Corks owners Antonio Mure (L) and Giuseppe Catrini
We popped in to Corks last night, a new wine bar located at 4342 California near 6th Avenue.
We were warmly greeted by Italian co-owners and cousins, Antonio Mure and Giuseppe Catrini. Giuseppe owned and operated Cafe del Sole in the same location previously, but said that after 11 years, he decided it was time to refresh the space and try a new concept.
Corks just opened last Friday and is currently offering a limited wine menu with an emphasis on Italian and California wines.
They are also serving a menu of small plates that includes Ahi Tuna Tartare ($14), a Nicoise Salad ($13), crispy walnut bread with gorgonzola dolcelatte ($9), and a daily selection of cheeses served with buts and hot pepper jelly ($12). The plates are the perfect size for two to share with a glass of wine.
Mure and Catrini are originally from Sicily, Italy, and Mure is a veteran of eight restaurants in Los Angeles.
“Eat well and drink good is our motto,” said Mure when we asked what the pair were aiming for when they opened Corks.
“Food is the ultimate art that gets in your blood.”
Catrini and Mure said they favor red wines, but also enjoy a good Prosecco (currently they have Prosecco Bormioli Extra Dry on the menu). Catrini said he is also working on sourcing a good house red from Napa Valley for Corks.
Inside Corks
They also plan to carry a Lambrusco variety, known as a dry, bubbly, refreshing red wine.
The space is small and cozy, and softly lit with the small kitchen and serving area off to one side, and seating on the other. Small tables line the east wall, and there is a large, centered island with bar seating that creates a casual atmosphere like you are in someone’s kitchen enjoying a glass of wine. There are wine accents in the decor throughout the space including paneling on the walls from old wine crates.
Corks is currently open Monday through Thursday from 11am until 9:30pm, and until 10:30pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Stop in to say hello, and toast their opening with a nice glass of wine.
Sarah B.
The exterior of Corks at 4342 California near 6th Avenue
The Corks opening menu (Nov 2016)
Wow! Good for you. Hope you do well. Just a note to let you know that good music, ie. jazz, is such a wonderful accompaniment to a fine wine bar. Later please consider the marvelous musicians in the SF area. A fine pairing!
I went here the other night! This place is really cool, very special. The authentic vibe, the amazing wine and food… I haven’t experienced that in a while. I will definitely go back!