About the restaurant: Uncorked on Main is a tasting room and wine bar totally devoted to Georgia wines. Proprietors are Randy Muller and his family, who also have a wine label, Vineyards at Uncorked on Main, for wines made from their own grapes (thumbs up to the Blanc du Bois). Adjacent to this operation is The Otherside Steakhouse, whose wine list is comprised of Georgia wines as well. The two operations occupy areas in historic commercial buildings, with old brick walls that lend charm and warmth to the nicely designed space.Food & Drinks: Chef Eric Reed has reprised the pimento cheese fritters from his former post, but here they seem crisper, their soft interior contrasting nicely with the slightly crusty exterior. Other appetizers function more like small plates, such as short rib on roasted stone-round grits with smoked peppers. While steaks are a focus --- our six-ounce petit filet was grilled as ordered --- appealing chicken, salmon and a shrimp-and-grits dish vary the options. Caesar salad bears cornbread croutons for a Southern touch. Desserts are huge; a deconstructed heath bar had us over the top in just a few bites. Vegetarians may choose from salads and a vegetable plate. Check the chalkboard specials before deciding what to have; braised elk osso buco may be a possibility. The wine list will be completely unfamiliar to anyone unaware of the state's up-and-coming wine renaissance. So until the Mullers release their own Lenoir, savor a glass of Crane Creek's Hellbender (a Norton) with the steak. Local craft brews also are available.
