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| - The Common House Restaurant is the new kid on the block. Okay.... make that the POPULAR new kid on the block.
I eagerly monitored the preparations and grand opening sign as I walked my dog through the neighborhood during the late fall/early winter months. The Common House, conveniently located on Central Avenue, spans the area between Elizabeth and Plaza-Midwood, where casual restaurants abound (i.e., NOFO on Liz, Carpe Diem, Cajun Queen, Dish, Zada Jane's, Intermezzo, etc., etc.).
As Common House has only been open for five weeks, this review is hardly comprehensive; it is based on my first dining experience and initial impressions. Having said that, I definitely will return for a followup later.
On first walk-through, Common House presents itself as sleek, modern, and understated: think Tribeca in the go-go yuppie era. Its open dining and bar area, high industrial ceilings, track lighting with gleaming Murano pendants, polished wood floors, and large plate-glass windows give it a hip, urban feel. On second impression, WHAT DID YOU SAY? the reverberating volume coming from the bar-goers and three televisions competed with the concept of casual dining. I wasn't sure whether I was in a smallish restaurant with a spacious bar, or a ginormous bar with restaurant seating. Perhaps early on Friday evenings (like tonight, 27 February 2009) it can accommodate both, but I will hope the bar volume (and possibly the televisions) will be turned down later in the evening to allow guests to have a calmer experience. Maybe my hearing isn't what it used to be, but it's probably because I spent many years in restaurants shouting to be heard.
The menu, on first glance, looks uncomplicated but well-thought-out, with an emphasis placed on local ingredients. We started with the Cajun wings, pleasantly moist and smoky, and well-complemented with a creamy blue cheese dip. My entree, chicken scallopini served over mashed potatoes with artichokes and mushroom sauce, arrived warm, the rather bland, breaded breast had only four or five canned artichoke hearts on the side. The mashed potatoes, however, were creamy and the mushroom sauce pleasantly sauteed. My friends did better, especially with the Fried Green Tomato BLT. The taste of that sandwich was a tour-de-force: slightly crunchy Texas toast, hickory-sweet bacon, and gorgeously prepared lightly-fried green tomatoes, served with a spicy mayonnaise. Next time I visit, I will study the sandwich menu carefully.
There was an extensive selection of wine, boutique-brewed and draft beer- all moderately priced. Our service was efficient and pleasant, although the loud (and no doubt thirsty) bar crowd seemed to compete with some of the servers' attention.
One tip we learned as we left: when warm weather hits, patio seating will open. I look forward to returning then to see how The Common House fares. If my first experience is an indication, I look forward to many pleasant evenings there. I'll let you know and get back to ya. How's that?
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