Crave in El Paso

Three day in a row, three mornings in a row, in El Paso for work, three times, I ate at Crave. Three different “signature” dishes.

The first morning was an accepted masterpiece, biscuits and gravy. The biscuits looked like they might be fried biscuits, I’m not sure, but the tender biscuits were split open and covered with sausage and piquant green pepper gravy, then two eggs, sunny side up were dropped a cross the top. The presentation, the lumpy, rich gravy cascading down like jagged peaks was excellent in and of itself.

Crave

The flavor and artful presentation, plus the apparent care in its service and delivery is what made this an outstanding experience. Food is great, with that sausage and biscuit being the best.

The next morning, an old southern favorite, chicken and waffle was breakfast.

“No, don’t get the buffalo sauce on it, even you, get that on the side, Bubba couldn’t eat it.”

“Kramer, that stuff is almost too hot.”

Don’t know, as chicken and waffle as a breakfast item didn’t include buffalo sauce. There was the slightest hint of fiery tang to the chicken batter, locally sourced, but not too hot. Good, not quite as great as the biscuit and gravy, but the meal lasted most near all day, like a good, Southern meal should.

That one came with sides of bacon, and the bacon was wonderful. Again, it’s that attention to detail that matters.

“What’s that?” I asked as pile of deep-fried goodness passed overhead.

Further investigation revealed it was Crave’s French-Toast Cinnamon Roll. Two in an order, dusted with powdered sugar, and, according to the menu, served with warm Maple Syrup.

So, on the third morning, I ordered that. Maybe we were early? Maybe it was me?

Rolls

The first cinnamon roll had a cold center. Taste, flavor, balance was perfect, it — I was just a tiny bit miffed. I didn’t understand. Then, I realized the maple syrup was cold, too, not warm as mentioned on the menu.

I sighed. Carbohydrate loading, much sugar, good stuff. The second roll? Perfect, warm, slightly gooey cinnamon roll center.

I can say I had one, and I can pronounce it good. Ambiance, effort, fusion of flavor far outweighs small set back. Stuff was good enough I didn’t want to call their attention to it.

Crave in El Paso

Crave. Bespoke, hipster-friendly dining in El Paso, TX.

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