Ansonia, The Magical Land of

The Malt Family finally got the drive to drive down to where I like to refer to as The Magical Land of Ansonia. Magical indeed. Magical that it still exists! We had been dreading this one for a while, but we were also excited to try this restaurant we had been stalking when we finally drove down to Ansonia. We left just in time for Anna to get a decent nap in the car and to arrive just as they opened at 11am.

The restaurant front looked fantastic. This must have brought the value of the surroundings up at least 30%.

After entering through the doors, we had to finagle our way past some heavy drapery, which we assumed served the purpose of insulation, but not the easiest entry. I compare it to trying to find your way through the high school curtains.

The bar at Crave I thought to be well laid out and inviting. All clean and shiny just waiting for drunk people to spill on it.

Besides the curious looking gentleman at the bar, who seemed to be enjoying an early lunch and flirting with the server / bartender, we were the only other clientele. Who else dines for lunch at 11am? Besides maybe retired people at Bee Bee Dairy. So down we sit as the server brings over a high chair (which I’m pretty sure doesn’t get much use in this establishment). Bob ordered a Diet Coke with a lime and I ordered a cup of hot water to warm up Anna’s lunch. Mmm… green beans. The great part was that the coffee/tea mugs had a wide bowl, so her food fit great for heating.

One of the first things I noticed after we got situated was the salt/pepper on the table. By far the cutest table décor I have seen.  But then again, I don't get out much.

We had two people waiting on us.  One gentleman brough us water ASAP and continued filling the glasses as we took sips (I guess he was bored because it was so slow), and also a lovely waitress taking our order and checking in throughout the meal.  The gentleman also brough us out each plate of food.  He wasn't very good at keeping them out of reach of Anna, but then I forget myself!  "Anna, that knife is not for you!"

The artwork was pretty interesting as well. Here’s Bob on display with a piece.

The menu was wonderfully diverse. All in the Spanish motif and with great choices. We started off with Empanadas. Our favorite of the chicken, beef and vegetable was the vegetable. What a neat flavor! Highly recommend.

Bob ordered the grilled shrimp wrap and a side of grilled sweet plantains. He was definitely pleased with his choice.

I ordered the Tilapia with a red pepper vinaigrette on a bed of sautéed spinach.  It was rather filling and enjoyable. Although, the Empanadas may have filled me up a bit too!

Since we had an hour+ ride back, I decided to use the restroom. There is one restroom for both genders. It was a fancy looking bathroom and kept clean; although we were the first guests of the day.  The sink alone was impressive.  Also note the scent sticks which is always a nice way to keep a bathroom smelling...umm...unused?

Please keep in mind that the menu does change, as I found out online when I was trying to get specifics for this blog.

And the big question: Would we go back again? Absolutely! If we were driving through Ansonia or if Crave relocates. We give this restaurant 4 out of 5 shakes of nutmeg.

102 Main Street
Ansonia, CT
203-735-3300
http://www.crave102.com/