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!