THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Cafe Society

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Cafe Society Restaurant Review:

The erstwhile Steak Frites space near Union Square takes on a less meaty ambience with Café Society, a chic but casual eatery that gives off a hint of mod and ’60s. The killer cocktail list, created by famed mixologist Alex Ott (the “Purple Warhol”---absinthe, Violet liquor and Champagne---will knock out your taste buds), is a great place to start. The menu, separated by appetizers, sushi and entrées, has several hits. The Sicilian meatballs, crammed with pine nuts and currants, are so flavorful, you’d swear someone’s Italian grandma was back in the kitchen rolling them out. The sushi alone could warrant a visit; the handful of rolls (many are loaded up with eel) are big enough to feed two and boast fresh fish. For entrées, the Australian double lamb chops are nearly cut-with-a-fork tender, marred only by the overly sweet fig ratatouille; while the Copacabana salad, a large bowl filled with seared tuna, Gulf shrimp, hearts of palm and other assorted veggies, is a healthier option. For those who can’t come to this E. 16th Street eatery without thinking about sinking their teeth into a steak, there’s even an old ghost on the menu, too: steak frites.