Crave on 42nd

I bought a gift certificate for Crave. Too bad I didn't check out this site before purchasing the gift certificate. I went with my friend on Friday November 7, 2008 and we passed right by it. I called the number on our certificate thinking that the address might be wrong and it just kept ringing. When we doubled back we noticed the unlit Crave sign and peeped through the window. It was obviously closed down. Bummer. I have up to a year to use the certificate so I'm hoping Crave reopens.

Gone. As in Dave split somewhere around August and the place is dark and empty. Looks awfully out of business to me.

you might like this place. Dave Martin is in evidence.

If you're a foodie, you should already know from the other reviewers that you should stay far away. Between the hostile hostess (Why are you here? Did you make a reservation for all (five) of you?!?) to waiters who are brusque and don't know the menu and a line that is inconsistent to a degree that is frightening, Crave is a textbook example of how NOT to run a restaurant. Hell's Kitchen is a foodie mecca. Try someplace else.

Having reserved a table at Crave following a Broadway show last week in New York, we didn't know what to expect. Upon arrival, we were pleasantly greeted by the friendly staff, even after our arrival 30 minutes too early (we couldn't remember our reservation time.) We were promptly seated and Dave himself walked over to our table to greet us! We had a round of drinks (guava mojito, anyone?), and needed extra time perusing the tantalizing menu. My mom, sister, and I shared 3 appetizers, all delicious. However, not to be missed...the truffle macaroni & cheese- out of this world! I had the sea bass in an adobo sauce with garlic broccolini florets and cous-cous. It is easily THE BEST meal I have ever eaten. All three of us cleaned our plates, and the portions are more than generous. The staff is attentive, but not suffocating, and dinner was paced just right. We weren't hurried, and we took time to enjoy the atmosphere. It is a very comfortable restaurant with hip accents. If you are considering trying Crave, go ahead...it will be worth it!

Posted by Kerry on 06/12/2008
Well worth the trip to 11th Avenue!

Crave provides diners with more than a good meal - it is a culinary experience from beginning to end! Starting with the appetizers, there is truly something for everyone whether it is something simple like sweet potato fries or the famous truffle mac and cheese. We had shrimp wrapped in prosciutto, scallops and the mac and cheese. I order scallops at restaurants alot, but these scallops were by far the best. While still looking simple on the plate, these scallops pack the right amount of flavor and are cooked perfectly to provide you with a nice crunch. And the mac and cheese was just as good as everyone made it sound! For dinner, I had the sassy sea bass which was fantastic. It was the most flavorful fish I've had in a while without being completely drenched in butter. And even the side dishses, cous cous, broccolini, and waffle fries, were great! The portions are perfect - they are just the right size to be able to pack in an appetizer, a meal, and a dessert! We had the chocolate cake for dessert and were fighting over the last bite at the end. The chef himself, Dave Martin, is very present in the restaurant. As a Top Chef fan, I was very excited to eat at his restaurant. He served dishes and made sure everyone was happy. He even took a picture with me and talked to my dinner party a bit about opening the restaurant. He was very sweet and very intent on making sure you enjoy your experience at Crave! He was very hands on and left me with a big smile on my face when I left and fell into a food coma!