Dale Talde Has the Perfect Solution for Unexpected Dinner Guests

Former Top Chef cheftestant Dale Talde is increasingly busy these days, expanding his restaurant empire and diversifying his approach to restaurants and nightlife. His newest venture, Atlantic Social, which opened in mid-February in Brooklyn, NY, has the potential to be his biggest culinary adventure yet.

But when he's cooking or entertaining at home, he keeps things more simple and relaxed. Dale says the home cook can do a lot with a few mainstays in their pantry at all times. For him, this includes: “Anchovies, miso, fish sauce, soy sauce, and a high-quality dried spaghetti.”

And when he finds unexpected hungry guests at his home, Dale resorts to serving something surprisingly easy that anyone can pull off. “In NYC especially I would do something quick like a pasta and supplement it with some amazing take-out from one of the new delivery services. My favorite game is for everyone in the group ordering something from a different place," he said. "Get some friends and do a potluck of everyone's favorite take-out!”

For nights out on the town, Dale has a few favorite spots to eat in NYC. “Uncle Boon's is one of my favorite places for amazing Thai food, and for a special occasion I love Shuko for sushi, it's the best in the city,” he said.

With his new restaurant opening, however, we're betting that Dale won't have much time for entertaining. Atlantic Social isn't Dale's first Brooklyn restaurant (he closed the wildly popular Pork Slope late last year and still runs Talde), but this spot is bigger and more expansive. “There's a large dining room and bar area, plus a game room at Atlantic Social. My partners David Massoni and John Bush designed the space and it has a lot of fun decor on the walls and throughout the space," said Dale in an interview with The Feast. "One of the great things will be when you want to get together with friends, say a big group, this is a place where you can easily go, grab a table, hang out and enjoy great food or drinks.”

Atlantic Social’s location in Brooklyn is steps away from Barclays Center, a major sports and entertainment arena, making it destined to be a high foot traffic spot before and after shows or games. “We hope Atlantic Social will be a neighborhood spot where you can find something on the menu to enjoy no matter what you're craving," Dale said, adding, "But also to be a place where you can go pre- or post-event or game and even stay and watch the games from here, too.”

The menu at Atlantic Social has something for everyone. “We have our General Tso's chicken wings, nachos, Chicken Pot Pie Ramen, and then also have housemade pastas and pan pizzas. I'm really stoked about our burger here too,” said Dale. “Cocktails from John Bush and Bill Riley are great too, I'm into the Whiskey Ginger Smash, the Bondi Kelly, and Miranda's Right. We'll even have some available by the pitcher!”

As if a brand-new restaurant weren't enough, Dale is already working on another project with his partners in Manhattan at the 50 Bowery Hotel in Chinatown. “We are doing all of the food and beverage for the property," he explained. "The main restaurant is called Rice & Gold. Really excited about it!”