COMMONWEALTH
One of the last-born children in the so very gastronomic San Francisco Mission district, Commomwealth, the restaurant (that was born last summer), created a real buzz lately, and it definitely deserves it!
Commonwealth… forget about the British one ! Everything relies on the “early modern concept of organizing for the common good”. Let us rephrase…
Respectively Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine, Jason Fox and Ian Muntzert previously performed their talent for the renowned Bar Tartine. Looks really good on a resume, doesn’t it? They created tasting menus but also offer à la carte items. Their culinary approach is based on very simple ideas: cooking high quality ingredients mixing traditional and quite innovative techniques (like the curious, yet very “contemporary” liquid nitrogen for example), getting inspired by gastronomic traditions from around the world. On the menu, you will find foie gras, Szechuan peppercorn, pumpkin, urchins, tonka beans, fig leaf… Various is definitely not a euphemism for, sometimes unexpected and yet delicious savors that we try to guess after each mouthful.
With a $65 tasting menu ($95 including the wine pairing), Commonwealth offers a very unique culinary experience at a quite competitive price compared with same range restaurants.
The subtle and elegant presentation totally matches with the ambiance, a minimalist, and yet friendly, cosy one that successfully mixes hickory, glass and ambient light.
Ultimately, what you have to know, is that Commonwealth is donating $10 from each sold tasting menu, to local non profits like the san Francisco Food Bank or also Kiva.
Now, you better understand why they call themselves a Progressive American Restaurant. They revisited the Commonwealth notion, with talent and generosity. Sophistication without mannerism, warmth, haute cuisine at an (let’s say) affordable price and a real commitment to the community! Pure Win-Win, but Commonwealth is definitely a fancier name, isn’t it?
Another good thing… The parking lot right along the building. You’ll love it especially on a Saturday night.
Commonwealth
A Progressive American Restaurant
2224 Mission (@ 18th Street)
415-355-1500
Sunday – Thursday 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Friday – Saturday 5:30pm – 11:00pm
Another good thing to know… There is a parking lot right along the building. You’ll love it especially on a Saturday night.
