Make the World a Better Place Neva Gould Graceful Aging Worry Is ...

Restaurant ReviewCorks Restaurant1026 S. Charles StreetBaltimore, MD410-752-3810www.corksrestaurant.comand seated in the rear diningarea, which gave one the feelingof entering a beautifullyadorned wine cellar.One of the things thattruly sets Corks apart fromother Federal Hill eateriesis the focus on cheese andinexpensive lite-fare. Prior tomy visit to Corks, I was toldthat I could not leave withoutsampling the incrediblerice and the coconut batteredTaro Root. This was a terrificentrée and I stronglyrecommend it. Additionally, Isampled a thick-cut GrilledPorterhouse Pork Chop ($18)which was served with aside of Bread Pudding andBrandy Apple Cream. Bothentrée’s were excellent andplentiful.Through the generous useByNoelleSchifferIn October 2008, after extensiverenovations CorksRestaurant re-openedas an upscale neighborhoodbistro. Corks, convenientlylocated in Baltimore’s HistoricFederal Hill section,has transformed itself intoan upscale wine bar restaurantwith exceptional food,top notch service and an exhaustivewine selection thatis guaranteed to please eventhe fussiest diners. Corks deliversone of the most eclecticand brilliantly conceivedseasonal menus in the Baltimorearea. The wait staffis expert on recommendingspecialty wine selections tocomplement any of the variedentrees.When I first entered thecozy, amber-lit row houserestaurant I was immediatelydrawn in by the comfortablerustic dining area withexposed brick and woodenceiling beams. We were ledpast the open-air kitchencheese fondue. Corks offersthree varieties of fondue, theHouse Blend, the S. CharlesBlend (Cheddar, Gouda, andGruyere), and the Blue Blend(gorgonzola). I decided tosample the House Blendwhich was a smooth andcreamy mix of white cheeses($7) with an accompanimentof Bison Meatballs ($6).Overall it was a very niceappetizer andwell worththe expense.The mainentrées arean interestingmix ofseasonal fish,steaks andvegetable selections. I optedfor the Skirts of Fire ($22),which is a sliced skirt steakwith a cayenne pepper andcola seasoning. The steakwas wonderfully preparedand had a nice bold kick toit which accentuated the accompanyingaromatic purpleof to-go boxes, I was able toleave room for a wonderfulVanilla Bean Crème Brulee($7) and some Coconut Sorbet($6).Overall, this was a veryinteresting and satisfyingdining experience and I lookforward to my next visit,which will undoubtedly befor the Steak and Cabernetspecial.Food: **** ExcellentPrice *** Very GoodService ***** Top NotchAtmosphere **** ExcellentOverall **** ExcellentCorks also offers weeknightspecials including, FoieGras on Monday nights andhalf-price Steak and Cabernetnight on Tuesday nights.Cooking classes and demonstrationsare held throughoutthe year. Sunday brunchesare a house specialty.26 Focus on Women Magazine