This brunch at The Commons in Darlinghurst has come about as my new twitter friend, Beth, is visiting Sydney for a few days. Beth and her husband, Haydn own Burrawong Gaian - a free range pork and poultry farm on the mid-north coast. Now you all know how I feel about pasture raised produce and how "anti" factory farming I am. So as you can imagine I was beside myself at the chance to meet two real life free-range farmers!
I choose The Commons because the ethical butcher Feather and Bone lists them as one of the restaurants they supply to. For some reason though The Boy goes for a meatless breakfast - Mushroom and Parmesan Cheese Omlette ($12.00) - I dare say it's because he's a mushroom addict.
I immediately decided on The Commons Corned Beef Hash ($18.00). I'm not sure why though as I had corned-beef hash in San Francisco and it was literally one of the worst things I've ever put in my mouth. I'm please to say that the corned beef hash at The Commons was great and totally moreish. It came with a soft-cooked (free-range) egg and beautiful chuncks of potato. Despite the generous serve of tatters I managed to relieve The Boy of half of his toast!
Of course it's not brunch with a decent cup of coffee - skinny cappuccinos for both myself and The Boy...and a berry muffin just to finish things off. Just as we were getting ready to leave the waitstaff were writing up the lunch menu on the blackboard - it looked delicious, so delicious I was tempted to settle in and go for Round 2.
The Commons is a lovely restaurant - set in an old, sandstone farmhouse that dates back to the 1850s is is the oldest house in Darlinghurst. Back in the day the entire area was farmland...hard to imagine really, especially as drive home via Oxford Street where it's heaving with people and traffic.
The Commons is at 32 Burton Street, Darlinghurst. Phone them on 9358 1487.
