Kind of a long story, but will save you the trouble:
Last night, a group of my closest friends decided to do something low key, being that it was Wednesday. One of my friends suggested this place, Crave, to which I hadn't been to yet. When we entered, we were greeted by the hostess, gave her my name to wait for a table for 7 and we proceeded to the bar for a cocktail in the meantime. After about 45 minutes, we noticed that the guests at a table near us across from the bar had left. We waited for the bar back or waitress to come and clear it, but many minutes went by and nothing. Hence, it was a Wednesday night and the place had guests seated at every table, but the night was not out of control. I made my way toward the hostess and found her using her cell phone texting her life away. When she put her phone away, I told her if she knew of the table that had been unoccupied for a while now, and she said she had no clue. I told her that I would like to take it before anyone else does and if she would please send someone to clean it. She said, "yeah, a waitress will take care of that". I was astonished by her answer. I returned to the bar. We waited again for someone to clean it and nothing. So, we just had a seat. Fifteen minutes, still no service. I noticed a man carrying a hookah pipe to another table as he walked passed us about 3 times. I called this man over and asked him to please have someone clear the table and give us some service, "we have been waiting forever". A minute goes by and he returns to reprimand us, saying "next time, you must wait for a waitress to clear the table and make her aware that you are going to sit here. If the table is dirty, you do not sit!" My friends and I were appalled by his comment. At this point we are leaving. My rebuttal to him was: "Ahhm...excuse me? Buddy listen: A. You do not talk to a customer that way. B. All you needed to tell me was "sir, I will take care of it for you. We apologize for the inconvenience" and C. "You have no idea how long we've been waiting". Then he says: "Hey, you know what? This is my place and I'd like you to get out of here, but don't forget to pay for the tab at the bar".
Wow, what can I say other than this place is not gonna make it. Word on the street is that this owner guy is from LA, and that his poor unprofessional attitude is not a fit for hospitality, especially not for our Southern Hospitality. This place is certainly "Craving for Failure".
I'm a sucker for three things: sweets, smoking, and a good strong drink...so I'm convinced that this place was hand-tailored just for my liking. First off, let's talk about the Mint Chocolate Chip martini. Imagine your favorite flavor of ice cream melted into a whipped & creamy concoction with the added fun of alcohol. Never did I think that I would fall for a dessert-inspired drink, but I have a Mint Chocolate Chip Martini shaped hole in my heart right now.
Next on the list...the sweet, sweet shisha. Can someone please explain to me why it took me twenty-something long years to discover the joy of hookah??? The flavor combination of pomegranate & mint is out of control. It makes me sad that they have an upcharge on the pomegranate flavor, but my tastebuds thank me every time.
Lastly, I love the s'mores platter. The simple scent of toasted marshmallow is enough to work me into a frenzy.
Final note: I absolutely despise uptown Charlotte for one reason...parking. It makes me sick even thinking about throwing away $10 on a week night to park at the Epicentre. Crave is the only place that I know that actually offers free parking. I'll take that extra $10 of savings...after all, that pays for two premium shisha upgrades!