http://www.corktyler.com/
Cork is a relatively new place located in the Times Square Cinema shopping center off of Broadway/I-69 just south of Rice road. The shopping center itself doesn't really lend itself to 'high end' dining, however, they have the entrance decorated nicely with modern design and a little sitting area. Inside, they continue the modern theme with a bar area, decent dining area, and small area for live performances with some interesting modernish type art on the wall and many references to wine.
The spread: They have an ambitious food and drink menu. I'm not sure their theme, but they offer different kinds of sushi, small 'tapas' style plates, cheese and cured meats plate(s), a few different bowls (mac and cheese, soups, stir fry and grits), and a few traditional dishes (seafood, steak, etc). For me, the menu was a bit unfocused and perhaps they are trying to be a tapas-sushi-wine-asian bar that serves food? The wine list is extensive and they have a full bar with a few original concoctions.
The verdict: I really enjoyed my experience at Cork. The service was friendly, prompt and knowledgeable. I tried the mac and cheese and it was the best I have had in a long time. It comes in a bowl with spiral pasta with a bechamel-cheese sauce with bread crumbs on top with little bits of ham. I also tried their spicy tuna roll and it was solid, but not very spicy. The quality of tuna was good. The charcuterie plate came with three types of cheese, a great grilled french bread and three types of cured meats. There was a very mild soft/brie and two harder styles that offered a nice difference in texture and flavor, but none of the cheese were memorable. The prosciutto was very good, but the cured sausage and pepperoni like sausage were both average - mildly spiced and a little bland. I also tried the ribeye which was cooked a perfect medium rare and had a nice bourbon glaze, but the cut of meat was lower grade (lots of fat and gristle). I also tried a couple bites of the burger and it was almost amazing as my wife had ordered it medium and it came out well done. The wine list was extensive and the bottle I split was very very good (Shatter something or other). I also had a Cork Old Fashioned that had whipped egg white in it that gave the old fashioned a unique texture that I particularly enjoyed. Overall, I think Cork is almost a great restaurant/bar. I think if they trimmed down the menu some and really concentrated on quality, this would be an amazing place. Also of note, they are very committed to having plates come out in a visually appealing manner, with nice presentation using unique plates.
Edible Tyler Roses: 4 out of 5, a great place to have drinks/wine and apps, a good place to eat.
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