An upscale yet chill culinary gem
From the moment we walked into Cork, we were struck by the atmosphere—sophisticated yet laid-back, with a cozy, upscale vibe that instantly set the tone for an incredible dining experience.
We kicked things off with an order of wings and fries. Now, let me tell you—my wife, who has tried fries all over the world, declared these the best fries she’s ever had. Perfectly crispy, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Next came the fried cauliflower, which turned out to be the highlight of the night. The batter was perfectly seasoned, and it came with a savory gravy infused with curry leaves and coconut milk that tied everything together beautifully. It was a showstopper.
We also tried the Seabass Belly, a dish we’d never encountered before—essentially the belly of the fish, battered and fried to golden perfection. But what truly stole the show was the salad underneath. It was so flavorful that even my wife, who never eats salad, went back for seconds. That says everything.
I went for the dry-aged steak (medium rare), and it was absolutely on point—juicy, tender, and full of flavor. We paired it with a side of mashed potatoes, which were rustic and hearty. Not overly processed, these mashed potatoes were slightly chunky and incredibly satisfying.
Service was equally impressive. Our server was warm, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the evening, making us feel well taken care of without being intrusive.
Though we didn’t get a chance to try dessert (we were completely full!), the chocolate item on the menu looked very tempting.
Whether you’re stopping through Stowe or staying a while, Cork is a must-visit. Make a reservation, treat yourself to a cocktail at the bar, and enjoy what might be one of the best meals you’ll...
Read moreWhile the service and atmosphere was nice, my “large plate” of squash pasta with a cheese/white sauce was unimaginative and plain. Then I was told that I had to pay $4 extra to get “heirloom” tomatoes added, which I did (they should have been included with the fairly bland dish). My plate appeared with anemic looking square cut chunks of a clearly unripe tomato that was hard and had little flavor. (there were green sections of the tomato meat!) My waitress assured me that this WAS a local heirloom tomato, which of course, didn’t make me feel any less disappointed. What was most surprising was that she didn’t remove the upcharge for them off our tab. This issue points to problems with sourcing, with the judgement and competence of the kitchen staff, and the judgement of the wait staff. I won’t be back until I hear of significant staff changes. BTW, I didn’t send the plate back because, a) it took way too long to finally get served, and b) my date had already started her meal. It looks really bad when service providers try to brush off criticism…as if they can’t learn or improve from feedback. You CAN and should do better. There’s so much...
Read moreThis little gem in Stowe is the place to be! Cork exudes charm with its cozy ambiance, delectable food, and a vibrant bar scene that makes every visit special. The natural wine selection is exceptional and unique, and the knowledgeable, friendly staff will help you with recommendations for drinks or food! Owned by a local woman (ex-ski racers), Cork delivers an authentic local vibe with the sophistication and style of a big city. On this visit, I enjoyed a perfectly cooked, locally-sourced burger paired with two glasses of natural wine—bonus points for no hangover! Sitting at the bar, I had a great time chatting with staff and fellow patrons. Other times, I’ve dressed up for more formal occasions and indulged in oysters, a hero main like duck, steak, or salmon with mouthwatering sides, making milestones like birthdays and reunions extra memorable. And here’s the cherry on top: you can grab a bottle of wine for a nightcap or tomorrow’s apres at home! Cork is perfect for any occasion—casual or celebratory....
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