Staycation 2013: Seriously CRaVIng

Following that brief interlude over my love affair of great grocers, let's get back to the task at hand. On a perfect Buffalo summer's Friday eve, myself and two friends met up for a meal at one of the newest digs on Restaurant row (AKA Hertal Ave), CRaVIng. The owners, Jennifer and Adam Goetz, previously of extremely successful and innovative Sample, closed the doors on Allen earlier this year with the idea to open a full entree-style spot in North Buffalo. Thus, CRaVIng was born.

Bacon-wrapped Dates with the Lobster Poutine creeping in the background!

Myself and my friends, K & A, were very much looking forward to exploring the extrapolated Sample menu, concept and location. To our delight, every expectation was exceeded! We started the eve with a crisp glass of Rose at the bar, with the bartender making sure we were happy with our selection. So happy, in fact we decided to order a bottle once at the table! The menu is a great mix of appetizers pizza, pasta, small and large plates. Sample's infamous Fried Chicken Dinner is also included, so fear not! We decided to order a slew of plates, including the bacon-wrapped dates, lobster poutine, Caesar salad, a margherita pizza and kale gnocchi. The bacon-wrapped dates were definitely interesting and we all thought it was just the right amount of rich! Everything was delicious but for me I simply could not stop going at the lobster poutine and kale gnocchi. If we hadn't been in public I would have been licking the plates!! 

The best part of CRaVIng? They change the menu regularly (save the Fried Chicken, that's a staple) so I cannot wait to hit it up again the next time I get the chance! CRaVIng is a great addition to the Hertal strip so check it out!

*shoutout to Millz the manager, like an Irish steak well done son!

CRaVIng
1472 Hertal Ave
Buffalo, NY 14216