The Common Ground rocked last night at opening night. People were having a good time. The place stayed filled up, and people were having a good time. The atmosphere was happy, loose and easy, with kids playing, live music, nonstop conversations and social gatherings at tables big and small, fresh flowers everywhere. The food was good (some even said "fabulous"), fresh, and satisfying. Everyone got a glass of free champagne. It felt like the Common Ground. I asked someone who used to frequent the place in the classic '80s, how we compared today. He said it was similiar, but the place is cleaner now and the service better. He said in the 80s you could sit out on the porch for a half-hour and wonder if anyone was ever going to come to take your order.
So it's back and better than ever. We are the way we are because we were the way we were. And then some. Kudos above all to Chef Josh Chambers and the kitchen staff. This kitchen's cooking and got it together.
The Common Ground Community Restaurant will now be open seven days a week for lunch, 11 AM - 3 PM, with brunch served on Sunday from 9 AM - 2 PM. Dinners will be served Weds thru Saturday, 5 PM - 9 PM.
PS A stirring sight: as things got hectic, Larry Bloch was bussing tables! And he was smiling too.