New Oak and Fork venue pairs fine wines, tasty appetizers

Maricopa, Arizona


The latest restaurant within Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, the Oak and Fork wine bar, opened in December and features fine wines complemented with small plates. Cowboy Lifestyle Network had a chance to sip and savor some of the wines on tap or by the glass, and small plates. Say so-long to menus where you have to choose only one thing to eat. Here you can order as many as you want to tantalize your palate. Check it out when you’re ready for a date night or a special evening!

This elegant, comfortable spot features 12 wines on tap and over 90 varieties of bottled wine. The wine selections may change and rotate periodically depending on guest requests. Some wines will be more familiar, while other unique wines will also be featured. Look for everything from your favorite local vintages to wine choices from around the world. The bar will also offer signature cocktails and ten different beers on tap — the options are sure to please anyone in your party!

Oak and Fork's focus is on wine and food pairing, so once you select your glass or bottle of wine, you can pair it with quality small plates. An electronic tablet is furnished to you to read and review which wines are recommended with what plates. The tablet menu provides pictures, details of the food and wine and hosts a large selection to choose from. The menu is all electronic and very easy to use, just click on the pictures! Choices include tasty appetizers like flatbreads, bruschettas, lobster dip (created by Executive Chef Colin Ribble over 20 years ago), or a meat and cheese board, or heartier small plate selections like chicken, steak, lobster, or a seafood tower, it’s all good. The knowledgeable and creative team at Oak and Fork can help you pair just the right appetizer to your wine choice.

Enjoy it all in the elegant atmosphere inside, with bar seating, traditional tables, or couch seating. You can also opt for outdoor seating on the patio, a tempting option during the mild winter and spring evenings! Outdoor fire pits will help keep you warm on the patio during those cooler evenings. Bring your own dinner party – there is a special table set for up to eight (8), perfect to celebrate an event! Oak and Fork opened to the public on Monday, December 18. Hours are 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays, and 4 p.m. to midnight on Saturdays and Sundays. No reservations are needed.

Oak and Fork is located within Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 15406 N. Maricopa Road in Maricopa. Make plans soon to check out this elegant new spot, sure to be a hit among wine enthusiasts from near and far!