63 Corks
★★★★☆ 4.3 (33)
"There are very few places I go, where I'm almost 100% confident my meal will be out of this world. 63 Corks is one of those places. Just visited for a fifth or sixth time, and decided to finally crank out a review. Stopped in on a Saturday night, and the place was hopping. Was there for my birthday, so they seated us at the Chef's table when they found out. Didn't request it, so getting it was a really nice surprise!For starters we did a glass of cab (9/10), and one of their house whiskey cocktails with Buffalo Trace, an apple slice, cinnamon stick, simple syrup and bitters (8/10). Like a slightly spiced Old Fashioned. We also ordered the "Ohio Hot" Fall Calamari ($16). It was Crisp Porcini Mushroom Dusted Calamari, Roasted Butternut & Sweet Potato Hash, Pumpkin Seed Chili Crisp, with Maple Hot Honey. What a symphony of flavor. The calamari was crispy and lightly battered, with good seasoning and crunch. The hash and chili crisp were the perfect compliment. The maple hot honey gave it a hint of sweet, with more than a hint of spicy. One of the better starters I've ever had (9.5/10). For mains we had the Appalachian Wagyu Beef Cheeks ($38), and the Autumn Duck Breast ($36). The beef came with Apple & brandy braised wagyu beef cheeks, smoked whipped potatoes, sweet & sour root vegetables, and crisp parsnips, with a red-eye demi-glace. The beef was the most tender I've ever had in a dish like this. No knife needed. Just fell apart and melted. The whipped potatoes gave a nice balance, and the crisp parsnips had just enough starch and crunch to tie everything together perfectly (8.5/10). The second main featured a Smoked maple seared hudson valley duck breast (medium rare), sweet potato & duck confit farro, wilted fall greens & candied turnips, and apple chutney, with pomegranate glaze. I'd never had farro before. It's a whole grain wheat, kind of similar in look to barley, but tastes more nutty. With sweet potato chunks and duck confit mixed in, it was absolutely *phenomenal*. The turnips, which I wasn't looking forward to, were also somehow delicious. Chef is a magician back there. The duck was cooked perfectly, with the fat still in tact. Really happy with this decision (9.5/10). Weren't going to get dessert, but the pastry chef we'd been seated in front of all night talked us into the Chocolate Mocha Crème Brûlée ($11). Thank god he did, because, wow. I've had a lot of traditional crème brûlée in my day. My first venture into chocolate was unreal. Caramelized sugar on top of a downright decadent chocolate custard with just the right amount of espresso flavoring. Topped with house made whip and two chocolates shaped into "coffee beans". Couldn't have asked for a better end to an outstanding birthday dinner. Service has always been top notch. It's fine dining, but the servers feel like family. It's never felt stuffy or sterile, which some "fine dining" tends to do. If you're anywhere in northeast, or even east central, Ohio; "63 Corks" is worth the drive. You don't want to miss this place. Trust me."
"In town on business and was close to hotel. There's a reason it doesn't get 4 stars. Mediocre food and service. Opt for another option for the price."
"This is a good spot to meet up with friends, serve as a jump off for date night or just to chill. Since the bar is located in the Fairmont lobby, there are multiple seating options away from the bar as well. There is a wide variety of wines and craft cocktails made with fresh ingredients. Since this was the first stop of the evening and I was hangry, I loved that they provided complimentary popcorn and pork rinds. Score!The service here is great and if you can't decide, they ask questions to help steer you towards a great decision. Side conversation with the bartenders was great as well...they were so friendly! The blackberry sour I had was fresh and fruity with the pop of muddled blackberries on the bottom and a hint of peach. This was a great 1st experience and I'm looking forward to visiting again."
