Crave on 42nd
New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 564-9588
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Between 11th and 12th Avenue
- Directions:
- A, C, E at 42nd St-Port Authority
- Hours:
- Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm
Message from Crave on 42nd
Think bistro dine casual
- Updated American classics
- 'Top Chef' Dave Martin
- Good food, wine and friends
Paid advertisement by Crave on 42nd.
Editorial Review for Crave on 42nd – by Aaron Barker
The Scene
The far west location of this Hell's Kitchen bistro is so removed it might as well be in Orange County, where "Top Chef" alum David Martin reportedly had his career-changing epiphany. The quasi-suburban feel extends to the space, too, with Christmas lights and pastel canvases the only real nods to decor.
The Food
Martin's dishes are best described as traded-up comfort food, with peaks including creamy, saffron-spiked lobster ravioli and a fiery Italian sausage and capicola pie. Other dishes bear an overdramatic hand: The signature black truffle mac and cheese is overpowered with oily fontina, and oversized scallops are doused in a buttery pool of vanilla bean cream. Roasted salmon suffers a cloyingly sweet sherry brandy glaze, although a crisp medley of sauteed veggies helps out somewhat. The tiny dessert list is less of a disappointment than you might expect--the food here is so rich you'll be craving sorbet.
Hits: The executive chef's regular cameos on the floor add some flair to the enterprise.
Misses: Service is pleasant enough, but can be distracted throughout the meal--no greeting, for example, and clunky tableside manners.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe California-leaning wine list is reasonably priced, with bottles topping out at a refreshing $50.
Know Before You GoBe judicious when ordering; portions are not only large, but heavy.
Prix Fixe MenuPresent your theater ticket to be eligible for a three course, $35 menu.
User Reviews for Crave on 42nd
01/07/2008 Posted by girlykat
We went to Crave on Saturday night for a friend's birthday. The food was absolutely incredible. I started with the mussels, which were perfectly cooked and seasoned, and ordered the sea bass for my entree. Another member of our party also ordered the sea bass and we agreed it was the best we'd ever had. As another reviewed mentioned, it is crispy on the outside and moist inside. The honey butter glaze was just incredible. The sea bass came with grilled vegetables, which were a good contrast with the fish, and couscous, which I don't normally like but was well done by the chef. And speaking of the chef, Dave Martin came over to our table several times throughout the meal, including once to pour our wine. His hands-on approach is really impressive; it's obvious he really cares about creating a great experience for his guests. AND he comped us dessert. I would definitely go back to Crave. It wasn't incredibly busy at primetime on a Saturday night (I imagine because of the far West location), so I hope as word gets out more people decide to make the trek. I would hate to see this great restaurant fold.
Pros: Sea bass, mussels, pizza
Cons: It's near 12th Avenue.
01/05/2008 Posted by dcphluid
This is our first review, but signed into citysearch for the specific purpose of reviewing THIS restaurant. We were fans of Dave during the Bravo show, but didn't know what to expect. Suffice it to say, it was amazing. We split a couple appitizers, so we won't be able to say much about anything else on the menu, but the wine selection was great, and the apps we had were heaven. Before too many people comment, we'd like to be among the first to recommend the mac-n-cheese... seriously, it's worth the trip all the way out there just for that. It is very rich and is filling enough to be a good entree for someone who doesn't eat much. The shrimp was also amazing; it was perfectly cooked and seasoned, and whatever sauce they use was a perfect compliment. Dave himself came by to ask how everything was, and that was a nice treat as well. We let him know how proud we are of him, and will definitely be returning in the future.
Pros: The service and the mac-n-cheese make it an A+
