Viv and I both had to get haircuts today. Last time I got a haircut, I was considering going to Splitz Grill since it is fairly close to my salon. However, I changed my mind and went to Moderne Burger instead. This time, I was also thinking of going to Splitz Grill to try their burgers; but alas, there was a change of plan again. Driving up Main street, on my way to get some cash from the bank, I spotted Crave bistro. Hmmm... This is a fairly popular restaurant and since I'm in the neighbourhood - oh why not? Well, maybe some day I'll actually end up going to Splitz!
It was pretty busy at Crave, even though it was well past lunch hour. We were lucky to get a table; however it was inside. Since it was a nice and sunny day, the back patio was packed. Looking over the menu, the prices were extremely reasonable. It's nice to see good food for reasonable prices these days! We decided to start with the Ahi Tuna Tempura Roll. Although Crave is not a Japanese restaurant, the roll was done quite well. The tuna was fresh and there was only a very thin layer of tempura batter on the outside of the roll. It was served with ponzu and it was just enough flavour for the delicate roll. Only complaint is that the rice was a bit mushy. Viv had the Shorty Rigatoni and it was a winner. The rigatoni was done al dente (more on the chewy side) and they were not shy on the amount of shredded short rib. There must've been more meat than pasta (Viv actually thought there should have been more pasta). You can't see it in the picture, but trust me, the meat is all under that pasta! Flavours were good, the sauce was sweeter than tart. Moreover, there was just enough sauce to coat everything.
I had the Pulled Pork and Slaw Sandwich. Yes, I have no respect for the Swine Flu that's been going around. Besides, it has nothing to do with pork itself anyways! The pulled pork was extremely tender and the coleslaw gave the sandwich a bit of texture and zing. The sauce itself for the pulled pork was a bit sweet; yet it went well with the sandwich. Only complaint was that the bread was a bit soggy on the bottom. However, I did think that since the bread was soft, it made the sandwich easier to eat. I can't stand sandwiches on hard bread, it's so hard to chew! The fries are worth mentioning since they were very good. Quite crispy on the outside; yet still potato texture and flavour on the inside. They were very similar to the ones at Salade de Fruits. I got the garlic mayo on the side and that was a nice compliment to the fries (I don't like ketchup with my fries). We thought the service was very good at Crave. It was efficient and friendly. Moreover, we enjoyed the quaintness of the restaurant; it's definitely worth checking out.
The Good:
- Food is tasty
- Service is good
- Prices are reasonable
- Portions are good
The Bad:
- It is tight in there, you feel like canned fish
- Parking can be hard to come by during the day
Crave
3941 Main Street
Vancouver, B.C.
604-872-3633
www.craverestaurants.com
Crave
Posted by
Sherman Chan
on Friday, May 1, 2009
Labels:
Bistro,
Fine Dining,
International,
Vancouver
6 comments:
Looks great. Sushi and pasta in the same post. How far we have come in our food choices. Great post. Keep upi great work
Thanks Peter,
Yes, there is quite the diverse menu at Crave. Good prices too.
I soooo want to try this place out! Nice pics by the way.
Yup, you should go try! I couldn't believe it was so reasonably priced! Thanks, the combination of enough natural light and the fact I'm beginning to learn how to use an DSLR helps with the pictures!
Hey Sherman,
I finally got a chance to try the place based on your review. Went for dinner the other night. THey opened up the backyard and placed several tables out back. With the heating elements, it was warm enough. Only possible during non-rainy summer days, I guess.
Food was okay for the price. My friend tried Truffle fries, but I'm not sure what that means. Truffle oil + fries? I didn't see any truffles though. :P
My friends and I got the pulled pork :) and Rigatoni. Good recommendations!
Thanks Anson! Yes, I agree with your comment, it is okay for the price. If they charged anymore, I wouldn't be that excited about it. Apparently they have a short rib poutine there... I need to try that...
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