Okay, so Sondre and I have been on a touring hiatus while we record the new studio album. He's busy in Norway filming the second season of The Voice so I'm touring America, playing drums with one of Sondre's former band members, Kishi Bashi.
After playing a show at the Crofoot in Detroit last night, we got in the van this morning headed for Grand Rapids all sleepy-eyed with tummies a-rumblin' when Mike Savino (Tall Tall Trees) searched YELP for "breakfast." A high rating for Commonwealth Cafe caught Mike's eye so we threw Kishi the keys and said, "To Birmingham we ride!"
Kishi threw the keys back and said, "I'm drunk. You drive."
Apparently, there was no bottle stopper for last night's tequila, and wasting the precious nectar would be sinful, so upon leaving the hotel (at 11am) Kishi finished it off.
After issuing him a pat on the back, I drove us towards this wonderful place called Commonwealth Cafe and was so impressed that I've risen from the ashes of YELP to write this review. I hope it serves them (and you) well.
Upon walking in I could sense from the aesthetics of this hip industrial-style decor that this was gonna be a good meal. Often times the clientele can alarm you as to the type of food/service you're going to get and this place was filled with seemingly smart & attractive people who might make an educated choice in the the kind of food they eat. (As soon as we walked in we blew that whole "attractive scene." but at least we were still smart.) Walking up to the counter we could see all the delicious pastries in the display case and the menus were filled with healthy and delicious options.
We placed our orders and took a seat with no hassle at all. Although it was counter service, there's actually several food runners who are totally cool and drop by your table with waters and anything else you might need; which definitely insured a visit to the tip jar on my way out.
I only order chai from places that make their own and I have to say Commonwealth Cafe arguably makes the best Chai Latte I've ever had the pleasure of drinking. My quinoa with roasted vegetables came to the table hot and full of flavor; which is kinda rare for quinoa. I recommend it!
Our sound engineer and TM, Juliana Armbrust, has been under the weather and feeling like total ass, so her appetite is not one to waste. She was super pumped to have "the incredible" coconut oolong tea and could feel it doing her body good. The "Sweet Potato Hash" was, in her own words, "delish and tasty." She seriously loved that side dish. Grab it when you're there.
Our bassist/keyboardist/Merch Man Extraordinaire, Daniel Brunner, ordered the "Turkey Sandwich" and felt the spicy avocado and pepper were a perfect pairing to the meal as a whole, the rye bread's texture can only be described as "rough, they way [he] likes it." and the side salad was crispy with a refreshing and light dressing that allowed its natural flavors to surface. Yet another highly recommended choice, but Daniel was most impressed by the mocha he ordered on the way out. It was in a "to go" cup with the lid on, yet the barista went above and beyond with latte art. It would've gone unseen if not for the fact that Daniel took the lid off to test its temperature. Pretty impressive dedication from a stranger.
Mike ordered what might be the most intriguing item on the menu, two fried eggs with guacamole, hot sauce, and cheddar cheese on multi-grain toast. Mike felt the meal had "everything a hungover, bearded American could want in a breakfast sandwich, yet spared [him] of the grease and shame commonly associated with the 'morning after' meal." His side salad was delicious with a light, citrus dressing and his El Salvador coffee was "rich, distinctive, and satisfying."
Kishi went with a chicken tandoori salad that he felt was "a perfect balance between spice and your traditional array of mixed greens. What really stuck out as being a cut above the rest, was the refreshing, yet bold citrus vinaigrette and the celery. Who would've thought celery could be such a delight?!" He, too, enjoyed the El Salvador coffee, but found it to be over-priced at $4 a cup. He is, however, willing to admit that "perhaps their coffee was just too sophisticated for our dumb-ass pallets."
On my way out, I couldn't decide between the carrot cake or the peanut butter dream bar so the manager just gave me both. A pretty rad thing to do and I can say they are BOTH top picks for the sugar addicts. The carrot cake was a little less intense so it might be a better choice for the people who don't enjoy diabetic comas. (which I do)
All in all, a 5 star review. They even keep sea salt in their tiny salt shakers!!! That sealed the deal for me...so much healthier than stupid table salt.
Go to the Commonwealth Cafe.
Love,
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