Show stopper

Let wine flow freely — or at least cheaply — and people will come running. The early, explosive success of Cork Wine Pub proves as much. Opened just before Thanksgiving, the first-ever recipient of a liquor license in Pleasant Ridge is deceptively calm and commercial to passers-by on Woodward. But inside, it's warm smiles, interesting food and a boisterous atmosphere buoyed by dozens of wines by the glass — and even more by the bottle.

Decorated in an eclectic, contemporary kitsch, the atmosphere is welcoming but stylish. Walls are adorned with original abstract art, wooden barrel tops and reclaimed metalwork, including old, ornate air vents.

The metal ceiling and spacious but narrow dining area facilitate a loud, active, fun environment. Cork is, after all, a pub, and the long bar and even longer list of libations rises to that moniker. A second room offers lower-priced retail wines and provides spillover bar space for busy nights.

While the retail prices are perfectly fair, it's the restaurant's mark-ups that raise eyebrows: To wit, they're exceptionally low. Where else in metro Detroit can you find perfectly drinkable glass of Grenache for only $4? Beverage director Jeffrey Mar's selection prefers substance over namedropping: a handful of naturally-made cult favorites, a mix of Old World and New World wines, equal attention paid to whites and reds, and several upper-tier bottles genuinely worth the price.

One will need plenty of food to eat with all that wine, and Cork doesn't disappoint. The options are varied and wine-friendly: Very few dishes are too acidic, too spicy or too salty to pair well.

The menu's most robust section showcases about 18 small plates, which range from salads and bar snacks to sandwiches and bigger bites. Try the grilled cheese: With a thin layer of prosciutto and melted Gruyère, it's thoroughly delicious and bears little resemblance to the greasy mass-processed memories from many a childhood.

Several of Chef Bree Hoptman's other nibbles seem to be upscale twists on comforting dishes. The spicy, $5 fried chick peas and roasted almonds are each reminiscent of (but totally superior to) traditional bar snacks. She also features a plate of fairly classic knishes with potato filling and roasted potatoes with a chipotle dipping sauce in lieu of fries. And while many a Midwesterner has flaked off bits of smoked freshwater fish, far fewer have had smoked trout with fennel, served atop a homemade sesame cracker.

Hungrier diners without the stomach for a full meal can consider the Amherst Egg, a protein-rich small plate that's anything but small, featuring a poached egg, flank steak and bacon with blue cheese for $14.

Cheese lovers have plenty to enjoy as well: Spanish sheep's milk and St. Andre triple cream cheeses aren't often seen on other area menus, but they're presented here with several others as well as with delicious and thoughtful accoutrements, such as nuts and quince paste.

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