We had to last-minute cancel a reservation at Barbacoa due to a timing issue for us. Fortunately this led to trying Crave for the first time since moving here this year. Our initial disappointment at having to put off Barbacoa was more than softened with a great experience at Crave. In advance I apologize for not providing any pictures here - simply forgot to snap a few prior to eating... next visit will have to suffice.
Located in Eagle just off Eagle Road (on Colchester), the exterior of Crave is quite appealing and surrounded by trees and a co-located pond where we witnessed ducks, ducklings, geese, and goslings. The interior was also impressive and welcoming. Greeting and seating occurred immediately although we had arrived fifteen minutes early. The surround bar looked inviting and as we walked towards our booth/table hybrid, we eyed the stairs used to reach an upper outdoor area (a little windy and chilly for today however). Plentiful window views to the forementioned natural area for our seats where we also noted a main-level outdoor patio seating section. A pleasant feeling in the entire space. the music was nice and low enough for engaging conversation.
We were so pleased with our server Jesse. His knowledge and experience with the Crave menu was evident. No question of ours went unanswered. Drink and app orders were quickly tallied and fulfilled. I will say up front Jesse kept our beverages topped off, including ice water - we asked for nothing, nor did we need to do so.
The two apps we shared were fabulous. The Rosemary Focaccia bread was served hot with a wonderful truffle honey ricotta spread to die for. None of the three at our table are big fans of rosemary but we sure managed to wipe this spread into oblivion. Brought such a bright taste to the hot focaccia. The second app was their Spinach and Artichoke Dip - Warm spinach and artichoke dip, goat cheese, gruyère cheese, roasted red peppers amd house crackers. Again we were all very impressed with the brilliant blend of flavors in their unique twist on the usual spinach & artichoke dip. Both app plates were deservingly cleaned!
Took three different directions for our entree orders. First pick was the Southern Cobb Salad - house-roasted chicken, heirloom tomatoes, roasted corn, black pepper bacon, avocado, blue cheese, eggs, mixed greens, creole buttermilk dressing. Presentation was classy and organized (if that makes sense). I hear the chicken was great in the salad and it was visually a tempting salad. The creole dressing was a nice touch.
Second decision was the Chicken Pappardelle - roasted chicken, roasted red peppers, mushroom
medley, onions, spinach, house-made pasta, parmesan creme sauce. Another dish that was pleasing to see and twisted very slightly in the way Crave chooses to serve a traditional dish. This second chosen entree also disappeared!
My choice was the Honey Chipotle Pork Shank - Glazed Snake River Farms Kurobuta pork shank, cilantro lime rice. Sounds deceivingly simple, but delivered big flavors! It was a little comical that our server Jesse made sure to lay down a nice big steak knife prior to my entree arriving; he said I would need it. Not hardly! The pork literally fell off the bone. Moist and tender. The glaze exhibited very subtle "sweet-spicy" characteristics without nullifying the base flavor of the pork itself. Without knowing it to be cilantro lime rice, I would have really guessed this to be a nicely prepared risotto. The rice was very creamy and provided a good balance to the glazed pork and its' slightly sharpened edges. The shank was topped with some microgreens that added a little bitter taste here and there. I was smitten with my entree.
Because we were there on a celebration day, we three picked out the "Celebration Cake" from the dessert menu. Jesse delivered it to the table - with a sparkler shooting out of the top! It was a good surprise and the tables around us also enjoyed the sight. It was a huge 6-layer cake - each layer a different flavor. The plate was also covered with house-made gummy bears.
Crave was fantastic! Jesse was a tremendous server! We so look forward to visiting again! Pictures next time - I promise! read more