Clyde Common ... common might not be the word...

I only read Portland Monthly when it is free... but I am sure glad that I picked up the May issue. One the cover was a burger. But that makes it seem too simple. It was beautiful.

I had to wait two months... two long months. My fiancee (then boyfriend) was in Mexico, and the home of this amazingly perfect looking burger was new and trendy, and I wanted to go with him the first time.

Some things, my friends, are worth the wait. The best burger crown has officially passed to this masterful creation. The bun is chewy on the outside, but amazingly soft on the inside. The meat is cooked to perfection, juicy and flavorful. Instead of the pedestrian ketchup, they include a ramekin of house-made tomato jam that is flavorful without being overpowering. Next to that ramekin is another filled with creme freche with a dark red liquid drizzeled into it. It is harissa and when mixed with the creme with a french fry it is heavenly. The creme freche cuts the heat of the harissa so it is smooth but with bite.

I have eaten this burger three times in the last two and half weeks. It is consitently a knockout. So much so that I have only managed to order something else one time (yes we have been to one restaurant four times in 2.5 weeks, we all have addicitions). I had braised pork shoulder with white beans and it was amazing. But the pull of the burger is awful strong.

And the home of this burger worth raving over... Clyde Common. On 10th and Stark across from the living room theater, in the bottom of the Ace Hotel (worthy of its own blog entry).


A couple things to know about CC:

1. It is loud - this has never bothered me but I know there are those who will find it disturbing. It is the price you pay. The space is very clean, with light woods and clear glass and white walls. Therefore there is nothing to absorb the noise.

2. Communal Tables - downstairs there are three bigger tables, and upstairs are cozy tables for two. So the chances are if your party is between two and ten, then it is likely you will be sitting next to strangers. It can be fun, embrace it.

3. Happy Hour - 3-6, 11-close - great $5 menu, including the burger AND discounted drinks. awesome. Check out the "Sister" drinks. Each week appearing on the menu are drinks like "Younger Sister" or "Twin Sister." I am a sucker for fun naming conventions
4. Wine List - anyone whose house pours include an Earl Burle Cote du Rhone is fine by me.