Friday, March 30, 2012

Top Trends in Downtown Dining

As we move full swing into 2012, we can't help but notice how everything is beginning to blossom all around us, including these flourishing trends in downtown dining. We've compiled a handful of what we feel will continue to be some top trends in St. Paul dining throughout 2012.

  1. Craft Beer - With all of the great, local, Minnesota breweries, it'd be only natural that we'd embrace the flowing tide of great imbibement options. This year, get hoppy and try something new. Who knows, you might actually find a whole new hobby! Check for Cork's weekly features as we often get in some hard to find bottle options. 
  2. Food Trucks - Food trucks have been a mainstay staple in other large cities for some time now; however, the concept in our market is still a relative novelty. Really gaining tracking over the last two summers, the presence of food trucks in both Minneapolis and St. Paul is becoming a much beloved fixture in our warm weather dining pursuits. 
  3. Dining al Fresco - With what little gorgeous summer weather we even get around here, we love to spend it out of doors. Soaking up the sunshine while enjoying our meals and even drinks with friends and family, what more could one ask for? (Hence our newfound love affair with food trucks, see above). 
  4. Sustainable & Local Ingredients - Our own culinary team embraces this trend, loving to scour the local farmer's markets for inspiration. It appears that our team is not alone, in that many of our downtown neighbors also look to the local growers for inspiration as well as push for more sustainable options to offer diners. 
  5. Gluten-free Items and Healthier Options - As an increasing number of diners are more health-conscious and eschew gluten, we restaurants must respond accordingly. Here at Cork's, we ask that you notify your server of any special dietary requirements or restrictions when dining with us, so we can ensure that your needs are met. 
Did we miss any in our list? Let us know in the comments. We'd love to hear from you!

Sunday, March 25, 2012

This Week's Can't Miss - March 26 to April 1


This week we've got quite the line-up of a few of our favorite things, so you can mark your calendars and make plans to get out and have some fun!

 

Weekly Features
Finnegan's Blonde is our weekly beer feature. 
Happy Hour is offered Monday through Friday, 4pm to 6pm with: 
Half off all appetizers, rail, call, martinis, whiskeys, and specialty drinks.
$3 house wine, $2 standard bottles and taps, $3 premium bottles and taps

Monday - 3/26
Happy Monday! 
We kick off the week with Martini Mondays - 1/2 off any of our delicious martinis all day.

Tuesday - 3/27
Everyone's Irish Tuesday with half-off all Irish-inspired specialty drinks. 

Wednesday - 3/28
Weed Wednesday: Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Vodka + any mixer = $3

Thursday - 3/29
Wine & Music Lover Thursday with Ben Aaron and half-price bottles of wine. 
Show starts at 7. 

Friday - 3/30
Facebook Fan Friday - 1/2 off your lunch from 11am to 4pm if you "Like" us on Facebook.
 Date Night: Two 12-oz Prime Rib Specials and a bottle of house wine for only $50. 
Hendricks and Tonics for just $4 ALL day!

Saturday - 3/31
Date Night: Two 12-oz Prime Rib Specials and a bottle of house wine for only $50. 
$3 Irish Car Bombs ALL day!
Minnesota Swarm Away Game Viewing Party with Happy Hour specials (see above) and $6 pitchers of Coors Light valid all game long!

Sunday - 4/1
 Happy April Fools' Day! 
Our famous plated Sunday Brunch runs 10am to 2pm.
Sunday Bloody Sunday with $5 Bloody Marys ALL day.
Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar from 11am-4pm


There you have it! Something fun to do each and every day this week. We'll see you soon! S'lainte! 

Sunday, March 18, 2012

A Crispin Spring

With weather approaching 80 degrees (in March no less), our thoughts skipped past spring and right to summer. Bring on the shorts, the flip flops, the dining al fresco, and of course, the perfect summer drink! We're thinking after yesterday, you might be a little beer'ed out and ready for something lighter, something crisper, and something very refreshing, of course.

Cider is a fabulous choice, and around here, we're pretty partial to Crispin Cider! We're pretty sure the following concoctions will have you kicking up your heels and beating the heat in style.

The Ginger Crisp
Ingredients
3 oz. Gin
Crispin Brut
2 "chunks" crystallized ginger
Ice
Lemon
Method
Muddle crystallized ginger with a splash of Crispin Brut cider in a highball glass. Add ice and gin; stir. Pour Crispin Brut cider over ice to fill glass. Garnish with twist of lemon.

Lemon Crisp (Serves: 10)
Ingredients
12 oz frozen lemonade
2 Crispin Original
6 oz Vodka
12 oz Lemon Lime soda
Ice
Method
Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and stir until mixed thoroughly. Add ice to chill. Dust Martini Glass rim with salt and shred one mint leaf and place into Martini glass. Pour chilled Lemon Crisp mixture into the Martini glass and serve.

Crispin Cherry Spray
Ingredients
1 shot cherry liqueur
2 shots Crispin brut
2 shots Ocean Spray White Cranberry Peach
Splash of Rose's Lime
Method
Shake lightly pour over ice and serve with maraschino cherry and slice of lime.

Crisp Cubana
Ingredients
15ml Bacardi White Rum
30ml Pineapple juice
Crispin Brut
Method
Poured over muddled lime, pineapple and mint.Top with Crispin Brut Cider in a tall glass. Garnish with mint sprig.

If none of the above suit your fancy, be sure to check Crispin's Mixology page for a plethora of additional drinks for every taste and occasion. 

Happy Cider...oops, I mean Happy (early) Summer! 

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Champagne Easter Brunch 2012

Our bountiful Champagne Easter Brunch is back for 2012 and just around the corner. Join us between 10am and 2pm on Easter Sunday, April 8, for a feast like no other.

Starters 
Cheese Tray 
Fruit Tray 
Crudité Platter 
Smoked Salmon Tray 
Salad Bar 
Jell-O Salad 
Pasta Salad 
Shrimp and Crab Claws 

Breakfast
Fresh Baked Muffins, Cinnamon Rolls, and Other Assorted Pastries
Yogurt Parfait Bar 
French Toast 
Waffles 
Scrambled Eggs 
Eggs Benedict 
Bacon/Sausage 
Potatoes O'Brien 
Omelet Station  

Savory
Carved Ham 
Carved Flank Steak 
Carved Leg of Lamb 
Lemon Chicken Roulade with Wild Rice Stuffing 
Herb-Crusted Salmon with Lemon Beurre Blanc 
Swedish Meatballs 
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes 
Rice Pilaf 
Gemelli Pasta with Alfredo 
Honey-Glazed Carrots 
Dinner Rolls

Dessert
Grand Dessert Buffet with Cakes, Pies, Bars, and More!
Chocolate Fountain with All the Dipping Items
Build Your Own Sundae Bar

As you can see from the menu, this is not a brunch you want to miss. No cooking, no clean-up, and no dishes! Prices are $28.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids ages 3 to 12. 

Reservations are recommended, and may be made by calling Cork's at 651.224.5111.

We'll see you there!