Pancetta and Soppressata, which are house-cured; and the Salami Fra’mani from Berkley, California. Choose three meats served with olives, parmesan, and crostini for only $17.
Charcuterie Board at MAD Social // Photo: @fabsoopark
Grilled Spanish Octopus
The chef braises the octopus for two and a half hours with fresh herbs and lemon slices, which helps tenderize the octopus meat. Then it is slightly grilled and mixed with ginger lime broth, blistered peppers, crispy chickpeas, Kalamata olives, baby arugula, and balsamic reduction. The crispy chickpeas adds a nice alternate texture to the Grilled Spanish Octopus while the Kalamata olives gives the dish a delicate saltiness.
Grilled Spanish Octopus at MAD Social // Photo: @fabsoopark
MAD Burger
The MAD Burger has me MAD crazy. The house ground wagyu patty is sandwiched between a brioche bun and piled on high with aged cheddar, crispy pork belly, Cajun onion strings (loved this!), Mad mayo, house pickles, and baby arugula. If that wasn’t enough, it comes with a side of house-made fries. Try to get all the ingredients into one massive bite. You won’t regret it.
Chicken & Waffles
Breakfast for dinner? Yes, please! The Chicken & Waffles are to die for! The churro (yes, I said churro!) pressed waffle with chicken breast milanese, MAD hot sauce, crisp pork belly (everything is good with pork belly, right?), and maple syrup is a little bite of heaven. The crunchy churro with the slab of fried chicken creates an irresistible sweet and savory combination.
A photo posted by Chicago Blogger & Consultant (@fabsoopark) on
Dessert Trio at MAD Social // Photo: @fabsoopark
FAB DEAL: Mention Fab Food Chicago and receive a complimentary order of Togarashi Spiced Chickpeas with a minimum purchase of $10. Valid from 3/8/16 through 3/15/16. Dine-in only.
{Experience}
MAD Social is great neighborhood spot and gathering place before a Bulls or Blackhawks game since it is so close to the United Center. Heck, forget the game. It’s a fun spot either way. The food is drool-worthy and the staff is fantastic. Who wouldn’t want to go to a place where everybody knows your name? Congrats on the new opening! Cheers!
{Location}
MAD Social
West Loop || 1140 W Madison St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 243-2097
FAB TIP: Open daily at 4 p.m.
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 4.5 Fabs}
Have you been to MAD Social? Let me know your thoughts.
Live the Fab Food Life,
Soo
Note: This meal was complimentary. However, the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
