Crave -- Akron, OH

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I'm surprised that I haven't reviewed Crave yet, because we've been there several times since I started Ohio Wanderlust and it was one of our favorite Akron locations pre-blog. Crave is a great place for dinner in Akron with a menu that rotates with the seasons -- some items are staples though, so you can usually go back for your favorite (guilty) or try something new instead.

I highly recommend making a reservation through their website, especially on a weekend during dinner. We've dropped in later in the evening and had success getting a table for four quickly, but for a group larger than that a reservation is best.

For my cocktail I ordered the Crave a Mule "Blood Orange Vodka. House Made Orangecello. Lime Juice. Ginger Beer"




For an appetizer Dave and I split the Fried Green Tomatoes served with a Purple Potato Cake, Guajillo Chile Aioli, Hard Boiled Egg and Kalamata Olives. This is also served with a crab salad, but we had that left off our plate.

I love fried green tomatoes and the breading on these was crisp to perfection, the spicy aioli was nice with the fried green tomatoes and the purple potato cake. 




A few friends started their meal with the Baby Iceberg Wedge served with Smoked Blue Cheese, Soft-Boiled Egg, Pickled Red Onion, Cherry Tomato, Crispy Prosciutto, Brioche Croutons and a Garlic Sherry Vinaigrette.

Check out that gorgeous presentation! I've had this salad before sans prosciutto and it's a nice option to start your meal. There's just enough to keep you from being too hungry during the dinner wait, but not enough to make you full. 




I ordered the Veggie Macaroni and Cheese which is made with Smoked Gouda Cheese, Garlic Butter, and Sriracha. This is my favorite dish to order at Crave, smoked gouda is such a genius cheese to use in a macaroni and cheese dish. The vegetables are always cooked to perfection and everything tastes better with a little sriracha on it. 





Several friends ordered the Mac and Cheese served with the Blackened Chicken -- it was one of the most popular orders of our group. 





Several other friends selected the Chicken & Waffles with consisted of Buttermilk Fried Chicken, a Cinnamon Sage Waffle, Triple Hot Sauce, Vanilla Infused Syrup, and Bourbon Butter. This got rave reviews all around from those in our group who tried it.




Dave selected the Tofu Ramen in Dashi Broth with Daikon, Jicama, Carrot, Napa, Chiles, Cilantro, and Peanuts. This was an item that is newer to the menu, we ended up enjoying the complexity of flavors.





On this occasion we didn't order dessert, because we were celebrating a birthday and had cake back at the house. On our last visit we had the Cookie Dough Stuffed French Toast with Snickerdoodle Stuffing, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, and Espresso Anglaise. It was one of the best things I have ever eaten, I recommend trying it -- available in a full and half order. 




I can't say enough wonderful things about Crave -- this is a local restaurant we love to support. We've always had good service, the food presentation is spectacular, and the taste is just as wonderful. I appreciate the innovation that goes into the items and their menu rotates nicely to accommodate seasonally fresh ingredients while maintaining favorites.

My rating for Crave:



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