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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Guest Opinion: Rural Oregon, sacrifice zone for proposed LNG export projects? ... Coos County ballot measure seeks to nullify gun background checks ... Medford police chief announces retirement ... Guest Opinion: Rural Oregon, sacrifice zone for proposed LNG export projects? ... Coos County ballot measure seeks to nullify gun background checks ... Medford police chief announces retirement ... DINING Larks makes downtown Medford a brunch destination Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Oct. 23, 2015 at 12:01 AM Posted Oct. 23, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News Larks was a high-profile addition to downtown Medford when Inn at the Commons opened at 200 N. Riverside Ave. almost two years ago, but on a recent Sunday visit, the restaurant was more "best-kept secret" than "dining destination." To me, that's a shame. I felt whisked away to a different world when I stepped through the tall, green, double doors to the inn's lobby. While I waited there for my party to arrive, I admired the crisp, stylish linens, palm house plants and inviting layout while sitting on a soft tweed sofa. In less than two years, the restaurant's environment seems to have undergone a subtle shift. In the dining area, distinctive bright-orange carpet has given way to Pergo-style wood laminate flooring. Medford isn't Portland, and a dining establishment isn't the airport, so I won't dwell on the carpet further; however, the flooring change demonstrates a shift away from a striking 1970s vintage chic toward more easygoing, timelessly modern decor with plenty of light neutral tones. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. I joined three friends for the meal, and our server informed us of new menu additions. She highlighted two dishes featuring corned beef, which we were sure to try. One friend went for the Corned Beef and Root Vegetable Hash ($11), which was topped with two eggs over easy, onions and a mustard crème fraîche. His wife went for the smoked turkey melt, which topped warm turkey with melted Gruyere cheese, a garlic aioli, bacon, tomato and avocado all grilled together on sourdough. She went for the potato soup as a side. I went for the other new menu addition, the Corned Beef Reuben ($11). It was an artisanal take on the standby, with a house-made sauerkraut, Russian dressing, Gruyere cheese and hearty, tender pieces of beef on grilled marbled rye bread. Between the surprising crunch of the sauerkraut, and the expert execution on the grill, this one is easy to recommend. Another friend went for the Classic Benedict ($12), which topped tangy Hollandaise over a muffin with poached egg, cured pork, spinach and tomato, and served it with a side of home fries. I got a taste, and the smoky, tender pork makes it another great choice. With locally sourced ingredients, knowledgeable and attentive waitstaff, a full menu of chef-developed recipes and a great atmosphere, Larks at Inn at the Commons is a stellar choice for weekend brunches. — Nick Morgan MailTribune.com Writer Posted Oct. 23, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501