Monday, November 15, 2010

Cork Wine Bar

2 out of 5 Stars
1201 San Jacinto St # 158
Houston, TX 77002-6930
(713) 936-1000
They sure don't make wine bars like they used to.

My friends and I stopped into Cork on a whim, before heading to our main destination for the night. My immediate response when I walked into Cork was this:

"There was some commercial real estate guy that looked at The Pavilions and said 'A wine bar would make a killing here.'"

And thus, Cork was born.

This place is large and in charge with 2 story ceilings and a clean and modern decor. Aside from one other couple, my group of eight were the only patrons present on a Saturday night. We settled in on a set of comfy couches in the back and took a look at our options.

I admit, I am no wine connoisseur, so for me to critique the menu is ridiculous. I do know, the beer connoisseurs of the group were pleasantly surprised with their beer list. I wish I could remember what was ordered, but it was compared to Guinness but with with a little more milkshake flavor without the weight - delish! Along with the two beers, two bottles of Merlot and Pinot Grigio were ordered for the group. The bottles were fine (nothing to run to Spec's for) and our bill totaled to $70...not too shabby.

So why the two star treatment? Establishments like Cova and The Corkscrew were opened by people who LOVED wine and wanted to share that love with the world (and did so, successfully).

The service at Cork was fine. They were attentive and friendly, but nothing went the extra mile to make me say "this place is solid".

Seeing as it was a new establishment and empty, they had the opportunity to go the extra mile. Sure, we did not ask, but the staff did not tell us anything about their menu. We are at a wine bar - let's see some passion or enthusiasm!

Full from dinner, I glanced at the food menu - pretty generic: a cheese plate (no mention of cheeses), couple of sandwiches - nothing super exciting.

I reiterate, Cork did nothing wrong, but they also did nothing more than average. My advice to the management is to add a little more love here. With so many wine bars in Houston, step your game up!

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