Moving past the “why is the cork on the fork?” scene this restaurant’s name brought to mind (from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with Michael Caine and Steve Martin), we adjusted to the ambience of the La Quinta, CA hideaway.
In the restaurant dubbed a “unique wine bar and kitchen,” you’ll relish the hand-selected wine list (CORK) and fresh tasting small plates menu (FORK). Chef/ owner Andie Hubka delivered one of our small plates choices quietly without fanfare, but fanfare is what this individual and her creations deserve.
Plunging into gustatory delights, we struck it right with first tastes of berries and lilacs in a Pinot Noir, and ginormous Local Dates graced with Point Reyes Blue Cheese and toasted almonds in garlic chive oil.
The Prosciutto Carpaccio with wild baby arugula, shaved parmesan, honey Dijon aioli, and garlic breadcrumbs was a hit.
Our attempt to linger over Spicy Korean Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps failed miserably due to perfectly pickled vegetables, cashew, sweet soy, mango, and petite Honeygem lettuce contrasting crisp pork bits. We licked the bowl.
The Shrimp & Grits, with organic heirloom grits, Andouille sausage, OMG tasso gravy and scallions, did not disappoint even this foodie who recently learned the art of gumbo in Louisiana.
Butterscotch Pot du Crème (crème fraiche, Maldon flake sea salt) was our selection for a sweet finale, and we properly indulged with the addition of applewood smoked bacon. You’ve got to try it.
Cork & Fork, La Quinta, CA: http://www.corkandforkwinebar.com.
nonnaswanderings 
Sounds lovely. Now a place to go AND a movie to watch.
Yum, all this talking about food and wine is making me hungry!
What a self explanatory, yet creative and quaint sounding name for a restaurant. The plates have an abundance of color so if they tasted as good as they look, it must have been quite a great meal..
Yum post! The Butterscotch Pot du Crème looks like the perfect finish to an amazing meal
Sounds like a great meal~
oh yeah! we are plotting a return-
oh so sinful, but right.
absolutely a 10
we are trying to cope.
exactly
It sounds and looks lovely. I am quite sure I would enjoy dinner there!
How could anyone resist trying such a spot. Sounds like delicious, fun dining. What a way to go! Count me in!
You really hit some of my “sweet spots” with this post — sounds like you have good reasons to crave this place.
YES, Cathy! and good reason to return three days later for repeaters (dates & lettuce wraps) and some new eats (rustic mushroom Neopolitan pizza & Hawaiian bread pudding…