Cork in Westmont closing; new concept on way
Kevin Meeker is redoing it as Keg & Kitchen.
The seven-year run of Cork in Westmont will come to a close after Valentine's Day.
Kevin Meeker is redoing it as Keg & Kitchen, with a concept emphasis on the word "craft" - in food, wine/spirits, and decor. Opening is pegged for early March.
Starting Feb. 15, craftsman David Dowling, who has worked on such projects as Frankford Hall, Sbraga, and Birra, will go green, recycling or giving away Cork's existing building materials. The walls are reclaimed redwood from an office building, Meeker says. The center table will be a 16-foot black walnut tree found in the woods in Lancaster. Light fixtures are old plumbing fixtures and used fixtures. Chandeliers will be made from old beer bottles.
The project will mark the return to the area of Anthony Marini, who had worked for Meeker at Philadelphia Fish & Company in Old City. Meeker describes the menu as American craft comfort food: "Good, interesting food made from fabulous but simple ingredients at reasonable prices." Everything will be made in house, including breads. Bar list will include craft beer (16 on draft) and old-school cocktails.
Meeker chose Feb. 15 for the start of construction because Cork opened Feb. 14, 2005; he's offering a three-course, $35 Valentines menu for Cork's final weekend.
Note: I see that Paige Barrow of Fameco Real Estate is marketing 207 Chestnut St., now occupied by Meeker's Q BBQ; his lease up in August.