LM Greene
Google
My dining experience at Common Ground in Nashville's Berry Hill area was a culinary adventure filled with many highlights and a crucial point of awareness. The restaurant's romantic ambiance and exceptional service set a perfect stage for our evening.
The Focaccia Plate was a standout, showcasing the kitchen's prowess in baking. The house sourdough, paired with sorghum butter, whipped boursin, and berry jam, was top-tier, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors that was both comforting and gourmet.
For the appetizers, the Wam Bam Rock Shrimp, served with salsa matcha and a rich avocado crema, was a unique and tasty offering. However, the shrimp itself could have had a bit more flavor to match its vibrant accompaniments.
The beverages were a definite highlight. The Impulse Shopper, a blend of reposado tequila, aperitivo, vanilla, lemon, and salted orange foam, was exquisitely balanced, with each flavor note shining through. Similarly, This Side Up was a refreshing concoction, combining orange-honey shrub, spicy walnut bitters, pineapple, cinnamon, and fresh lemon in a delightful harmony.
Moving to the entrees, the Smashburger, featuring Black Hawk wagyu patties, local bun, American cheese, melted onion, house pickle, and CG sauce, was a solid dish. A few more onions, additional pickles, and the sauce directly on the burger would have made it even more enjoyable.
The scallops were beautifully prepared, served with a lemon pepper beurre blanc, and accompanied by sweet corn succotash and poblano pepper. However, a significant oversight was the inclusion of pork in the succotash. My spouse, who abstains from pork and experiences adverse effects when it is accidentally consumed, would have preferred different sides had we been aware of this.
The meal concluded with a Carrot Cake that was nothing short of exceptional. The ginger cardamom cake, paired with maple cream cheese, candied carrot, and walnut, was the perfect end to our dining experience.
In conclusion, Common Ground offers a fantastic dining experience focusing on homemade, high-quality dishes. Despite the need for more transparent communication regarding ingredients, particularly for those with dietary restrictions, the restaurant delivers a delightful ambiance, excellent service, and enjoyable dishes. We would recommend it and look forward to returning, with the hope of greater transparency in menu descriptions in the future.