Monday, January 28, 2008

Where to Wine and Dine Tomorrow

If your Tuesday work day leaves you in need of a drink or if you just don't cook during the week, give Cork a try tomorrow night.

The new wine bar at 1720 14th Street (between R and S Streets) will debut publicly at 5 p.m. Late night sippers and the crowd-averse can pop in until midnight. If you and seven or more of your friends have theater tickets, you can also call ahead for reservations. The rest of us can call ahead 30 minutes prior to arrival to claim a spot on the guest list.

Though the wine and food menus have not been posted on the website, an email from Cork today promises a large selection and fair prices. Wine consultant Vickie Reh created a wine list of over 130 options. Prices for the 35 wines offered by the glass will range from $6-14. There's no word yet on how much wines by the bottle will set you back. Food pricing will start at $4 per small plate — on par with Vinoteca at 1940 11th Street, and consistent with the by-the-glass pricing of other DC wine bars like Bardeo.

It sounds like there will be no need to fear wine snobbery at Cork. According to today's email Architect Eric Gronning worked to create a "a warm, intimate and inviting space." Don't sweat choosing the perfect wine pairings; suggestions will be offered and tasting notes will be down-to-earth. As well, patrons will be supporting local business and local residents. Business partners Diane Gross and Khalid Pitts have lived in our neighborhood for over 10 years.

If you pop in and like your experience, Cork will also be available to private events and tastings. Happy sipping!

3 comments:

belmontmedina said...

Thanks for posting something. I've been looking all over the place for more info about tomorrow, signed up for the e-mail list and everything, and I hadn't heard a peep.

Anonymous said...

Stopped by this place on Friday night. It's very cool but it was already over-run and very loud. I will check it out on a Tuesday or something. Congrats, looks like a smashing success.

Anonymous said...

I really wanted to give Cork a chance and keep an open mind about everything, including the manager's consistent dismissive, marginalizing tone and gruff behavior. This is not JR's or Cobalt ;-)

I give Diane and Khalid credit for having a vision and executing very well to that vision. However, I do not see the value proposition of leaving hungry three times after spending about $60 each time. Exec chef Ron Tanaka: this is not Citronelle/CityZen ;-)

I left them my card if they are interested in a more detailed view of my opinion. That said, it is not on my list for an immediate return in the current format, sorry to say.