November 8th, 2011
Corks, Bistro, Restaurant, Review, Historic Federal Hill, Baltimore, Maryland
“Menu planning meetings begin, in fact, with a good bottle of wine; its taste providing inspiration for new menu items.” corks
When I first came to live, permanently, in the U.S. I first made my home in Baltimore, Maryland. This city has wonderful neighborhoods; some very historic neighborhoods, indeed. Federal Hill is one of them. It is to the south of the city. A lot of the buildings are in the Federal Hill Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see the neighborhood from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
Federal Hill has lots of popular, retail, dining and entertainment venues. It is the perfect urban living, having all these options within walking distance to all who make this unique neighborhood home.
So, I asked myself; Who would’ve “thunk” it?? I found myself in Sobo, at Corks, a bistro, well known for its steaks, and I ordered Crispy Deep Fried Chicken. But, guess what? It is Chef Pellegrino’s favorite too. Then, not a bad choice.
Corks is located at 1026 South Charles Street. Tel. 410-752-3810. Website? www.corksrestaurant.com.
I did not know about this restaurant, or even its chef; but leave it to my sister in law, Susie, to find the perfect eatery for a Sunday dinner in Baltimore.
Its Executive Chef and Owner is Jerry Pellegrino. He was the first person we saw as we entered the bistro. You see, the kitchen is located right at front. He had the widest smile and my husband asked “I hope you have something gluten free for me?” His answer was “Anything you want.” Music to our ears!! So, when they say that first impressions count…..
We were seated in the back part of the restaurant. It was very cozy; paintings on the wall, an extensive wine collection was in plain view and a comfortable bar, as well.
The menu has something for everyone. I cannot imagine you not being able to find something to your liking. So these were our choices.
For appetizers:
Susie had the Corks’ Grilled Caesar. Romaine, Parmesan Cheese and White Anchovies. It looked great. White anchovies are one of my favorites, having discovered them in Spain many years ago.
My husband had the Grilled Calamari. Oven dried tomato, Kalamata olive and Sheep’s cheese. When I tell you that these were the most tender calamari, I am not kidding. If you like calamari, well at times they are a little chewey. I asked Chef Pellegrino how could he get them so tender. He said they are fresh. Nothing frozen.
Mine was so good. I am always attracted to a dish that incorporates beets. Roasted beets and apples, walnuts and Maytag Blue with a delicious sherry vinaigrette.
Our waiter, David, told me that the portions were generous. He was not kidding.
Entrees:
Susie ordered the Petite Filet Mignon (6 oz). The steaks at Corks come with mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. The creamed spinach had a sweetness to it.
My husband’s choice was the same thing with the addition of seared Hudson Foie Gras on top. He thought it was very good, as well.
My generous portion of Crispy Deep Fried Chicken was a sight to see, with spicy cole slaw and fries. First I tasted the fries and thought that if he had a stand at the beach with these fries we could wipe out the competition. The slaw was the perfect side dish for the chicken and the fries. It was light with a nice kick to it. The chicken was gorgeous and it tasted as good as it looked. So moist and tender.
Sweet Endings?, or, as they called it at Corks “Final Thoughts”. I wished I could have, but it will have to be another time.
Corks opens every day of the week. The bar stays open late. Brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
There are plenty of events where you can taste Chef Pellegrino’s specialties. You can also meet him by attending his cooking classes. Every event is on the website, above mentioned.
Thanksgiving Menu is up and you can attend from Noon until 6 p.m. Call for reservations.
Want to organize your own class? Then, e-mail Jerry at jerry@corksrestaurant.com. You will need a minimum of 8 friends.
Corks has quality of ingredients, culinary competence, service and good prices. The service was attentive; not intrusive, the ingredients, fresh, and the culinary competence, well, Chef Pellegrino is the “main event”.
Talk to you later…have a good one!!
Tags: Baltimore, Bistro, Chef Jerry Pellegrino, Chef Pellegrino, Corks, Corks Bistro, Corks Restaurant, Federal Hill, Gluten free awareness, Historic Federal Hill, Maryland, Restaurant, review, Sunday Brunch
