Since it first opened, the night shift's signature sourdough pizzas almost instantly catapulted into stardom. There’s no doubt all praise goes to the revered 160-year-old starter for each near-perfect slice. Imagine a crackling light and chewy crust yet with the faintest tang that speaks to all sourdough fans alike. Now, these pies are available in three locations as the Common Man Night Shift stretches a holy trinity with their latest joint in the trendy enclave that is Robertson Quay.
Sticking with familiars? Tuck into classics such as the Margherita ($18) with a hearty tomato base, creamy stracciatella and fresh basil and the Pepperoni ($23) with spicy beef salami and a vibrance of red onions. Another worthy mention is the Shrooms and Goat Cheese ($22) where pillowy goat cheese, juicy roasted portobello, smoked ham, kale and chilli honey come together in harmony.
But just like fermentation, if you’re feeling funky and experimental, go with the four cheese ($28) where mellow ricotta base is jazzed up with the intense manchego, a nutty ossau iraty, and pungent blue cheese. The Anchovy and Pesto ($23) is also a rightful contender for the funk-olympics. The acquired brackishness of anchovy slivers is cleverly evened out with balsamic vinegar, pesto and basil pistachio while the stracciatella adds a layer of decadence into the mix. If you still have some wiggle room, the starters are well on par. Definitely get the sourdough kaarage that still reigns supreme ever since it met our tastebuds for the first time.
While it isn’t enforced, we think some joyful imbibing is absolutely necessary for some unadulterated fun in any natural wine bar. For those with a sweet tooth, we recommend going with the Bobal Ancestral 2020 ($21 per glass). A sparkling native to Valencia, Spain, this bubbly fruity expression of cherries and blackcurrants with a hint of fresh herbs – drinks like a Sangria but better.
For the white wine enthusiast, consider the Drunker Farmer label of Lise et Bertrand Jousset 2019 ($19 per glass), a white blend of Chenin Blanc and Colombard from Loire Valley, France. What is an ever-evolving wine starts off dry and crisp with notes of yellow apples then eventually becomes beautifully rounded with accents of citrus and stone fruits. You won't go wrong pairing this with the Shrooms and Goat Cheese pizza.
Up for a challenge? The Lammidia Bianco Anfora 2020 ($22 per glass) from Abruzzo, Italy, is one such orange wine that is both vibrant and deceptively drinkable with unique notes of pineapple and kimchi.
