If you're keen on finding out more about my visit to Crave, a restaurant fusing American and Japanese cuisine or want to know more about its catering services and nutritional information, I suggest you pop over to their official website at www.craveamerica.com.
Crave, full name being Crave American Kitchen and Sushi Bar, offered me a tantalizing mix of brunch, lunch, and dinner options. Additionally, the award-winning wine list made my visit worth every second.
Let me give you some background. This upscale casual dining restaurant, which originated in Minnesota and has made its way to 18 other locations including Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota, was an exciting discovery. The real surprise was the identity of the founders, Kam and Keyvan Talebi, brothers with a knack for good food and a keen eye for locations. My visit to the outlets in Edina, Sioux City, Fargo, and Rochester had been remarkable, and I couldn't resist sharing my experience.
So, What Sets Crave Apart?
Well, for starters, Crave blew me away with its perfect blend of top-quality food and wonderful customer service. Having visited numerous modern-style American restaurant chains, I could instantly identify the signature Crave touch - a fresh take on the good old American fare complete with a sushi bar that was a pleasant surprise. I could see a team of dedicated chefs, each bent on crafting memorable dining experiences.
The menu? Sheer masterpiece! It had something new, something familiar, and something extraordinary. With such an extensive menu, I could order sushi while my dining companion could indulge in a steak or pasta. We both had a great time exploring this diverse and creative spread.
Well, Crave doesn't stop at the burgers, sandwiches, and sushi bar. My visit revealed a special treat awaits those with distinct dietary requirements - a plant-based menu, a gluten-free menu, and even a breakfast menu. Oh and don't even get me started on the entree options and poke bowls! Here are some categories I found on the menu:
- Signature Breakfast
- Starters and Shareables
- Flatbreads
- Salads and Soups
- Poke Bowls
- Burgers and Sandwiches
- Signature Entrees
- Sushi Small Platters
- Nigiri and Sashimi
- Cooked and Vegetable Rolls
- Specialty Rolls
And the best part is that Crave allows you to customize your order. So, whether you’re looking for gluten-free or vegan options, they've got you covered!
A Bite of the Bestsellers
It can definitely be overwhelming to decide what to order amidst such a vast menu. To make things a bit simpler, here are some of the bestsellers I tried and loved at Crave:
- Firecracker Shrimp: I couldn't help but go back for seconds; the spiral-cut shrimp cooked in homemade chili sriracha sauce and seated in an Asian slaw was a winner.
- Crave Burger: This legendary house seasoned and char-broiled Certified Angus beef burger, topped with naturally-smoked Cheddar cheese, succulent iceberg lettuce and beefsteak tomatoes, had me raving!
- Sushi Specials: Not to miss, the sushi lunch combo and sushi bento boxes left me craving for more!
Does Crave Serve Vegan Dishes?
Of course, it does! Although not entirely vegan, the Crave plant-based menu offers a range of vegetarian dishes that can be veganized on request.
Yes, and I was surprised by the extensive range of gluten-free options Crave has to offer. From salads and starters to entrees, they've thought of it all. However, do inform the staff if you have Celiac Disease to ensure your food is completely free from gluten products.
What about Crave's Catering Services?
Yes, they do. They offer personal menus and private dining areas for those who wish to dine in peace. The restaurant also caters for weddings and other functions, and can even accommodate requests for Kosher catering.
What About Online Ordering and Delivery?
Yes, at Crave, you can indeed place your order online and either choose to pick it up or opt for delivery through third-party services like UberEats.
What are Crave's Operating Hours?
Crave typically opens its doors from 11 am to 8 pm. Do note that some outlets serve only lunch and dinner and that the meal schedules vary.
Pros
- Extensive and diverse menu
- Quality customer service
- Caters to diverse dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free)
- Convenient online ordering and delivery
- Private dining and catering available
Cons
- Schedules for meals vary
- Cross-contamination may occur due to the same kitchen/cooking equipment use
- Variation in opening hours across outlets