Last updated on May 6th, 2024 at 06:48 pm
Michael Holland - Updated on May 6th, 2024
If you’re an adventurous foodie, this review of The Cook and The Cork restaurant in Coral Springs will surely grab your attention.
They boast an explosion of flavors you won’t find anywhere else. But is it all sunshine and spices?
We’re dishing on the good, the bad, and…gulp!…the ugly.
Our SENTY75 rating system reveals how 75 recent diners felt and what they said. Did The Cook and the Cork tantalize their taste buds or leave them wanting more?
Let’s go!
The Cook and The Cork Review | Restaurant Decor, Ambiance & Seating
Don’t let the outside fool you. The Cook and the Cork might look unassuming from the street, but step inside and prepare to be amazed.
It’s a vibrant atmosphere that explodes with global flavors.
Decor & Ambiance
This place is decorated with a cool mix of modern and eclectic touches, like funky lighting under a sleek black-and-white bar.
The dining area has dark wood tables and chairs, stylish red accents, and cozy lighting that perfectly sets the mood.
It’s exactly what the owners say: “homey and comfortable, but with seriously good food!”
Seating
Space-wise, it’s not huge. The L-shaped bar seats 10, and the dining room can handle about 50+ hungry guests.
They also have some outdoor seating on the patio, perfect for a starry night.
Location, Reservations, Dress Code & Hours
Location
- Address: 9890 W Sample Rd, Coral Springs, FL 33065
- Phone: 954-227-2665
- Website:thecookandthecork.com
Reservations & Dress Code
- Reservation recommended.
- There is no formal dress code. So feel free to join the adventure in casual attire.
Hours of Operation
- Sunday-Tuesday (Closed)
- Wednesday-Friday from 5p.m.-7p.m. (Happy Hour)
- Wednesday-Thursday from 5p.m.-9p.m. (Dinner)
- Â Friday from 5p.m.-10p.m. (Dinner)
- Saturday from 5p.m.-10:30p.m. (Dinner)
Restaurant Parking and Accessibility
The restaurant is a standalone building that adjoins a strip business plaza. As you’ll see in this video, there is ample free parking. (Watch)
Menu Highlights
Prepare your tastebuds for a global culinary journey. Just remember that this menu doesn’t rest on its laurels.
Influences and Flavors
Korean Kick: Dive into Korean classics with their award-winning KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) tossed in a sweet, spicy gochujang sauce.
Mediterranean Mosaic: Explore the Aegean with dishes like delicious grilled octopus braised with fennel, paprika, and smoky chipotle aioli for a Mexican twist.
European Elegance: Elevate your comfort food cravings with European flair, like Pappardelle Bolognese featuring Mishima Reserve American Wagyu beef and basil-infused ricotta.
American Flair: Savor the smoky, caramelized flavors of the “Thursday Burger” featuring Akaushi beef, a type of Wagyu, topped with burnt onions.
French Presentation Inspiration: Experience a fusion of French and Japanese techniques with parchment-steamed mushrooms flavored with miso, yuzu, and sake.
Overall, the menu and cuisine are diverse and creative.
Menu Breakdown
The Cook and The Cork offers cuisine that caters to various appetites and dietary needs. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Appetizers and Starters:Â For those seeking lighter fare or a pre-dinner nibble, 5 snack options are available – such as Grilled Rosemary Focaccia and Bacon Wrapped Dates.
Global Flavors in Shareable Portions:Â The restaurant shines with a nice selection of small plates (9 choices), including seafood and vegetarian options. And by all means, inquire about the house-prepared charcuterie and cheese board.
Hearty Entrées: They offer 8 enticing entrées. Explore beef, pork, and seafood options. You can keep it simple with a dry-aged prime NY strip steak, or get down and dirty with sticky short rib and wasabi mashed potatoes.
Delightful Desserts: You’ll find a selection of 5 delectable desserts that include apple strudel and key lime pie. But these are always changing.
Dietary Options
The restaurant can accommodate various dietary requirements, such as vegetarian and gluten-free.
Just ask the staff if certain dishes on the menu can be adjusted to suit your needs. Here are some examples:
Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Options:
- Snacks: Cucumber Kimchee, Edamame Succotash, Parchment Mushrooms, Roasted Cauliflower, and Bok Choy (depending on preparation)
- Salads: Gem Lettuce Gremolata
- Small Plates: Pierogies, Roasted Beets
- Entrées: Grilled Heritage Pork Chop (sauce might contain gluten, best to inquire), Dry-Aged Prime NY Strip, Braised Lamb Shank, and Vegetarian Rice “Gnocchi”.
"Beautiful place with really good food. Unique menu and all freshly made. The experience is top notch."
Wine and Beverage Menu Selections
The beverage menu boasts a rich selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. The restaurant’s drink menu is a world tour in a glass. Let’s delve into each category:
Spirits & Beer
Craft cocktails and classic liquors are always on hand but feel free to get wild with their global draft beers on rotation.
Wine
Their extensive list boasts bottles and half-bottles from everywhere: classic regions like France and California, plus exciting finds from up-and-coming winemakers and regions.
(Note: You can bring your own wine, but the corkage fee is $30 – and your wine cannot be one on their wine list. So call ahead to confirm.)
Sake To Me!
Sake lovers, listen up! The Cook and the Cork takes sake seriously.
Explore different grades, origins from specific Japanese prefectures, and taste profiles – dry to slightly sweet with intriguing fruit notes.
Your server can recommend a tasting path for a thrilling flavor journey.
Prices & Value
They offer a range of pricing options to suit different budgets and dining styles:
– Snacks range from $6 to $20, averaging around $12 – perfect for those who go for happy hour or just want a little something to nosh on.
– Small plates range from $13 to $28. This is an excellent option if you like trying diverse flavors and sharing or don’t have a big appetite.
РEntr̩es entice with delights ranging from $19 to $50, averaging around $36.
Overall, this menu is for people who take good food and drink seriously. Is that you?
"What a lovely evening...We tried several different dishes- crawfish/shrimp cakes, homemade chips and dip (OMG)... everything was great! ... Nice blues music...awesome service...Cannot wait to go back."
Online Presence and Ordering Options
- Website: The restaurant has a nice website and an easy-to-navigate online menu. It offers pickup and delivery service.
- Social Media: They are on Facebook, Instagram, and X. However, the level of activity, posting, and engagement is infrequent.
Sprecial Features, Offers & Events
– Serves happy hour food
– Has a private dining room
– Has Wi-Fi
– Offers gift cards
– Has a catering menu
Restaurant Inspection Report - Cleanliness & Hygiene
The Cook and the Cork serves fabulous global flavors. But we still thought it prudent to ensure that the cooking and serving conditions met Florida Department of Health food safety rules.
The following infographic summarizes the results of their November 2023 inspection:
The Cook and The Cork Reviews | SENTY75 Analysis & Ratings
So far, I’ve painted a mostly sunny portrait of The Cook and The Cork. But what I say is not the last word.
You should pay more attention to the 75 recent customer reviews (with feedback) we analyzed using our SENTY75 rating system. The reviews come from independent sites like Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor.
Here’s what the SENTY75 system revealed.
As you see, recent customers gave The Cook and The Cork a SENTY75 rating of 4.4, which is in line with their excellent Google lifetime rating.
Now let’s dive into the details to learn why some people didn’t give them 5-stars. Nobody’s perfect, right?
First, here are the top 5 positive and negative sentiments shared about the restaurant by diners.
Unsurprisingly, customer satisfaction is very high. However, like most eateries, a few people had critiques.
Let’s keep going. Here are the top positive and negative mentions about the food.
The bottomline is that you can breathe easy knowing that the kitchen and restaurant overall continue to deliver outstanding quality and service. And remember, that’s not solely my opinion.
"Awesome service and food... Laurie is attentive and engaging. We will return for more great eats. Many innovative menu items. The Asian style ribs shined for me- I would say the best in South Florida."
Restaurant Background & History
Keith & Dena Blauschild aren’t your average restaurateurs.
These culinary masterminds behind The Cook and the Cork first honed their skills at their Parkland Chef Catering company, a local favorite (and still going strong!).Â
Years of rave reviews from countless events finally led them to open their dream restaurant in 2014. You can get the full story from this 2016 PBS interview of the couple.
In describing why they opened The Cook and The Cork and are passionate about their menu, here’s what they said:
"The inspiration is travel and having so many world influences on food. From Korean food to Eastern European to American food - food that we're all familiar with like pierogies or spare ribs - and bringing it up a few notches and just making it amazing".
News, Awards, and Accolades
- The restaurant received the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and The “DIRONA” (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) Award.
- The eatery is the South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s 2024 winner and readers’ choice for best fried chicken in South Florida. That alone is worth a visit. (Sun-Sentinel)
- Chef Keith Blauschild was selected by the American Master Chefs Order to participate in its prestigious Master Chef Exam preparatory event.
- Based on its excellent SENTY75 score, the restaurant was named to our list of best restaurants in Coral Springs for 2024.
Community Involvement
A portion of this restaurant’s staff consists of culinary institute students. The restaurant funds scholarships for deserving students.
The Cook & The Cork - FAQ
Is The Restaurant Kid-Friendly?
While they have a few kid-friendly options on the menu, the ambiance might be better suited for a more mature crowd. They don’t have a dedicated kids’ menu, so it’s best to call ahead and inquire.
Do They Offer Outdoor Seating?
Yes. They have a charming outdoor patio (shown below) with comfortable seating, perfect for enjoying a meal under the stars.
Is The Restaurant Expensive?
The Cook and the Cork falls into the mid-range price point. Entrees average around $30-$50, with appetizers and desserts priced accordingly.
While it’s not a budget-friendly option, the food quality and the overall experience justify the price.
Conclusion
The Cook and the Cork is a place that was made for food adventure-seekers and gourmands.
You will find global flavor combinations and presentations, and cuisine fusions that will have you doing a double-take. And remember the rotating worldly beverage menu.
All in all, diners collectively give the restaurant two enthusiastic thumbs up.Â
