Crave is one of my all time favorite local restaurants. It’s situated across the street from my job and I’ve been there multiple times for lunch and dinner.  It’s a beautifully designed restaurant that is listed under the “New American” category of food. They serve a unique twist on dishes.

It’s dimly lit with lots of abstract art hanging on the walls, blow glass pieces for light figures and exposed brick in certain areas. It’s definitely a perfect spot for young professionals to dine. I feel that it has a sophisticated hipster feel to it.

My father and I went for dinner one Sunday when he was in town. I always love going out with my dad because he’s awesome. We’re very similar in a lot of ways. He’s the one that has always pushed me to do well in school and never stop learning. Some of our outings involve going to bookstores and hanging out for hours. Other times we go to the movies, take trips, or have dinner.

He’s an engineer and a workaholic, so often times he goes on a tangent about some complicated engineering concept that goes completely over my head. He was the one that taught me geometry, over the phone! Who does that? He does, that’s who. Basically, he’s a very intelligent man and although we disagree on somethings i.e. gay marriage, we still get along smashingly. We’re often times debating or discussing something we heard or read in the news. And when I haven’t heard about something, he informs me about it. He’s also the one that I get my love of technology from.

Anyway, back to the review. The food is a little eccentric, but wonderful and the staff are nice, welcoming and professional. We started off with drinks, an appetizer, and bread. I got the California which was made of Three Olives Grape, grape pucker, grape juice and ginger ale. It tasted like an alcoholic grape juice. My dad had a bottle of Great Lakes Beer.

For the appetizer we got Steak Skewers with a light Foie Gras Fine Herb Cream. The meat was tender and cooked to perfection at medium. It was full of flavor, so after trying the sauce, I went without if for the rest of the pieces.  The cream sauce wasn’t bad. It was light, buttery, and didn’t mask the flavor of the meat. The bread tasted great although it was a little expensive for only four pieces.

For dinner I got the Sea Scallops with Crab Artichoke Risotto, Slab Bacon, Parmesan, Heirloom Tomato Chardonnay Pan Sauce. The scallops were soft and well cooked. I could taste the crab and bacon. Words that come to mind were flavorful, warm, fresh, hearty, fishy, and well-balanced.

My dad had the Filet of Beef, Peppercorn Crust, Sea Salt Fingerling Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Foie Gras Fine Herb Cream. He said that his filet mignon was very tender and cooked perfectly, the potatoes were soft, but a little dry. Overall it was well-balanced and good. I felt the same way when I tasted it. This was surprising to me because my dad is very picky when it comes to food. He’s big on his meat being a specific way.

Overall, I loved the meal. As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been here several times and it never disappoints. I would highly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking to go out on a date. I’d say a three-course meal with drinks for two people ranges at about $80-$100.

Crave

57 E. Market St.

Akron, OH 44308

330.253.1234

Later,