COMMONWEALTH

Commonwealth is a relatively new restaurant in the Mission, actually located on Mission Street (at 18th). The food created by Chef Jason Fox, is classified as “Progressive American”; I would classify it as damn good, inventive and comparable to Saision without the strain on the wallet! I would describe décor as austere, the focus is clearly on the food. The restaurant is also socially responsible and supports the community, check out the website to learn more about that and to make a reservation http://commonwealthsf.com/.

Last night we went to a basketball game at the Oracle Arena in Oakland; yes I went to the game with the husband and a dear friend - - the things we do for love! After the game we were in search of a light bite, our first thought was Flour + Water because we like it and it is across the street from our pad. We had forgotten that Flour + Water was closed for remodeling. My husband suggested Commonwealth and I was so happy he thought of it!

The first and last time we dined at Commonwealth was under similar circumstances; it was late night, we wanted someplace in our neighborhood (our neighborhood has no shortage of excellent eating establishments), we heard of the place and thought we would give it a try. We loved it then and we love it even more now.

We arrived at the restaurant without a reservation and after a short wait we were seated. The restaurant was lively and almost every table and seating at the bar was full at 10:00pm, this is rare for San Francisco. After studying the menu we decided on the duck breast, young turnips and onions, blood orange, cauliflower mousse and cocoa nib; and the beef sirloin, asparagus, maitake mushrooms, nettles, horseradish and bone marrow fritter. Our waiter suggested the wine, we took her suggestion and was pleased. After ordering our meal we were served an amuse bouche of sweet peas with a hint of mint and buttermilk foam, it was so lite and refreshing, the perfect little taste to tease our palate.

Every ingredient in each dish complemented the others to bring together the perfect harmony of taste, all I can say is the meal was simply outstanding and I can’t wait until the next time! The portions are small, just what we wanted for a late night meal. If it were earlier in the evening we most likely would have had something to start and we would have finished with a dessert. With wine, our tab was under $100, a true bargain for this most complete and excellent dining experience!

(p.s. the plates were more beautiful than displayed in these photos. I am a novice photographer with much to learn)