Courtesy of Cork on the Water
When local restaurateurs Jonah Landy and Debbie and Cameron Fitch began planning for their newest venture in Grand Lake, Cork on the Water, they had a general vision in mind.
“What we want is for people to feel like we are inviting them over to our home,” Debbie Fitch said. “It just happens to be a restaurant overlooking Grand Lake.”
On Lake Avenue, Cork on the Water comes with an expansive deck just a few yards from the shimmering waters of Grand Lake. It is an upscale, yet casual establishment featuring shared plates and an extensive wine list. It evokes the atmosphere of a European café or a sidewalk bistro, albeit with the quiet privacy afforded by the restaurant’s awe-inspiring location.
“We want it to feel comfortable and inviting,” Fitch said.
Cork on the Water opened the first week of July, when it held a soft opening shortly after Independence Day, and the restaurant has remained opened as the staff prepares for their grand opening event scheduled for this weekend.
Courtesy of Cork on the Water
Cork on the Water features a menu that focuses on fresh and organic food with an emphasis on locally sourced products. Selections at Cork on the Water have a coastal and international flair, and while some of their dishes are served as individual entrees, much of the menu is intended to be enjoyed as a shared plate, in the company of friends and family, at a leisurely pace.
Patrons at Cork on the Water can choose from a wide variety of options from classic southwest favorites like fish tacos to traditional English pub style fish and chips. The restaurant offers Mediterranean options such as the hummus and falafel plate, which Fitch called her personal favorite, and some classic bar food like steak sliders.
For an especially apropos experience, people can grab some friends, a bottle of wine and Cork on the Water’s charcuterie board to enjoy a light, casual meal on the patio as the sun sinks over Shadow Mountain.
Courtesy of Cork on the Water
Designing the menu at Cork on the Water are chefs Cullen Johnson and Elias Gorecki, who will continue to serve as the restaurant’s chefs.
“They are wonderful talents,” Fitch said. “They are so creative. We are looking forward to some chef dinners that we will probably do later this year.”
As one might imagine with a name like Cork on the Water, the establishment focuses on wine. Fitch noted that Chef Johnson is also a sommelier and developed the wine menu at Cork on the Water along with a menu of craft cocktails featuring items such as lavender and elder berries, which Fitch called “twists on old favorites.”
Cork on the Water’s wine list features wines from all over the world, encompassing options for a wide variety of palettes and prices. The restaurant also offers champagne selections for more celebratory occasions, or simply just because.
“We believe we have one of the most spectacular views overlooking gorgeous Grand Lake,” Fitch said. “We have this wonderful patio and delicious food and wine. What more could you want?”