CRAVE Opening Near Convention Center February 10

The Statesman reports that Minnesota-based chain CRAVE is opening at 340 E. 2nd Street on February 10. The restaurant's menu runs the gamut from steaks to sushi, and their Austin menu will feature several dishes specifically developed for Austin. The executive chef is Frank Johnson, previously of Roaring Fork Stonelake. The full press release is below.

CRAVE Restaurant Brings Fresh, Vibrant Menu to Austin

New Downtown Restaurant to Feature American Fare, Sushi Bar and
Award-Winning Wine List

AUSTIN, TX (January 31, 2014) – CRAVE Restaurant is opening their first Texas location with a diverse and extensive menu in Downtown Austin on February 10. CRAVE will feature a range of offerings made from scratch including a full sushi bar to Certified Angus Beef steaks, as well as a customized local menu developed by Chef Frank Johnson.

"The culinary scene in Austin is incredibly vibrant and a perfect market for the CRAVE concept," said Kam Talebi, CEO of CRAVE. "Our local team led by Chef Johnson has created an amazing menu that pays special tribute to the unique local flavors of Austin while celebrating the signature menu items that have been favorites in our locations around the country."

Chef Johnson has crafted several Austin-centric dishes including but not limited to the Jalapeno Cornbread Skillet with pit ham and white cheddar streusel; Blackened Redfish with crab corn salsa, rainbow kale, mashed sweet potato and chili buerre blanc; and Bourbon Glazed Double Pork Chop with chili butter sauce, mashed sweet potato, tart apple relish and braised rainbow kale.

"With experience in the Austin culinary scene, I was excited to develop dishes that creatively combine ingredients that locals will love," said Chef Johnson. "We can't wait to share our menu with Austinites and show them all that we have to offer."

CRAVE will offer its fresh and innovative cuisine along with an award-winning wine selection brought to life in a chic, yet casual atmosphere. The signature menu features pastas, salads, flatbread, sandwiches, seafood and sushi dishes that are continually being re-mastered using the freshest seasonal ingredients. The new location will round out its local menu with an award winning wine list, hand crafted cocktails featuring local spirits and 38 beers on tap, with 22 of them from Texas and specifically the Austin-area.

With 8,500 square feet, CRAVE features a large bar area, outdoor patio and lounge, formal dining area and two stunning private dining spaces, all of which can be reserved for large parties, corporate functions, family celebrations and special occasions. CRAVE's Private Dining Coordinator is happy to work with guests to create a customized menu and dining experience unlike any other restaurant in Austin.

"As a company, we are very selective and methodical when it comes to choosing locations for our restaurants," says Talebi. "We are extremely excited to be in Austin and have developed an amazing menu, team and space that will provide a truly marvelous dining experience for each and every guest."

CRAVE will feature a variety of daily specials during Grand Opening Week, starting February 10. Reservations available and walk-ins are welcome.