Cork Neighborhood Bistro

Recipe: Steamed PEI Mussels

We often enjoy the comfortable, casual feel of a neighborhood bistro to the downtown airs of some of our famous Charleston restaurants. If you agree, then come and join us at Cork Neighborhood Bistro on Montague Avenue in the Olde Village of North Charleston. Very much in tune with the artist’s colony developing in the area, Cork emphasizes hearty local fare with a flair served in distinctive, sustainable, creative, down home surroundings.

With a passion for good food and years of catering experience under his belt, opening his own restaurant was the natural next move for Tradd Ashley Gibbs. His longtime friend Chef Sean Wren, joined him to help create a bistro-style restaurant.  The name Cork was chosen in recognition of the natural sustainability of cork materials. Almost everything in the restaurant has been reclaimed, refurbished and repurposed, as opposed to buying new.  They also change the menu regularly based on local, fresh foods that are in season. A sneak peak at the new late summer menu includes new items such as the “Strube Ranch” Kobe Style Waygu Beef Burger and a fresh Salmon Burger.

The lunch menu provides enough variety for any diet. Every dish from the tomato bisque to oven roasted turkey breast, black forest ham or roasted pork loin, wraps and sandwiches contains only the best fresh ingredients. Likewise, the dinner menu offers everything from soup to nuts beautifully prepared. Chef Wren serves an eclectic bistro fare with a commitment to fresh food, using local ingredients. The menu is non-traditional with a touch of southern flare to showcase both Tradd and Seans heritage.

Both Tradd and Sean live in the neighborhood so their commitment to good food and service for their neighbors is more than just business. Tradd grew up in North Charleston. His grandfather was one of its founders. Several of his extended family members also live in the Park Circle area. Chef Wren is a 1997 graduate of Johnson & Wales in Charleston and has worked around Charleston ever since.

Their commitment to their neighbors doesn’t stop with great food. Cork has made a commitment to the local Artists and supports them as much as possible. Local artists show their work in a warm, casual atmosphere in one of the two dining rooms. The walls of restaurant are dedicated to showing off their talents in gallery fashion. There is never a starving artist here; Chef Wren makes sure that they eat very well. Artist’s shows run every two to three months and are of mixed mediums. The main dining room normally has paintings and the back dining room focuses on photography.

When you feel that casual artist in you coming out, it is a short drive from downtown, Daniel Island or Mt. Pleasant to the Olde Village. Join us for a hearty food experience in the authentic neighborhood bistro that is Cork.

Steamed Mussels
1 Serving

18 PEI Mussels       
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Shallots
1 Tablespoon Garlic
1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
2 Tablespoons Tarragon
1/2 cup White Wine
2 Whole lemons (Juiced)
4 Tablespoons Butter (un-Salted)
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper
Grilled Artisan White Bread

1. Sautee mussels in oil
2. Add Garlic and shallots
3. Deglaze with white wine. Let steam until open
4. Add tarragon, red pepper flakes & salt-Pepper
5. Add lemon juice
6. Add butter
7. Plate with toasted white bread