Cork Neighborhood Bistro

I'd swear, if somebody introduced himself to me as Tradd Ashley Gibbs, I'd either: a) check to see if Ridge Forrester and the rest of 'The Bold and Beautiful' crew were nearby, or b) inquire as to the exact address of Mr. Gibbs' home on the Battery in 'BU-tiful Chal-ston, South Carolina.'

And as it turns out, I'd be c) totally dead wrong. Not. The. First. Time.

Mr. Gibbs, he of the quintessential blueblood name, actually has strong North Charleston ties stretching back three generations.

Now, those knots have been strengthened with Cork Neighborhood Bistro, Gibbs' fab new restaurant that is in the historic Olde Village.

He's teamed up with chef Sean Wren, a longtime pal and North Charleston High grad, to open Cork, the name chosen to reflect the sustainable nature of cork materials. With tall ceilings, chandeliers and uncovered beams, most everything in the restaurant has been repurposed, reclaimed or refurbished.

Except the dishes, naturally. Lunch here shines, satisfies with heavenly, hardy sandwiches such as the Croque Monsieur ($8), the gruyere cheese bubbling up to form the bread's golden crust. Just add black forest ham and a creamy bechamel sauce for rich appeal.

Or perhaps you'd prefer the marinated pork loin ($9), slathered with double cream brie, sweet onion marmalade and whole grain mustard. While you're at it, try the Bistro Salad (petite $5, full $8), dressed in mixed greens, bacon, tomatoes, toasted almonds and sherry vinaigrette.

More recently, Cork began serving dinner and brunch (bacon, egg and cheese on Pullman bread). It's appropriate, and in the end, another way for Gibbs and Wren to share the wondrous joys of just being at home.

Address: 1067 E. Montague Ave., North Charleston

Phone: 225-CORK (2675)

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; brunch 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat.