Cork Wine Pub
23810 Woodward Ave
Pleasant Ridge, MI 48069
(248) 544-2675
http://www.metroalive.com/michigan/pleasantridge/corkwinepub/

Walking into Cork, I immediately felt as though I stepped off of Woodward Avenue and onto the vineyard-studded streets of Sonoma, California. The restaurant is warm inside, with three unique dining areas: the wine room, bar area and the main dining area. All three were vibrant and energetic on a winter Friday evening at 6:30PM.

We arrived early enough that there was not yet a wait and we were seated at a high table in the bar area. Cork does not offer reservations for parties fewer than six people but does accommodate call-ahead seating, which is a nice compromise. Our server quickly introduced himself and explained the menu. Cork offers the option of sharing plates, including many interesting small plates, ordering a more traditional appetizer and main course or any combination you prefer. As I was craving a simple salad and entree, we decided to order individual appetizers and entrées.

The variety of wine available looked so enticing; I will definitely make a return trip after pregnancy and nursing. For my appetizer, I selected the Cork salad. This was a simple salad of greens, fennel, cucumbers and red wine vinaigrette. It was topped with a simple crostini with farm cheese. The salad was perfectly simple, fresh and lightly dressed. The flavor of the cheese was a delightful savory blend of herbs and lemon and perfectly balanced with the fresh salad. I then ordered something I rarely have at a restaurant, the Cambridge Filet. I appreciate the use of fresh and local ingredients at Cork and was so thrilled to have the option of a grass-fed steak at a restaurant. The portion was a bit larger than I would have a home, but my husband helped with the last quarter. I devoured the rest along with the wonderful mix of roasted carrots, potatoes and baby Brussels sprouts that accompanied the filet.

Neither of us was in the mood for dessert, but chose to end the meal with espresso beverages instead. I selected a decaf espresso, which was served with a small, delicious chocolate chip biscotti. Our dinner at Cork was a delightful meal from start to finish.