Cork's Does New Year's Weekend

As we start the nice slide into another long holiday weekend, Cork's wanted to let you in on our plans. That way, you can be all set in the event you wanted to meet up, or even stay the weekend with your favorite leprechaun and his crew.

Friday Night - December 30th

Happy Hour from 4 - 6pm

Half off all appetizers, rail, call, martinis, specialty drinks and whiskeys. $3 house wine. $2 standard bottles and taps. $3 premium bottles and taps. 

Date Night Friday

Two 12 oz Prime Rib Specials and a bottle of house wine 

for only $50.

Jameson drinks are just $5 all Day.

Saturday night - New Year's Eve - December 31st

2012 Mixed Grill 

Lightly Grilled Salmon topped with fresh fruit salsa paired with Beef Tenderloin in an Irish Stout steak sauce to make the perfect "surf and turf" to ring in the new year! Comes with your choice of soup or salad, choice of potato or rice pilaf, and grilled mixed vegetables. 

$25 per person

Complimentary Champagne Toast at Midnight

Sunday - New Year's Day - January 1st

Brunch 

Cure that New Year's Eve 'too much party' feeling and start the New Year off right with brunch (featuring $5 mimosas)! Served from 10am to 2pm.

Sunday Bloody Sunday

$5 Bloody Mary's all day + Cork's Build your own Bloody Mary Bar from 11am-4pm

This New Year's, we know there's no where you'd rather be, even if you can't celebrate with us! 

S'lainte and Happy New Year!  

Happy New Year!

Often, we don't give proper thanks when it's due. We wait until after the fact, and then think, "Oh man! Did I say, 'Thank you.'?"

As 2011 draws to a close and we look forward to another great year at Cork's, we want to reflect on all of the fun we've had, because we're so thankful to be surrounded by the best friends, guests, and employees a pub could ask for. 

Therefore, we decided to take a look back at where we've been this year, so we can appreciate what a fun ride it's been! 

January

We partnered with our friends the Minnesota Swarm, cooked up omelet breakfasts for local condo and apartment residents, and enjoyed hanging with team members and Swarm Performance team dancers throughout the month!

February

We threw an awesome Super Bowl XLV party complete with super bowls of chili and continued our BFF status with the Minnesota Swarm. We even got to provide the seat stuffer for a Swarm home game. 

March

Love was in the air as we hung out with our two loves for the month: ST. PADDY'S DAY (just about the best holiday under the sun) and the Minnesota Swarm! From a rockin' St. Paddy's Day, complete with parade participation, our full-on leprechaun taking to the streets, Jell-O shots, and a party with live music to helping out the Randy Shaver Cancer and Community Fund at the Hive Cares event, March was one fabulous month!

April

In April, we Lit It Up Blue for Autism Speaks, donated proceeds from the sales of our Creme Brulee dessert to the Randy Shaver Cancer and Community Fund, hosted a fabulous Easter Brunch, and partnered with our friends at Twin Cities Originals to provide the food for the 7th Annual Memorial Blood Centers' What's Your Type? Benefit Event.

May

In May, not only did we celebrate the arrival of warmer weather, but we also celebrated mothers at our Mothers' Day Brunch and the launch of a brand-new menu!

June

June welcomed summer as well as a Guinness & Crispin passport program that rewarded folks who inbibed on those delectable beverages.

July

In July, we started our new brunch service and had a great time at the Taste of the Twin Cities Originals event at the new TCF Bank Stadium. 

August

August was another great month! We had a blast with our neighbors for National Night Out, celebrated the 2011 Visa Championships (and the Taste of the Visa Championships), and totally won the Irish Fair of Minnesota's Battle of the Pubs Cook-Off. 

September

In September, we got to celebrate the halfway point to our favorite holiday (please see March above) with a rockin' party, and we kicked off our Minnesota Wild and NFL specials. (Then, we proceeded to bleed purple, and bleed, and bleed, and bleed).

October

October was pretty quiet. We settled into autumn and had several great Wine & Music Lover Thursdays. 

November

In November, we put our Wine & Music Lover Thursdays on hold to watch the Thursday night NFL games. We also had a super Thanksgiving Day Champagne Brunch. 

December

December brings us current. We had a wonderful Teddy Holidays holiday weekend kick-off with $3 Crispin drinks, a great Christmas Day Brunch today, and some time to reflect and be thankful for such a great year. 

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas, because we're so thankful for all of you. 

Christmas Day Champagne Brunch

Has your family outgrown your home? A lot of out-of-town guests and nowhere to meet? Don't feel like spending your whole holiday cooking and cleaning? Never fear, Cork's has the solution!

From 10am to 2pm on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, Cork's will be hosting a warm, inviting, and undoubtedly festive Champagne Christmas Brunch. Served in our beautiful Garden Atrium and Emerald Room, dine in style as you enjoy the company of family and friends.

MENU

Chef Carved Prime Rib and Turkey

Swedish Meatballs and Red Cabbage

Herb-Crusted Salmon with Sambuca Beurre Blanc

Chicken Roulade with Wild Rice Stuffing

Shrimp and Crab Claw Display

Smoked White Fish and Salmon Platter

Traditional Eggs Benedict

Chef Prepared Omelets

Bacon, Sausage and O'Brien Potatoes

Scrambled Eggs

Waffles and French Toast with all the accompaniments

Whipped Yukon Potatoes and Gravy

Traditional Stuffing

Cranberry Compote

Assorted Pastries and Quick Breads

Yogurt and Granola Parfait Bar

Pasta Salad, Caesar Salad, Mixed Green Salad and Jell-O Salad

Spinach Salad with Strawberries, Toasted Almonds and Poppy Seed Dressing

Grilled and Raw Vegetable Platter

Cheese and Fruit Platter

Build -Your-Own Sundae Bar

Fresh Baked Pies, Cakes and Yule Logs

Chocolate Fountain with assorted dipping items

So this Christmas, experience brunch the Cork's way. Once the presents and stockings are devoured, you can come feast and still have plenty of time for an additional gathering, football, or even just some relaxing. Who knows? You may even befriend a duck! 

Brunch pricing is as follows, $28.95 for adults, $14.95 for children aged 3-12, and free for children under 3. To make your party's reservation, contact Cork's at 651.224.5111.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good brunch! 

Rock Around That X-Mas Tree!

Back by popular demand, The Teddy Holidays are gonna rock their way into your hearts just in time for Christmas. Last year's Holiday Christmas Eve Eve Spectacular was just so darn jolly that we had to do it all over again this year! (Technically, we could call this The Teddy Holidays' Holiday Christmas Eve Eve Eve Spectacular, but that's just too much...)



Plus, not only do you get to bask in the glow of The Teddy Holidays' sweet musical styling, but you also get to take advantage of Cork's exclusive Teddy Holidays' Crispin special. $3 Crispin Cider drinks during the show! (Too good to be true, right?! Well, believe it!)

So, mark your calendars for Thursday, December 22. Music starts at 7pm! Get here early and grab a Snakebite, a regular Crispin, or even a pint of your favorite brew and let's rock on in to the holiday weekend!

Shepherd's Pie

With the holidays in full swing, focus often shifts to all of the delectable meals and treats of the season. Pie is a much-loved favorite, with everyone's own personal preference lodging itself in not just their bellies, but their hearts, as they remember certain special memories.

This Christmas, try your hand at what's sure to become a new tradition in your house, shepherd's pie. A salty pie, as opposed to sweet, is still pie and can therefore easily qualify as a holiday favorite! Essentially, shepherd's pie consists of a a meat stew base, sandwiched between layers of mashed potatoes.

A centuries old dish, shepherd's pie originated in the British Isles as the potato gained popularity as an edible crop that the poor could actually afford. Plus, the meat portion of the dish could be any form of leftovers. The term 'shepherd' aptly described the most common ingredient in the dish, mutton (or lamb).

Here at Cork's, our Shepherd's Pie consists of a classic country stew with seasonal vegetables, lamb, and beef in a rich Jameson beef gravy finished with Yukon horseradish pureed potatoes. A little more extravagant than in 18th Century Ireland, and a little more delicious, we'd like to think!

A Christmas gathering would be the perfect venue for a warm, soul soothing dish of shepherd's pie to share. There are plenty of recipes out there for everyone, from the novice cook to the expert, so there's no reason not to give it a try. (A simple Google search alone brings up hundreds).

And, don't forget to let us know how it goes if you try your hand at shepherd's pie. (Remember, if it's still too much to attempt, Cork's can always make one for you too)!

Happy pie-ing!

Irony Wines

This holiday season, we're pleased to announce that we'll be featuring select Irony Wines for our guests. Irony Wines is a three-generation California winery that produces great varietals that are approachable and balanced, perfect for every occasion.

Throughout November and December, we'll be featuring Irony Wines' Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet for just $8.50 a glass.

Winemaker's Notes: A distinct and subtle Chardonnay, in a medium full style. It is dry, smoothly textured, well balanced, and quite long on the palate, with a lingering finish. Its flavors are complex and restrained, reminiscent of peach, pear and apple, with overtones of vanilla, toast and spicy oak.  

Winemaker's Notes: Irony 2010 Monterey County Pinot Noir opens with aromas of red cherry, strawberry and undertones of clove and sage. Rhubarb flavors are layered with accents of red cherry, licorice and berry jam. Firm tannins and crisp acidity deliver a lovely balanced, medium-bodied wine with a smooth finish. 

Winemaker's Notes: The 2009 Irony Merlot is a classically styled Merlot with medium body and firm tannins. Rich aromatics of black cherry, currant and plum intermingle with hints of vanilla and cedar. Well-balanced with a lingering finish, flavors of blackberry, licorice and sweet oak compliment the wine's bright acidity and structure. 

Winemaker's Notes: The Irony Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with wonderfully fresh aromas of blackberry jam, plum and red licorice followed by delicate rose petal notes. This full-bodied wine, with firm tannins and acidity, delivers blackberry and ripe plum flavors coupled with hints of dried sage and sweet vanilla.

This holiday season, unwind after a long day of shopping and enjoy a glass of Irony.

Cork's Thanksgiving Day Brunch (With Champagne)!

Join us this Thanksgiving as we give thanks and break bread, partaking in a cornucopia of culinary delights! From 10:00am to 2:00pm on Thanksgiving Day, leave all of the cooking, cleaning, and stress to us while you enjoy our annual Thanksgiving Day Champagne Brunch.

Thanksgiving Champagne Brunch Menu

Breakfast Items

Fresh Sliced & Whole Fruit | Granola & Yogurt Parfait with dried and fresh toppings | Fresh Baked Muffins, Croissants, & Caramel Rolls | Cooked to Order Omelets | Scrambled Eggs | Eggs Benedict | Waffles with assorted toppings | Bacon & Sausage

Lunch/Thanksgiving Items

Jell-O Salad | Pasta Salad | Crudités & Pickled Vegetable Platter | Hot Dinner Rolls with Butter | Shrimp Cocktail | Oysters on the Half Shell | Smoked Salmon

Honey Glazed Carrots | Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes | Glazed Sweet Potatoes | Homemade Mac-n-Cheese | Sausage & Corn Bread Stuffing | Traditional Pan Gravy | Braised Red Cabbage | Swedish Meatballs | Whiskey Orange Marmalade Glazed Salmon | Baron of Beef | Chef Carved Turkey & Ham | Traditional Cranberry Chutney

Dessert Items

Fresh Baked Pies - Pumpkin, Pecan, Apple, Blueberry, & Cherry | Bread Pudding with Whiskey Rum Sauce | Caramel Fondue | Cascading Chocolate Fountain with traditional accompaniments

Pricing: Adults: $28.95, Kids 4-12: $14.95, Kids 3 & Under: Free. Reservations strongly recommended. To make your party's reservation, call Cork's at 651-224-5111.

We're Thankful for Veterans!

For the month of November, Cork's will focus on Thanksgiving! Not only can we celebrate the food, family, and fun that Thanksgiving entails, but we have so much to be thankful for as well.

This week in honor of Veteran's Day, we wanted to give thanks to all the brave men and women who've done a great service for our country, our veterans!

This Friday, November 11, marks the annual day of recognition known as Veteran's Day in the United States.  A tradition that began with the break from fighting that preceded the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1918, Veteran's Day has evolved over the years.

In 1919, President Wilson declared that November 11 was to be set aside to commemorate Armistice Day, but the date was not approved as a legal holiday until 1938, when it was set aside as a day to honor veterans of World War I and celebrate world peace.

Then, after subsequent wars, the holiday had to be expanded to include veterans of all American wars in 1954. However, after confusion and changes over the years, as the government attempted to move the holiday to encompass a weekend, Veterans Day was officially returned to November 11 in 1978.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs declares the date's purpose as, "A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good."

So this Veteran's Day, we encourage you to be especially grateful for those who make sacrifices for the good of all, and thank a veteran.

Thursday Live Music on Hold

We wanted to make sure that our friends were aware of a recent schedule change to our weekly line-up of fun and festivities.

Due to the high demand from guests who want to watch Thursday night football games, we are briefly suspending our live music during the months of November and December. Don't worry, we plan to resume the weekly shows on January 5!

In the meantime, we will still be offering half price bottles of wine on Thursday nights in addition to the respective sporting event specials depending on the game that's being played!

Our 5-6-7-8 NFL Special will be offered on the following Thursdays: November 10, 17, and 24 and December 1, 8, 15, and 22.

Additionally, our Wild Special will be offered on the following Thursdays: November 17 and  December 29.

So, enjoy the Wild and NFL games and the great deals that go along with them, as we get excited to kick off our next live music season in 2012!

No costume yet? No worries!

For October, our blogging has focused on helping you have an awesome Halloween. With Halloween tomorrow, we want to make sure that you're totally ready to round out this year's festivities. That means, last minute costume ideas, just in case you didn't have the foresight to plan ahead.

Our friends at Patch, compiled the following ideas if your kids are left without suitable Trick-or-Treat attire.

• A Little Bearded Garden Gnome - Your kids may already have the clothes. You'll just need to make a simple hat and beard.
• Bag of Jelly Beans - You'll need a clear trash bag and set of strong lungs to make this sweet costume
• Quarterback - This punny costume is quick and easy to make.
• Spaghetti and Meatballs - Use a red and white tablecloth and a pot to make this saucy costume.
• Lego - This costume is easy to build using a cardboard box, paper bowls and spray paint.
• Baby Octopus - A great way to use those mismatched socks left in the dryer.

If you're ready to get in on the action, some of our favorite (read: quick and easy) last minute costume ideas for adults include: 

• Wrapping yourself in wrapping paper with a tag: "From: God, To: Women". What are you? God's gift to women.
• Attaching suger-cubes (or candy) all over yourself. What are you? Sugar-Daddy or Sugar-Momma.
• Donning an old Ivy League college sweatshirt found at the Goodwill, and when asked, "What are you," you respond, "Smarter than you."
• Wrapping yourself in aluminum foil to become a baked potato!

And last, but certainly not least, male or female, we're pretty sure that a leprechaun would make the best Halloween costume of all! 

Happy Haunting!

How to Throw a KILLER Halloween Party

Around here, we like Halloween, and we like parties. It's only natural that we would love a good Halloween party. Therefore, we've compiled a top ten list of must-haves to make your Halloween party just downright SPOOK-tacular!

1. Costumes - Costumes should be a non-negotiable requirement for guest attire. What fun is a Halloween party if no one dresses up? 
2. Decor - You have to at least go with some of the faux-spider webs! Themes are also good. We've been loving all the fun owl options. 
3. Food - Your guests aren't going to want to stick around if you're not feeding them. Try to incorporate salty and sweet options, and remember, if you're hosting your party over a prime meal time, you should probably be serving a more substantial snack or even some entree worthy items. 
4. Drinks - Don't assume your guests will know to BYOB unless you've specifically outlined that requirement on the invitations. If you're going to be hosting, you should probably also be serving some community refreshments. Think along the lines of fun punches that can be housed in big bowls. Bonus points for Dry Ice usage! If you need help thinking up some fun, fall cocktails, check out last week's post: Favorite Fall Drink Recipes. 
5. Entertainment - While food and drink will suffice as the entertainment for a short while, it you want your guests to stay the course, plan ahead for other fun ways to occupy their time. Games, a scary movie, a scavenger hunt, etc. will all help to pass the time and help keep the party rolling. 
6. Mood Lighting - Black lights. Corny for everyday use, perfect for a Halloween!
7. Music - We're so not beneath using one of those Halloween mix CD's with the spooky sound effects for great background music.
8. Bonfire - If weather and local regulations permit, a bonfire is a great addition to your All Hallows Eve event! Not only does it look positively medieval, but the addition of toasted marshmallows and s'mores to your buffet seals the deal.  
9. Candy - Even grown-ups miss the candy-laden bounty of trick-or-treating! Why not send your guests home with a grab bag of their very own candy swag! 
10. Safety First - A good host(ess) always figures in the safety of his/her guests. Don't ever let your pals drink and drive! 

Hope your Halloween party is a massive success! Feel free to share your own tips in the comments section below! 

Autumn Imbibements

While the weather we've been having certainly doesn't feel very fall-esque, we're ready to confirm the change of seasons with some decidedly fall beverages. Filled with richer flavors and bolder, spicier notes, these autumn refreshments will give you a reason to get that raking done and help calm your nerves during Vikings games.

Spiked Apple Pie Punch
Ingredients
• 1 gallon apple juice
• 1 gallon apple cider
• 3 cups white sugar
• 8 cinnamon sticks
• 1 bottle 190 proof grain alcohol (750 ml)
Directions
1. In a large pot, combine juice, cidar, sugar and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool completely.
2. When cool, stir in grain alcohol.
3. Transfer to large serving dish and let guests ladle into cups. Garnish with additional cinnamon sticks or apple slices, if desired.

Pear Brandy Sidecar

Ingredients
• 1 shot (1.5 oz.) pear brandy
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup
• 1 oz. pear nectar
• Ice
Directions
1. Pour the brandy, lemon juice, pear nectar, and syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice. Cover, and shake until the outside of the shaker has frosted.
2. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Serves one.

Cranberry Martini

Ingredients
• 1 shot (1.5 oz.) vodka
• 1/2 oz. orange liqueur
• 1/2 oz. dry vermouth
• 2 shots (3 oz.) cranberry juice
• 1 cups ice
• Cranberries (optional)
Directions
1. Combine vodka, orange liqueur, vermouth, cranberry juice and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously to chill.
2. Pour into martini glasses and serve. Garnish with a few cranberries, if desired. Serves two.

Other great options for fall drinks include hot mulled wine, a fall spiced sangria with cranberries and oranges, a Bailey's Caramel Appletini, or anything with ginger (Ginger Ale, Canton Ginger Liqueur, etc.). 

Happy Fall! 

Holiday Parties - Going, going...

It sure doesn't feel like it weather-wise, but now's the time to plan your holiday party at Cork's. With a full banquet room and plenty of private and semi-private dining options to choose from, Cork's is a one-stop shop for your holiday party. To sweeten the deal even more, our catering department is running specials for those that plan ahead!

Book your holiday party now and receive one of the following add-ons:

• Free Domestic Keg, 
• Free House Wine Pour with Dinner, or 
• Free Centerpieces (some exclusions apply) 

(Note: The event food and beverage value must reach at least $3000, and the event must occur between November 1, 2011 and February 28, 2012). 

Book any event to take place before January 1, 2012 and receive a dinner catered to you in your home by Executive Chef Peter Christenson!

(Note: The event food and beverage value must reach at least $6000. Not applicable to events booked before Sept 21, 2011). 

For more information and to book your holiday party, contact our Sales Manager Cate Griffin at 651-379-5061 or cate.griffin@hilton.com today!

On the Run

This Sunday marks the 30th running of the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon. One of the biggest sporting events in our community, the Twin Cities Marathon is dubbed, "The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America."

The 26.2 mile course begins at Mall of America Field, winding down around the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes before heading up Summit Ave to the finish on the state capitol grounds in St. Paul. In addition to soaking up the natural beauty, runners get to bask in the cheers of 300,000 fans and more than 12 entertainment acts along the way.

Located less than a mile from the finish line, Cork's can't help but get a little excited about all the action!

If you're not running, feel free to stop in for some brunch before you head over to the capitol grounds to cheer on not only the elite runners, but everyone else who took steps to complete such an amazing journey!

Good luck runners!

We ♥ Sports!

Let Cork's be your favorite sport spot! Our Vikings and Wild specials are ramping up again, as we prepare to bleed purple and go wild! Don your favorite jersey and swing on in!

Vikings Games 
5-6-7-8 Specials (Valid for every NFL Game)
$5 - Order of Wings
$6- Pitchers of Coors Lite
$7 - Pizza (With up to 3 toppings)
$8 - Pitchers of All Other Tap Beers

...and for Sunday games, we have our Sunday Bloody Sunday special going on in conjunction with the game specials - $5 Bloody Marys ALL DAY + our Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar from 11am - 4pm. 

Wild Games

If you were lucky enough to score tickets, beat the traffic and park in our lot. Parking is validated with any purchase, and ride our shuttle to the game for just $5. Then, you get a $5 Cork's Cash voucher (good on your next visit)!
25% Off Food and Beverage with a Same-Day ticket (or stub) - Valid before or after the game.

Plus, you still get to take part in the usual daily specials, depending on which day of the week the game falls! 

Skol Vikings, Go Wild, & S'lainte!

Help Fight Leukemia & Lymphoma

Cork's is proud to shed some light on a wonderful event for a great cause. This Friday, September 16, two of our regulars, (who just so happen to be three-year Lymphoma and five-year Leukemia survivors respectively), will be hosting a fundraiser cocktail party in The Pointe's party room (4th floor) from 5pm to 10pm. There is a suggested donation of $10 with all proceeds going to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Expect to be entertained if you drop by! The evening includes:

• Celebrity Bartenders (Tim Fort, #12 from America's Got Talent for one!)
• Downtown St Paul Political Storytellers (City Council member candidates)
• Belly Dancers
• Silent Auction - This baby's HUGE!
• Kissing Booth (Get a kiss from a cancer survivor!)
• Complimentary Refreshments 
• Great Drink Selection 
• And more!

Everyone who's 21 or older is welcome, regardless of amount able to pay! For a fabulous evening, benefiting a great cause, make sure to swing by on Friday night!

Passport Times TWO!

You probably already knew that we were offering the Crispin Cider & Guinness Passport Program. You simply pick-up your Passport at Cork's, and once your Passport is full, you'll receive a sweet limited-edition Guinness and Crispin t-shirt. For more info, CLICK HERE.

Now, what you may not be aware of is that Cork's is actually owned and operated by an independent restaurant management firm, Tri City Restaurants. Tri City works with the property group that owns and operates three of the Embassy Suites properties in the Twin Cities to lease their restaurant space.

As such, we get the benefit of two sister restaurants, Chez Daniel (located within the Embassy Suites Bloomington) and Woolley's Steakhouse (located within the Embassy Suites Minneapolis Airport).

With three great restaurants to choose from, Tri City decided to launch their very own passport program! Dine at any one of the three restaurants to receive your passport card and your first stamp! Then, try out the other two restaurants to earn an additional stamp after dining at each of those restaurants as well.

Once your passport is completed (and you've received a stamp for dining at all three locations), simply present your passport at any of the three restaurants for a free dinner!

It's a pretty easy way to try out some great new places (and get a free dinner in the process)! Plus, you can double dip by getting your Guinness & Crispin passport stamped if you order a Guinness, Crispin, or combo pint! Stop in this week to pick up your Passport(s) and try the new Guinness Black Lager!

Halfway to St. Patty's Day - September 17

In mere weeks we'll be celebrating the halfway point to the most wonderful day of the whole year, St. Patty's Day!

Join us on Saturday, September 17 for a rockin' party! From 7 - 10pm, Cork's will play host to the second happiest celebration of the year.

If you're looking for a party that has:

Rip Roaring Irish Music 

Courtesy of The Tim Malloys

Irish Bag Pipes

Prizes and Giveaways

Battle of the Pubs 2011 Winning Irish Dish

$3 Jameson Irish Whiskey

$5 Irish Car Bombs

$3 Reuben Sliders

$2 Scottish Eggs

Then, look no further! Mark your calendar and dust of the greenery for a fantastic night!

'Tis the Season...for Steak! (and tomatoes)...

If your garden is brimming with tomatoes, (or you just eyed up some gorgeous ones at the Farmer's Market or even your local grocery store), then you must try this quick and easy salad recipe! From the mind and kitchen of our very own chef, this is a salad that eats like a meal!

Beef Steak Tomato Salad with a Red Wine Vinaigrette 

 Served with a Certified Angus Beef strip loin & topped with St. Pete’s Blue Cheese crumbles

Ingredients:

• 2 large garden ripe tomatoes 
• Shaved red onion 
• Plump Chef Original Shake 
• Red wine vinaigrette (recipe below)
• Mixed greens 
• St. Pete’s Blue Cheese crumbles 
• Certified Angus Beef New York strip loin 

Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe: 

• ½ shallot minced 
• ½ cup red wine vinegar 
• 1 Tbsp fresh thyme 
• ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard 
• 1 ½ cups olive oil 

To assemble:

1. Make the red wine vinaigrette 
2. Slice the tomatoes in ½ inch slices
3. Shave the red onion
4. Crumble the blue cheese
5. Toss the mixed greens with some red wine vinaigrette
6. Arrange the greens and sliced tomato on plate
7. Season the tomato with Plump Chef Original shake.
8. Garnish with shaved red onion and blue cheese crumbles
9. Dress with more red wine vinaigrette to taste
10. Season the steak on both sides with Plump Chef original shake and grill steak to desired temperature. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and plating.

And most importantly, the final step, ENJOY! 

Tasty Beverages This Week

We've been having such a great time enjoying these last weeks of summer. From the Irish Fair to the Taste of the Visa Championships and everything in between, Cork's has been living life to the fullest (as we hope you are too)!

This week, we've got some new suds for your enjoyment and a great wine feature.

We've added Summit Oktoberfest to our tap list. According to Summit, Oktoberfest is "brewed in the classic Märzen style with Northern Brewer hops from Germany. Rich, toffee malt flavors up front with a clean hop finish as crisp as the autumn air." Oktoberfest is a seasonal beer, so get it while it's here!

We also have two new bottled beer features this week. Sam Adams Octoberfest and Dark Horse Sapient Trip Ale. 

According to the brewer, "Samuel Adams Octoberfest masterfully blends together five roasts of malt to create a delicious harmony of sweet flavors including caramel and toffee. The malt is complimented by the elegant bitterness imparted by the Bavarian Noble hops."

Dark Horse states that their Sapient Trip Ale is brewed "with a Trappist yeast strain so it is very traditional. The flavors are incredibly complex with notes of mild fruit and finishes with a bit of clove. Although this beer is higher in alcohol it is very smooth and finishes dry on the pallet."

We've also got a great wine feature this week. Bottles of Rodney Strong Merlot are just $26 and glasses are just $5. The winemaker's notes: "Plum and blueberry flavors with a touch of dried herb predominate in this soft, rich, mouth filling merlot, and are enhanced by aging in small oak barrels for a toasty, spicy vanilla character, and a lingering berry-cream finish."

So stop in this week for some tasty beverages! If you're also looking for a great deal, stop in today, Wednesday, August 17 and show your bartender some love! Summit Oktoberfest taps will be just $4 ALL day; otherwise, there's always Happy Hour. $3 for glasses of house wine, $2 for standard taps and bottles, and $3 premium taps and bottles. Not too shabby! 

S'lainte!

Taste the Taste of the Visa Championships and WIN!

Visit Saint Paul, the Saint Paul Convention & Visitors Bureau, launched a new promotion to correspond with the Taste of the Visa Championships event.

Dubbed, "Eat.Shoot.Email.Win", the new promotion encourages individuals to dine at participating Taste of the Visa Championships restaurants. Contestants simply choose one of the 14 restaurants and partake in their gymnastics-themed entree. Then, they send an email with their name, phone number (or email address), and a digital copy (picture) of the receipt for that entree to info@visitsaintpaul.com.

The randomly chosen winner will receive four tickets to the August 20th, 2011 Visa Championships in a luxury suite at Xcel Energy Center. The day includes food, refreshments, parking, and a meal with Olympic coaching legend, Bela Karolyi!

Contest rules:

• One entry per person.
• Contestants must be at least 18 years old. 
• Entries must be received by midnight on August 16. 
• Employees of the participating restaurants, Visit Saint Paul, and The Notifier are not eligible.

The winner will be notified on August 17th.

Good luck and happy eating!

National Night Out

Cork's is proud to be a part of the downtown St. Paul community! That's why we're pretty excited to hang out with our great neighbors at this year's National Night Out celebration.

Held each year, National Night Out is a community-based program that promotes "neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our fight for a safer nation."

This year's downtown celebration will be held on Tuesday, August 2nd from 6pm to 9pm. The party will be centrally located on Temperance Street between 9th and 10th Streets, (just about a block from our parking lot).

Cork's will be serving up root beer, and Black Sheep Pizza is even providing food.  Word on the street is there will be bands, and we're even bringing the leprechaun!

So, stop on by tomorrow night for some root beer, pizza, and a great time with your neighbors! We'll see you there!

Cork's at the Irish Fair - Part Deux

Last week we let everyone know about the Battle of the Pubs Cook Off at the Irish Fair of Minnesota. (You can still get your tickets, so you can stump for Cork's)!

We also wanted to give a lowdown on our other activities at the Fair, so you can stay tuned and join us for a great time!  

The morning of the Battle of the Pubs (August 11), Chef will actually be doing a spot on the Fox 9 Morning Show at about 8:45am. Then, we'll have our A-game out in full force for the Battle of the Pubs at 7pm that evening. 

From August 12 to August 14, we'll be sponsoring the Pub Tent, and Chef will be performing a cooking demo on the Gateway Stage on Sunday, August 14, at noon. 

The Fair itself runs August 12-14, Friday from 3pm to 11 pm, Saturday from 10am to 11pm, and Sunday from 10am to 7pm and is open to the public entirely FREE of charge. 

Mark your calendars for an epic weekend of great food, fantastic drinks, and merriment like you've never seen before! S'lainte and we'll see you there!

Battle of the Pubs

Coming up in August, Cork's will be competing in the Irish Fair of Minnesota's Battle of the Pubs Cook Off. We need all of our loyal supporters there to represent for us!

On Thursday, August 11, Cork's will go head to head against other local pubs to determine who's the "farest"! For the price of admission to this event, you get all the food, drink, and entertainment you can stomach.

The fun goes down at Harriet Island inside the Pub Tent. Attendees will sample offerings from pub contestants while listening to the jamming stylings of the Wild Colonial Bhoys (who are releasing their first CD at the event). Then, attendees will vote on their favorite food and beverages.

Visit http://www.irishfair.com/content/cooktickets/ to purchase your tickets today! $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and Friends of the Fair members get tickets for only $10! (Current members call 952-474-7411 to order your tickets today).

May the best pub win!

Taste of the Twin Cities Originals - July 28

Mark your calendars and save the date for the sixth annual Taste of the Twin Cities Originals event. From 6-9pm that Thursday, you will be able to delight in everything your favorite Twin Cities Originals restaurants have to offer. As a member restaurant, Cork's is simply stoked to revel in all this fun.

Hosted at TCF Bank Stadium, this year's event will feature food, in the form of appetizers, entrees, and even desserts, as well as wine. (Attendees will even receive complimentary Riedel crystal wine glasses).

Make sure you have your tickets, as they are rapidly selling, and you definitely don't want to miss out! Ticket options are either regular admission tickets for $40 each or VIP tickets for $80 each. VIP tickets include $200 in gift certificates to member restaurants as well as early access to the event.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: http://www.tcoriginals.com/.

See you at the Taste!

BRUNCH! This Sunday and every Sunday thereafter...

This Sunday, July 10th, Cork's is kicking off a brand new tradition with our brunch service. What will become a weekly fixture, our brunch will run from 10am to 2pm every Sunday. Make a new tradition, or simply kick your standing one up a notch, and come try out all we have to offer. 

Our new brunch menu is listed below, so you can get nice and hungry!

We'll see you tomorrow!

Cork's at the Taste of Visa Championships

In anticipation for USA Gymnastics 2011 Visa Championships' August arrival in St. Paul, Visit St. Paul (St. Paul's Convention & Visit Authority), USA Gymnastics, and St. Vincent Sports Performance (a national sponsor of USA Gymnastics) are holding a contest among area restaurants.

Challenged to create a healthy dish that features lean meats, whole grains, and other wholesome ingredients, restaurants will be judged by a celebrity panel that includes gymnastics legend, Bela Korolyi. In addition to including a gymnastics tie-in, a winner will be crowned based on taste, presentation, nutritional value, and creativity.

Well, Cork's stepped up to the plate and faced this challenge head on. Our entry, the Soul Circle Uneven Chicken & Apple Bars was selected for the finals! The dish features seared chicken and apple sausages in a coconut milk curry with red peppers and potatoes all served over chopped Napa cabbage.

Then, for our cocktail, we created the Acai Salto Flip. Think blackberries muddled in agave nectar, acai pure spirit liquor, light rum, a splash of cranberry, a splash of soda, and fresh lime.

We'll be featuring these special offerings throughout the month of July in anticipation for the final judging in August. So, stop in to try a winning dish/drink combo and let us know what you think as we get excited for a great gymnastics event!

Sunday Bloody Sunday

Did you know that Cork's offers a great deal on Bloody Mary's every Sunday? On Sundays, our famous Bloody Mary's are just $5 ALL day. Plus, we offer a Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar from 11am to 4pm, where you can custom craft your Bloody to your exacting specifications.

How do you take your Bloody Mary? Chances are we've got what you need in our BYOBM Bar, but just in case we don't, feel free to throw out your suggestions!

See you tomorrow.

Guinness & Crispin Passport Program

Whoot whoot! For the first time in over 200 years, Guinness has forged a partnership with an outside company and is offering the Guinness and Crispin Passport Program!

Here's how it works. Swing by Cork's to retrieve your Passport, and with each qualifying purchase, we'll stamp your Passport.

Then, once your Passport is full, you'll receive a sweet limited-edition Guinness and Crispin t-shirt.

Passport Requirements

3 - Guinness pint purchases

3 - Crispin pint purchases

4 - mixed pint purchases (Crispin + Guinness or Smithwick's or Harp's)

Stop by Cork's today, get your passport, and start drinking your way to that t-shirt!

Lend me your e-mails!

Friends, Romans, Countrymen (and women), lend me your e-mails!

Cork's is looking to rev up our e-mails and make sure that you stay in the know about specials, promotions, deals, and any upcoming events. However, we can't keep you posted, if we don't have your e-mail address.

Lend Cork's your e-mail address, and you'll not only be in the know, but you'll also be registered to win a pair of Twins tickets for their game against the Cleveland Indians on July 20th. (Please know that you can always opt out at any time).

If you would like to be added to our e-mail list and possibly win those tickets, simply send an e-mail to jillrogh@tricitymanagement.com with the subject line "E-mail List." We'll notify the winner via...You guessed it, e-mail!

Love Thy Neighborhood

Here at Cork's we love our neighbors! Really, we do! So much so that we dedicate an entire day of the week to them. Every Sunday, our neighbors, residents of Downtown St. Paul, are treated to our 'Love Thy Neighborhood' special.

Love Thy Neighborhood

25% off your entire bill every Sunday! 

Simply present your driver's license or a piece of mail, verifying your residence and voila, half off! 

See you Sunday! Love you! 

New Chef - New Menu!

Here at Cork's Irish Pub, we're pretty excited about the arrival of Chef Nate, warmer weather, and of course our brand-spankin' new menu!  We unveiled the menu for dinner this past Wednesday and can't wait for you to try it and let us know what you think!

Appetizers

SCOTTISH EGGS - 9

Three hard boiled eggs wrapped in sausage and bread crumbs. Deep fried golden brown. Served with stone-ground, Dijon mustard.

CHICKEN WINGS - 10

Hot or BBQ wings with celery sticks, carrots and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

PLATE OF FRESH CHIPS - 6

Homemade with cheese, green onions and bacon.

ONION RINGS - 8

Beer battered and served with ranch dressing and BBQ sauce for dipping.

CHICKEN FINGERS - 9

Buffalo or Country Fried chicken fingers served with your choice of ranch or bleu cheese dressing.

CALAMARI - 12

Lightly breaded and fried to perfection. Served with Cork's irish Aioli.

MUSSELS ALA CORK'S - 13

Fresh mussels in a white wine and garlic sauce tossed with irish pesto and diced tomato. Served with a grilled crustini and lemon.

CORK'S FRIED GOODNESS - 16

A sample of BBQ or buffalo wings, onion rings, breaded mushrooms,celery sticks, carrots and dipping sauces.

CRUDITE PLATTER - 10

Carrot and celery sticks, sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, assorted olives, cauliflower and broccoli. Served with toasted pita bread and roasted red pepper hummus for dipping.

7 LAYER DIP - 10

Seasoned refried beans, cheese, seasoned sour cream, shredded lettuce, tomato, black olives and fresh jalapeños. Served with chips.

Pizza

THIN CRUST PIZZA - 13

Build your own pizza with your choice of 3 toppings-Onions, Pepperoni, Green Peppers, Mushrooms, Green Olives, Sausage, Pineapple, Chicken

RUSTIC IRISH FLAT BREAD - 9

Garlic and herb flat bread topped with Irish pesto, kalamata olives, red onion, banana peppers, artichokes and feta cheese.

CELTIC FLAT BREAD - 9

Garlic and herb flat bread topped with a garlic cream sauce, roasted wild mushrooms, roasted garlic, fingerling potatoes and a four cheese blend 

SUPREME PIZZA - 15

Thin crust pizza with pepperoni, sausage, Canadian bacon, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, black and green olives.

IRISH POTATO PIZZA - 15

Thinly sliced fingerling potatoes on a white pie with mozzarella, cheddar, bacon and green onion.

Salads & Sandwiches

CAESAR SALAD - 9

Crisp Romaine lettuce and freshly grated parmesan cheese tossed with our house Caesar dressing 

Add Chicken-5 Shrimp -7

GRILLED SALMON SALAD - 15

Fresh spinach tossed with crisp bacon, orange segments, sliced red onions & balsamic vinaigrette. Topped with hard boiled eggs and grilled salmon.

CHICKEN COBB SALAD - 14

Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with red wine vinaigrette & topped with chopped bacon, bleu cheese, grilled chicken, tomatoes, hard boiled eggs and avocado

BOURBON STEAK SALAD - 14

Mixed greens tossed in a tomato and bourbon vinaigrette, topped with sauteed onions, peppers and bleu cheese encrusted beef medallions

COUNTRY CHICKEN SALAD - 13

Romaine lettuce tossed with ranch dressing, bacon bits, grape tomatoes, green onion, cheese and breaded chicken strips

TEX MEX SALAD - 14

Grilled tequila lime chicken breast atop crisp romaine tossed with roasted red peppers, black beans, shredded cheddar jack cheese and shaved red onion in a chipotle ranch dressing

GRILLED PEAR BERRY SALAD - 11

Fresh spring greens tossed with a vanilla mint yogurt dressing and topped with grilled pear slices and fresh blackberries and raspberries Add chicken $5 or salmon $7

TERIYAKI ASIAN CRUNCH - 13

Teriyaki chicken and crispy chow mein noodles top this delicious combination of crispy napa cabbage, scallions, romaine lettuce and water chestnuts tossed in a creamy teriyaki dressing

CLUB HOUSE - 13

Ham, turkey and bacon with Swiss & cheddar cheeses, lettuce, tomato and mayo on toasted sourdough or wheat bread

HOT PASTRAMI ON RYE - 12

Thin sliced pastrami and sharp cheddar with crispy coleslaw on dark rye bread. Served with stone-ground Dijon mustard on side for dipping

PETITE STEAK BURGERS - 14

Seasoned steak medallions grilled medium rare on mini buns. Topped with roma tomatoes, bibb lettuce and Shamrock sauce. Served with chips.

BUILD A BURGER OR CHICKEN SANDWICH - 11

8 oz Ground Chuck Angus burger or chicken breast sandwich served on toasted Kaiser Bun. 

Choose: Cheese, mushrooms, onions, bacon, avocado 

Add 1 topping-1 Add unlimited toppings -2

THE DOWNTOWNER - 12

Hot Black Forest ham with New York sharp cheddar cheese, served on sourdough bread with fresh chips

BLARNEY STONE SANDWICH - 14

Roast beef, corned beef and Pastrami piled high on a Rye hoagie bun with Swiss and cheddar cheese, sauerkraut and thousand island dressing. Served with Irish Whiskey Au Jus for dipping

CHICAGO STYLE ROAST BEEF - 14

Shaved prime rib soaked in au jus with giardiniera mixture and topped with mozzarella cheese on a toasted ciabatta roll

CORK'S REUBEN - 11

Braised corned beef piled high on caraway rye bread and topped with a sauerkraut and dill pickle blend, swiss cheese and thousand island dressing

WALLEYE SANDWICH - 12

Beer battered walleye on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, red onion, tartar sauce and lemon. Served with fresh chips

CRANBERRY TURKEY - 12

Cold Deli shaved turkey breast , Swiss cheese, sprouts and cranberry mayo.

Entrees

NEW YORK STRIP - 32

14 oz Sterling Silver beef with a wild mushroom sauce. Served with fingerling potatoes and vegetables.

PASTA VODKA - 15

Italian sausage, roasted red peppers and prosciutto ham, in a vodka tomato sauce, tossed with penne pasta and fresh parmesan cheese.

PANKO WALLEYE - 22

Minnesota’s state fish breaded with Japanese bread crumbs, pan seared and served with lemon aioli and fresh lemon.

SHEPHERD'S PIE - 16

Classic country stew with seasonal vegetable, lamb and beef in a rich Jameson beef gravy finished with Yukon

horseradish pureed potatoes.

FISH & CHIPS - 13

Cod fried in our ale batter with fresh chips. Served with coleslaw, tartar sauce, malt vinegar and lemon.

CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE - 16

A classic preparation of braised corned beef and cabbage with a Guinness mushroom sauce accompanied by boiled red potatoes and baby carrots

LEPRECHAUN CHICKEN - 18

8 oz chicken breast soaked in a tequila lime marinade and then char grilled. Served with basmati rice and grilled vegetables

FETTUCCINE ALFREDO - 12

Fettuccine noodles tossed in garlic cream sauce and finished with parmesan cheese. 

Add chicken ~ 5 Add shrimp ~ 7

GRILLED WALLEYE - 22

Grilled Walleye with lemon beurre blanc over a bed of wild rice pilaf and sautéed spinach with tomatoes.

GRILLED SALMON - 20

Served on wild rice pilaf with sautéed leeks and wild mushrooms topped with a red wine beurre rouge.

DRUNKEN BROIL - 20

Grilled steak served with a splash of Bushmill Irish Whiskey, au jus, whipped potatoes and minted peas.

CHICKEN CURRY - 17

Diced chicken slowly simmered with onions, roasted red peppers, apples and peas in a coconut curry sauce served with basmati rice

COUNTY CORK SALMON - 22

Grilled salmon lightly topped with Bushmills whiskey cream sauce and served with Yukon gold mashers and grilled vegetable du jour

GRILLED ALE CHOP - 17

Grilled twin boneless pork chops topped with a hard cider Dijon sauce and served with horseradish mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables

BANGERS 'N MAC - 15

Penne pasta in a cream sauce with smoked gouda andlocally produced grilled lamb sausage.

Dessert

RUSTIC CARROT CAKE - 7

Layers of spiced cake and thick cream cheese icing with candied carrot and caramel sauce. 

BRULEE OF THE DAY - 5

Our rich custard finished with caramelized sugar. Homemade with the season’s best offerings. Ask your server what we created today!

CHOCOLATE KAHLUA CAKE -7

White chocolate mousse icing surrounding the perfect combination of smooth Kahlua cream and rich chocolate cake.

PEACH & BLUEBERRY CRISP - 6

Georgia Peaches and Minnesota Blueberries baked with brown sugar, cinnamon & sweet oat crumbles. Topped with vanilla ice cream.

HOT FUDGE BROWNIE SUNDAE - 6

Extreme chocolate brownies topped with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge and whipped cream.

So, head to downtown St. Paul, stop in, and try something new today!