5 Reasons to Wine and Dine at Cork Dork

Absolutely everything on the menu was amazing, especially the Crispy Cauliflower! However there’s more than the food that would entice you to come to Cork Dork. Here are 5 reasons why you should wine and dine at Cork Dork!

By day, I’m your trusted realtor with SG Associates serving the 805 area. But my other passion is being a chef. I love combining the two loves of my life, real estate and cooking, which is why I had to meet with Chef Danny at Cork Dork for my clients to know about them. Cork Dork is a 45 seat restaurant with an impressive wine selection and unique cuisine inspired by Chef Danny’s Middle Eastern background and his experience of multiple restaurant establishments. Located in Westlake Village on the borderlines of Los Angeles County and Ventura County, this place caters to the foodies looking for the LA atmosphere without having to travel too far, to the wine connoisseurs and to the “local joint” lovers. So here are 5 reasons to save Cork Dork on your phone.

IT’S THEIR PASSION

“The ONLY thing in the freezer is the ice cream”, said with a straight face, co owner Dan Margolis. I often hear Farm to Table when describing any restaurant’s menu to support local farm lands and the crusade of staying on the healthy side, however Cork Dork is one of those restaurants but with a stronger stand on keeping it “in house”. With many years of experience in the food industry, Dan and Chef Danny owners of Cork Dork, run their business with passion. It shows in the quality of the food, their customer service and how they treat their staff. Right away I felt very connected with their passion as it mirrors mine when working at SG Associates and my cooking.

JUST A COUPLE OF GUYS

Both Dan’s grew up in Westlake Village. As every young adult before and after them, left for the big city for the taste of life and then come back to where they want to raise a family. They used to swap dreams and ideas until they realized time was ticking and needed to do something to fulfill their passion. Their final decision to go into business came in late 2019 and just as they were about to break ground, Covid 19 shut everything down. Their plans were pushed and the restaurant opened in May 2021.

Listening to them speak about the restaurant, you can hear they love what they do. What you see in their eyes tells a different story. It’s the long time friendship, camaraderie and understanding to their main goal which is the success of the restaurant that speaks louder than words. I could have easily ordered a bottle of wine to hear more. As I was leaving I can see Dan moving to another table maybe telling the same story. I almost joined that table.

NAPA TECHNOLOGY

With a name like Cork Dork, you expect them to serve wine, and they do not disappoint. Aside from their eclectic selection from around the world, they have Napa Technology. It’s a 16 bottle wine aerator located behind the bar. This keeps the bottle longer which allows the server to pour 2oz glass to the customer.  They also serve flights for the ones who want a little bit of everything and by the glass from 2oz to a bottle. 

DISHES WITH FLAVOR FROM EVERYWHERE

805life Cork Dork Prime Hanger Steak

Cooking is my passion. As I was perusing through the menu, my mind went to a flurry of questions of how, what, why and where of every ingredient in the dish. I ordered the Crispy Cauliflower which happens to be a local favorite, along with the Burrata as an appetizer. I can taste the Middle Eastern flavor in the Crispy Cauliflower. The serving bowl was taken away clean. For our entrees, I ordered the Hanger steak medium rare and Branzino for my wife. The Hanger Steak had an Asian flair with soba noodles. And for dessert, Beignets which is a nice tribute to Chef Danny’s mother coming from the south.

NEIGHBORHOOD FAVORITE

Since May, Cork Dork has been busy. I have friends and colleagues who tell me they venture out there for wine and something to eat. The Crispy Cauliflower was the popular item on the menu. As a realtor, location is everything and they certainly picked a great spot. It’s in a shopping center with a grocery store, Pavilions and a children’s dentistry, which is convenient when parents are driving by. It caught my colleague’s attention before going to the grocery store to grab something for dinner. She just needed to make reservations sooner! As I write this I heard they are changing the menu, so I can’t wait to see what they have to offer. Whatever it is, I’m sure it will be incredible. 

So if you’re interested in trying something new and exciting to challenge your palette, then I suggest this neighborhood restaurant. I hope my 5 reasons to wine and dine at Cork Dork excite you to come in to order a bottle or flight and enjoy everything on the menu. https://corkdorkwinebar.com/

Check out our Youtube video too!

If you also have any questions regarding the Westlake Village neighborhood or the 805 area, please let me know and I would be happy to discuss. Have a great day.

Your Real Estate Chef ~ Ernest Yturriaga

https://sgassociatesre.com/team/ernest-yturriaga/

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