Crave Closing Party

October 31, 7:39 PMSeattle Food ExaminerTraca Savadogo

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Crave restaurant on Capitol Hill, defines contemporary comfort food with dishes that include: upscale mac n' cheese, crab gratin, and coriander crusted lamb chops with saffron pearl cous cous and sauteed pea vines.  A neighborhood fixture, serving breakfast lunch and dinner, this feels more like a big Italian family dinner.  Owner Robin Leventhall knows nearly everyone who passes through her door, and makes a point of knowing those she doesn't.  Creating a warm, comfortable environment that feels more like home...than home, Robin's restuarant is a hub on The Hill.

And today, they closed their doors.

After a lengthy negotiation with the landlord and concessions made on multiple occasions, eventually the landlord chose not to renew their lease.  It's more than the loss of a restaurant; this is a hit to the community.

Robin sent out the e-mail to a long list of those who crossed her path.  The objective?  Cook up what's left in the cooler...and drain the kegs!


Robin Leventhal, a flurry in motion.  Sign on her back addresses the often repeated question, "What are you going to do?"  It reads, "I don't know."

The closure came as a shock, learning she had less than five weeks to vacate the building.  Relocating and finding the perfect next location often takes years, so the plan for now?  Sell the equipment, visit family in California and hang out by the beach.  After then?  Who knows?  There are several options in the works, but first order of business....close the restaurant.

Crave's kitchen space was at a premium.  It seems every inch serves a purpose.

The closing brought out a multitude of people, including the little one, all decked out in Halloween gear.

 

Captain Avengers made short work of Robin's highly addictive mac n' cheese.
 

Naomi Andrade Smith of Villa Victoria Catering treated us to a batch of steaming hot empanadas.

Friend and caterer, Tiberio Simone of La Figa Catering lends a hand, creating hundreds of these cayenne-spiced chocolates.


Chef/owner Robin Levanthal survived cancer and there is no doubt, closing Crave will be just another chapter.  What's next for Robin?  She doesn't know...but I predict great things for this dynamo. 

Stay tuned....