New dishes at The Cork (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Peek into New Dishes at The Cork with Chef Matt Kraiss (PHOTOS)


March 4, 2025
a man wearing a hat
By Jackie Tran
By Jackie Tran

Shortly before our recent visit to UnCork’d, The Cork also hosted us for a peek at some recent additions under executive chef Matt Kraiss.

The Cork executive chef Matt Kraiss (Photo by Jackie Tran)
The Cork executive chef Matt Kraiss (Photo by Jackie Tran)

We’ve watched Matt’s culinary journey for almost a decade now. We first experienced his cuisine at Ermanos, then Thunder Canyon Brewstillery afterwards. A few destinations later, he now leads the Cork with his spin, while staying true to The Cork’s roots.

Spanish mussels at the Cork (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Spanish mussels at the Cork (Photo by Jackie Tran)

These mussels from Prince Edward Island gain their Spanish influence from smoky chorizo Ibérico. Use the house-baked bread to soak up the beurre blanc broth.

Roasted bone marrow at the Cork (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Roasted bone marrow at the Cork (Photo by Jackie Tran)

To create the ideal bite, grab a piece of toast. Next, spread on some prime rib pate, then a smear of bone marrow, then a piece of Bordeaux pickled onions for contrasting bright acidity.

Seafood pasta at the Cork (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Seafood pasta at the Cork (Photo by Jackie Tran)

A grown-up version of shrimp alfredo, this seafood pasta takes more inspiration from the buttery Lobster Newberg, popularized by Delmonico’s in New York. Take occasional bites of the crunchy toast smothered with saffron-rich rouille to contrast the succulent chunks of lobster and shrimp.

Rack of lamb at the Cork (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Rack of lamb at the Cork (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Zippy Creole mustard cream sauce adorns the Australian half-rack of lamb. For the sides, choose from garlic mashed potatoes, baked potato, rice of the day, garlic butter asparagus, charred broccolini, or seasonal vegetables. Here, the slight bitterness of the charred broccolini complimented the slight funk of the tender lamb.

The Cork is located at 6320 E. Tanque Verde Rd.  For reservations call (520) 296-1631 and visit corktucson.com for more information.

Tucson Foodie is a locally owned and operated community. Thanks to our partners and members, we are able to offer paywall-free guides and articles. We value your support and invite you to become a Tucson Foodie Insider today.

Upcoming Events

View all events
Double-click this headline to edit the text.
This is a block of text. Double-click this text to edit it.
Double-click this headline to edit the text.
This is a block of text. Double-click this text to edit it.
Double-click this headline to edit the text.
This is a block of text. Double-click this text to edit it.

Article By

Related Stories