Restaurants

Boston’s dining scene? I just can’t keep up these days. If I did, my bank account would be empty, my pants wouldn’t fit, and I would probably be missing a good chunk of the work week. Every day it seems something new opens, and it makes me super proud and excited to live and work in Boston. It also stresses me out a little! I want to eat it all. Luckily, we are able to have fun and delicious nights out like last Friday at the newly opened Commonwealth in bustling Kendall Square, just a short walk from my office.

I had passed by Commonwealth many times while it was under construction and even popped my head inside a couple of times after it opened, but Friday was my first experience dining there. It is made for fun, social dining, from the decor to the menus and everything in between.

The menu is made up of starters, proteins, veggies, and sides, allowing you to mix and match and have a different meal every single time.

Commonwealth also offers a bunch of fun cocktails, beers, and wines by the glass. We were with our favorite cocktail experts, so we did a lot of sipping and sharing tastes. I loved my Lord Nelson, a Commonwealth classic. (Rum Clementine, Creole Shrubb, Burnt Orange)

Buttery, fluffy Parker House Rolls started off our meal. I was ravenous, and these rolls tasted so good. I am kind of inspired to try to bake them one of these cold evenings. We’ll see.

Since we were with another couple, we were able to order and try a bunch of different menu items. I was not a fan of the grilled squid; unfortunately it tasted very fishy to me. Luckily, everything improved immensely from there.

In a continued effort to eat my vegetables, I devoured the beet and arugula salad, a combo that is a favorite of mine, and was super fresh and well executed at Commonwealth. We also ordered up a bunch of delectable sides, including scalloped potatoes, Brussels sprouts, kale, and duck fat fries. Oh my.

I didn’t feel like any of the choices on the protein menu, so I went to the starters and had the oyster po’boy, which was the perfect size in a warm buttered hot dog roll. It was pretty much amazing. Aren’t fried oysters just so decadent?

We ordered too much food and definitely packed some to bring home, but I had to check out the desserts. From someone who often skips the dessert menu altogether, that sounds kind of strange, but I love the mixing and matching in the Commonwealth dessert menu. Vanilla bean ice cream, a cinnamon waffle, and hot fudge was the obvious dessert choice for me. Waffles and ice cream were a favorite in our home growing up, and they remind me of the New Jersey boardwalk. It was hard to eat another bite, but this dessert made me very, very happy. It was a sweet way to end a fun night.

As I mentioned earlier, I really love the setup of the menu at Commonwealth, and the way that it offers so many choices for sharing. This is definitely a place you want to visit with fellow food lovers so you can cover more of the menu. I can’t wait to return to eat the rest of the sides, cocktails, and desserts!

Do you like ordering a bunch of items to share, or are you all about an entree for yourself?