Newport News’ Yard District continues to grow with a new place that gets people going in the morning and then winds them down later in the day.
Corkscrews & Brews opened near City Hall this summer serving a variety of coffees, lattes, smoothies and wine. Food items include breakfast sandwiches, pastries, lunch sandwiches, soup and charcuterie boards.
Owners Travis and Faith Reid said they came up with the idea to offer coffee and wine because that’s what they like.
“I really like coffee and my wife likes wine,” he said.
They chose their wine selections with the help of a sommelier who works for their wine distributor. Coffees and lattes are created by an experienced barista, Aline DaCosta. She recently developed a Snickers latte that has chocolate, cream, caramel and hazelnut. Specialty lattes include pistachio cream and honey lavender. The café also sells a variety of lemonades and teas.
South Carolina native Travis Reid said his favorite sandwich is the roast beef with cheese and fig mustard. Cheese selections are American, provolone, cheddar and gouda.
“It has a sweet salty taste,” he said. “There’s a lot you can do with figs. I learned that from a chef.”
Another popular dish is the chicken wrap that features spicy ranch dressing. The charcuterie board consists of fig jam, olives, crackers, strawberries, peanuts and a variety of meats.
“It’s really good when paired with wine,” Reid said.
They plan to expand the menu with suggestions from customers, he said.
“We are still a bit of a work in progress,” Reid noted.
The couple started in the food business with a food truck called A Taste of Life, which specialized in healthy food options. They had wanted to offer something besides deep-fried food.
Their restaurant has bright colors with mural-like artwork. It can seat 36 people and hold up to 49 people. They chose to open in the Yard District because Reid heard there is a push by Newport News officials to revitalize the area and as a former Newport News Shipbuilding employee, he’s familiar with the neighborhood.
“We want to bring good vibes to the community,” he said.
Corkscrews and Brews, at 208 23rd St., is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 7 p.m. Saturday.
