Here is also the full text of this brief "Inside Dish" piece:
Birmingham, Royal Oak, Ferndale…Pleasant Ridge? Thanks to the newly-opened Cork Wine Pub, this stretch of Woodward that was previously a dead zone is now the new “it” place to be, and with good reason: while there are no shortage of bars, clubs, lounges, and restaurants in the surrounding areas, there are few that truly cater to an adult crowd with a sophisticated palate. “This is a place adults can go to and enjoy a bar,” explains Beverage Director Jeffrey Mar. “It’s a place you can feel like a gentleman.”
The cozy space is bright and colorful, full of natural light and warmth. As a “wine pub” they offer 150 wines by the bottle with 40 available by the glass, all of which were chosen because they are a great value, immediately drinkable, and really represent a place – there are no big-name mass-produced labels here. They also offer a small but handsome selection of craft beers, but where they perhaps shine the brightest is in their extensive selection of liquors and liqueurs. “I’m a big connoisseur of craft cocktails,” Mar admits, and the timing couldn’t be better: the trend is catching on like fire on absinthe and Cork is ahead of the curve with a robust menu of classic cocktails, hand-crafted contemporary creations, and limited-quantity barrel-aged cocktails. This may not be a lemon-drop-and-Jaeger-bomb kind of place, but it’s not trying to be.
The cozy space is bright and colorful, full of natural light and warmth. As a “wine pub” they offer 150 wines by the bottle with 40 available by the glass, all of which were chosen because they are a great value, immediately drinkable, and really represent a place – there are no big-name mass-produced labels here. They also offer a small but handsome selection of craft beers, but where they perhaps shine the brightest is in their extensive selection of liquors and liqueurs. “I’m a big connoisseur of craft cocktails,” Mar admits, and the timing couldn’t be better: the trend is catching on like fire on absinthe and Cork is ahead of the curve with a robust menu of classic cocktails, hand-crafted contemporary creations, and limited-quantity barrel-aged cocktails. This may not be a lemon-drop-and-Jaeger-bomb kind of place, but it’s not trying to be.
The menu is an equal accomplishment. Executive Chef Bree Hoptman is putting forth exceptional effort. The menu is seasonally-themed with locally-procured ingredients featuring succulent combinations such as duck with quinoa and winter vegetables and roasted beets with brown butter, garlic and bleu cheese. The artisanal cheese selection is decadent, as is Pastry Chef Tanya Fallon’s tantalizing spread of housemade breads and desserts.
Also in keeping with growing trends, Cork has a retail wine shop next door open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to last call where all their wines are available for purchase at 35% off their restaurant prices.
23810 Woodward Ave
Pleasant Ridge, MI 48069
Pleasant Ridge, MI 48069
(248) 544-2675
www.corkwinepub.com
