First off I must apologise for leaving it so long between posts. Especially with my favourite foodie, Jas, travelling the US of A, I really need to be much more diligent because there is no shortage of food in my life!
Believe you me that that is nothing common about The Commons. It is located on the uber trendy Burton St and, following several write ups in SMH's Good Living, it is officially an uber trend. The Commons was my place around town that always served delicious, hearty fare and always had a nice seat for me, either on the sun-drenched courtyard or inside the shadowed sandstone cottage. But no more - upon my arrival on Saturday, I was devastated to see that it was almost entirely booked out. On the plus side - at least they take bookings :)
The Commons do a well-rounded, but short menu and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on certain days (refer to website!). They also do a pretty mean list of daily specials that call out your name.
The pan fried silver dory on mash with caper lemon butter is soft, juicy and rich. The fish is cooked perfectly and just falls away with the fork and the delicious lemon caper butter is well seasoned and smooth. It does get a little rich by the time you find yourself with an empty plate, but isn't that what eating out is all about? The blue cheese beef burger comes on fresh sourdough. The blue cheese is very mild and the predominant flavour are the caramelised onions and aioli. It is definitely tasty, and worth picking up and getting your hands dirty, but it really doesn't come close to my recent burger experiences. That said, it is completely unfair of me to evaluate this to the Deus Veal and the LOTUS MY LOVER burgers of late. The hand cut chips are sadly a let down - soggy!
Uncharacteristically, I am full after most of my burger, so i have to walk away before trying the rhubarb crumble - something I already know I would love!!
The Commons also has a private dining room upstairs, and a "Secret garden" that can be booked for approx 12-16 people. Downstairs they have what I like to call the whisky & beer den - it is underground, a little damp, and filled with pool tables and old armchairs. In the summer time (and perhaps all year round!) you can hire bicycles from the Humble Vintage Cyclists through The Commons, with the option of a "guide to Sydney" and a gourmet picnic hamper. It is one little gem you should check out!
xx emmsy
The Commons Local Eating House
32 Burton St
Darlinghurst
