After a long day spent soaking up the electric atmosphere on the Mall, our group was starving. Poor Giselle was surviving on a bag of popcorn and Georges and I even less. With cold limbs and aching feet, we headed over to Union Station which promised a wide variety of dining options. Options abounded, but the crowds overwhelmed them all. So, we hopped onto the Metro and went to Historic U street, once the heart of Black Washington, to find respite from the frigid temperatures. Obama fever was in full flush here as well. How exciting to stroll streets swelling with proud citizens awaiting the big event of 1-20-09. Turned away at our first few stops, we finally found refuge at Cork, a wine bar located in the Logan Circle neighborhood. What appears to be a cozy little one-room restaurant/bar upon entrance is actually a warren of dining spaces on various levels. We were escorted to a table on a little balcony in the middle of the restaurant. It was warm and snug, the soft lighting, rustic wood tables and extensive wine menu allowing us to exhale at last.
We settled in with a glass of Tissot Cremant de Jura, a pinot-based sparkling wine that was dry and crisp ($11) and the Bartolomiol prosecco ($8), which was a new brand for us, and very enjoyable. After our wine orders were placed, were were able to peruse the menu.
The small plates menu enabled us to sample a range of items. We started with the cheese (3 for $10)and charcuterie (3 for $15) plates as well as an order of the roasted brussels sprouts with pancetta and brown butter ($8). Funnily enough, two of the three cheeses offered were California favorites, Humboldt Fog and Cowgirl Creamery. The third was a nutty pecorino. All three were well complemented by the quince jam and the mixed nuts that completed the presentation. The charcuterie plate featured a mound of thinly sliced prosciutto, salami and chorizo and a ramekin of mustard. The fresh French bread was plentiful and we made short work of devouring all that was set before us. Funny what missing lunch and 6 hour walk will do for the appetite. We decided to try one more dish and selected the grilled Angus flat iron steak with broccoli rabe, braised radicchio and horseradish sauce. The steak, cooked at the requested medium rare, was juicy and flavorful. The broccoli rabe absorbed the tasty juices and we were all happy with the choice.
Cork is definitely a place I would return to if in DC again, particularly during a less busy time than inauguration week.
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