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| - SETTING:
Black steel beams and warm yellow lighting. I can't think of any other way to describe it than to say it is a combination of hip and extravagant. Word of the day: Hiptravegant.
FOOD:
For appetizer #1, got the Scampi and Chips. Such a basic dish, but I've never had it THIS good before! I might even venture to say that this is better than fried chicken! Uh oh...shots fired. When it comes to fried foods, the type of batter/breading matters A LOT and they did it well--light and crunchy.
Appetizer #2 was the braised pork cheek. So tender and with a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar. I'm 100% convinced Elvis' lyrics, "Love me tender, love me sweet" refer to this dish. Not meant to be a tongue-in-pork cheek comment at all.
Then, the entree arrived. The Steak & Ale Pie. Like a pot pie stew, but with braised short rib and a brown gravy broth. Yes, all the crust was eaten. Pretty good, but it wasn't my favorite.
Saving, literally, the best for last is the Sticky Toffee Pudding dessert. Our waiter said this was quite possibly the best dessert he has ever had in his life. Bold statement. But he was spot on with his previous recommendations, so we went for it. Let me put it this way, I wish I could invent something so each bite I took of this dessert would immediately be replenished on the plate! I want to eat this forever.
SERVICE:
We were treated well from the get-go. Jeremy, our host, showed us to the table and when he found out this was our first time at the Commoner, he gave us a few recommendations. When we had more questions, he made himself available to us right away. Our waiter was also very patient and informative. Came by to check on us multiple times. Terrific and professional service all around.
IMPRESSIONS:
Such a cool place with fantastic food and solid service. If I'm in the area again, I'd like to come back for the apps and--no question--that Sticky Toffee Pudding.
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