Crave Fishbar

My husband's best friend recommended Crave shortly after my blogging hiatus.  Since it has become my go to restaurant in NYC, I thought it earned the right to be my 100th post!  Crave's best entrees highlight two of my favorites food groups, seafood and pasta.  While the seafood offerings change seasonally, the flavor combinations are consistently novel, surprising and delicious.  I make it here about once a month, sometimes (ok, usually) more.  I am always impressed that they remember my name and greet me warmly (keep in mind readers, these guys had no idea I wrote a food blog).  In the 11 years I've lived in NYC, I've dined regularly at several places but Crave is one of the only restaurants in NYC that has gone out of its way to make me feel at home.

Crave's decor plays up a nautical theme, with thick ship ropes, jelly fish tentacled wallpaper, round mirrors that emulate portholes and strategically placed ship captain portraits.  The restaurant now offers two floors, with outdoor seating on both floors.  If the weather is nice, dining outside is my first choice.  Now that it is winter, however, I request the seating upstairs.  Upstairs is a bit more quiet and spacious, perfect for a low key Friday night after a long work week.  That said, if you are up for a more lively crowd/evening, downstairs features a long bar and high tops.

In addition to hostesses and maitre d's that warmly acknowledge repeat guests, the wait staff is excellent.  The servers are attentive from their initial greeting to check delivery and the busboys never leave water glasses empty or empty plates lingering on the table.

What to Eat:

Crave changes its menu seasonally, which means right now you can still order the Blue Crab and Baby Heirloom Tomato salad.  The fresh jumbo lump crab is generously piled on top of a layer of sweet baby heirloom tomatoes and then drizzled with EVOO.  With heavier entrees on my horizon, this was the perfect light start to the meal.

For a heartier appetizer (and something that will likely appear through the winter months), pick the Rice Dusted Point Judith Calamari, a new addition to the menu.  The lightly battered calamari is tossed in a Thai miso sauce along with aleppo chile and bean sprouts.  The chile is not very spicy for those that can't handle the heat.  The calamari strikes the perfect consistency, not too chewy, not to hard.  And by some miracle, it is practically grease free.

My favorite summer/fall entree on the Crave menu is the Scallops with corn, queso fresca and avocado salsa.  It is always sad to see it go in the winter (party because I miss the dish and partly because it signifies winter's arrival, to the bane of my existence).  The medium sized scallops are perfectly seasoned and sauteed.  I find the avocado salsa an interesting pairing that surprisingly works for the scallops (I am actually prone to putting avocado on everything so why not scallops too?).   

While Crave is known for its seafood, I think their homemade Cavatelli with whipped ricotta, tomato ragu and basil puree is one of the better pasta dishes in NYC.  The delicate yet dense hand crafted noodles are mixed with a tangy tomato sauce, and then topped with a large portion of garlicky pesto and freshly whipped ricotta cheese (there's a hot pepper on top too for those interested).  Mix the ingredients together before serving to ensure that that all of the flavors make it into each bite.

Looking to shed a few lbs from your Turkey dinner?  Crave's seafood should do the trick.

Your foodie friend

Insider tip: Check out the Mussel Monday special, $17 for 2lbs of mussels and a side of crispy fries, and Dollar Oysters from 5-7pm for happy hour daily.  Also, the Cauliflower Soup on the dinner menu is TO DIE FOR.