We opted for a drink first to calm the nerves – an excellent Sangria cocktail made from rose wine. I really cannot call it a sangria, but it was very pretty with a layer of pale pink foam on top.

The paper placemat was scrutinized carefully while we agonized over the selections.

Sea urchin bread with pepper butter was a unanimous choice. Sheer curiosity may have motivated the decision, but when it arrived, it was clear why this had been voted one of Commune Social's signature items.

The ciabatta slices were crisply toasted, the sea urchin's sweetness was nicely contrasted by the tangy red pepper butter. Two pieces of art on a plate.

Salt and pepper calamari may sound a little California 80s, but I like squid. What made this special was the little rounded heap of jet-black squid ink aoli that came with the crisp morsels.

This was my main course, but it was a fun plate of finger food that was very addictive.

Peanut butter icecream [Photo provided to Shanghai Star]

Commune Social is one of those rare restaurants that serve eggs as a lone category on the menu. There are Spanish breakfast eggs, an omelet with crab, and fried duck egg with duck liver and Romesco.

Both of us ordered the duck egg. It came in a pan, its bright yellow yolk peering out amid a foliage of tender pea shoots, roasted pepper sauce and cherry tomatoes.

It soon becomes clear that the chefs at Commune Social have colorful, sunny dispositions that are mirrored in the dishes they prepare.

We also ordered beef tartare, and it came looking like a Miro masterpiece. Little piles of freshly chopped beef came with mayonnaise, tiny onion rings, sliced mushrooms ... and flower petals.

As the plates are cleared from the table, we prepare ourselves for dessert.

The waiter places a saucer of something on our table, still smoking with little white wisps. Frozen popcorn, on the house.

It was brilliant, really. It made us happy to wait for our elaborate confections of peanut butter ice cream and beetroot ice cream with smoked chocolate. Some things cannot be vicariously experienced, so go line up outside the door and order your own when you get in.

IF YOU GO

Commune Social 511 Jiangning Road, near the Kangding Road junction

Other choices

Las Tapas No 259 Hongfeng road, Pudong

Tel: 021-3382-1686 Floor 1-2, Building 32, 45 Sinan Road

021-6426-0660

Floor 2, 323 Tianyaoqiao Road Tel: 021-6426-8788

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