Last evening Joe and I decided to take in a movie and since the local Apollo theater is not yet open, we headed north to Amherst where we could see "The Avengers", (partly filmed right here in Cleveland, Oh!) We wanted to have dinner somewhere before the movie and I remembered reading about a new restaurant that just opened in Amherst last Sept. So off we went to find Cork's Wine Bar and Bistro. The location is great and easy to find and sits right next to it's sister restaurant Stubby's Pub and Grub. We will be visiting Stubby's at a later date! Stay tuned!

Cork's outdoor patio is right in front and looked really inviting but it was getting a little chilly so we opted to eat inside. Walked into Cork's and did a "WOW!" If you like wine and inventive food, then this is the place for you! We were stunned by the wine collection behind the bar, and impressed by the wall colors that really enhanced the exposed brick on the walls and the overhead beams. Lighting is perfect for an evening mood.

Our perky but professional server greeted us and took our wine order. Because we were not familiar with the Barbarillo wine that we ordered, our server sent the owner over and he uncorked the bottle and told us all about our choice. He spent some time with us, telling us about the wines, the restaurant, and the events that the restaurant handles. He informed us that there is a banquet room on the second floor that will accommodate over 100 guests and they do host a lot of weddings! Now we are looking forward to partnering with the restaurant and welcoming his 'wedding guests!'

As we had skipped lunch, we opted for an appetizer of Jambalaya balls made of andouille, rice, cheese, Creole veggies, then breaded, fried and served with a marinara sauce. Fabulous and different! (Almost like the Italian rice balls I make that my kids really like!) The crusty bread was served with a basil butter and was eaten in a flash! I had the grilled salmon over red skin potatoes with lemon thyme butter and corn relish. Excellent! Joe had the bison meat loaf over a pile of mashed potatoes and bacon. Another Excellent!

I am adding this restaurant to our Wine and Dine link on our home page. So when you come to Oberlin and don't mind driving just 6 miles north, you will find a really suburb wine and bistro bar! Bonn Aperitif!