Simple Hedonisms

It was a Sunday morning after a few too many cocktails. After a hike to try and shake it off, my out of town visitors and I were starving and wanted late (1pm!) breakfast combined with some sightseeing. To capture both, I chose Corks, which I have driven by many times, but have never stopped. I have also noticed their various fixed price events and have not yet attended. Plus, they had wine tasting, so we could kill 3 birds at once.

I made an Opentable reservation, and headed over. They have both inside and outside seating….so we sat outside to take advantage of a perfect mid 80s day. The patio has decent views, and is more casual than inside. The staff is super attentive and friendly. We were never forgotten, and things came out promptly.

Yummy cranberry scones were brought right away, and I promptly inhaled mine.

The wine list offers many of their own varietals, reasonably priced, as well as some good Russian River choices nearby, such as Woodenhead and Carol Shelton. While others ordered mimosas, I went for the undiluted bubbles. Given that the Non Vintage Brut was $5, I wasn’t expecting much. It was better used in a mimosa, big lazy bubbles, and also served too warm. It was pretty much the only downside of the experience, and a minor one at that.

The eggs Benedict selection was ordered all around, both veggie and regular. Each version was very good, served with potatoes and bell peppers. I forgot to ask for the hollandaise sauce on the side, but it wasn’t overpowering. The Canadian bacon was yummy, tender enough to cut with a fork, and not overly salty.

It was a simple breakfast: prompt, tasty and hit the spot. And, again, the service was excellent.

After brunch, we made a quick stop at the wine tasting bar. I was really just looking for the higher end Pinot, but that wasn’t being tasted. They had a varied list of varietals, mostly in the $20 range….I just wasn’t in the mood, nor was my palette, for slogging through lower end stuff. So, I just tried their 2007 Pinot, and moved on.

The tasting fee is a reasonable $5, and I believe waived with purchase.
I didn’t inquire if the wine tasting area is dog friendly. Given that it’s inside the restaurant, I doubt it.

I will come back for a dinner event, and try the rest of the wines…it would be a good way to warm up for dinner. Corkage, I believe, is a reasonable $15. (Sunday night they had bbq and a live music special.)

For you tourists cruising through this part of town, it’s a worthwhile stop for a bite, (and casual wine tasting) especially given that restaurants aren’t abundant. For us locals, the prix fixe offerings seem worth checking out, will come back and review again.

About Corks:
Corks features a complete luncheon menu, including vegetarian dishes, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 10:30 a.m to 2:30 pm on Sundays. A full dinner menu is served Thursday through Saturday, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., with an additional four-course, prix fixe option. The menu changes weekly to capture the very best of the seasonal produce from local purveyors.

On Monday night, Corks’ offers Pasta King Night, featuring the fine fare of Sonoma County’s ever-popular Art Ibleto. Enjoy a selection of Art’s Italian specialties, served buffet-style from 5 to 8 pm, for $12 per person, $6.00 for children under the age of 10.

On Wednesday night and Sunday afternoon, diners can enjoy a midweek treat with JB’s Barbecue, showcasing barbecued tri-tip & chicken, caesar salad, baked beans, corn on the cob and a selection of all-you-can-eat pasta. Served from 5 to 8 pm for $15 per person, $10 for children under the age of 10.