Crave On 42nd - Top Chef Dave Martin's Home For Upscale American Comfort Food

Think Bistro. Dine Casual. That's the idea behind 'CRAVE on 42ND' (650 West 42nd Street, near 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036; 212.564.9588; www.craveon42nd.com), where the owners have given full gratis to Bravo's "Top Chef" Season One Finalist, Dave Martin (XO Wine Bistro, CA and As You Wish Catering), who is making his mark in NYC as the restaurant's Executive Chef. Creating an updated American classics menu, Martin, who won millions of viewers' hearts and palates with his intense layering of flavors, and inimitable personality, is implementing his culinary craft for his loyal fans, as well as people who simply have a love for good food and good times. Martin's passion for cooking and desire to make guests feel special is contagious. Located just a few blocks from the ever-growing Hell's Kitchen and Times Square neighborhood, 'CRAVE on 42ND' is a new destination for sophisticated bistro fare without the attitude.

As a life-long home cook and graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, Martin, fortunate enough to be raised in a home where everything was always created from scratch, made the move from LA to NYC in 2006. He has worked hard to create an original, yet unique bistro-style menu that showcases his love of flavors and food, along with weekly specials that will allow him to explore and have fun in the kitchen. He encourages his patrons to try a variety of dishes and to really enjoy the experience through sharing and tasting all of the different combinations offered. He plans on pleasing diners with an array of tasty starters, such as the Hanging Tenderloin Martini with Asian ginger pan sauce ($9); Jumbo Sea Scallops with a savory vanilla bean cream and smoked tomato butter ($12); and Dave's Black Truffle Mac 'n' Cheese ($14), one of his winning signature dishes from "Top Chef". For the main course, guests will have a hard time choosing from dishes like Sassy Sea Bass with adobo honey butter, toasted coconut couscous and roasted veggies ($22); or The $20 Dollar Hanger Steak and Fries with 5 peppercorn sauce; and Mascarpone and Green Apple Ravioli with Bolognese and Pecorino Romano ($19). Delicious Salads, Handcrafted Soups, Burgers and Brick Oven Pizza are also available, plus more casual appetizers like Roasted Red Bell Pepper & Artichoke Hummus ($9); and Calamari Fritti with house made marinara ($9); for the locals who might be craving a simple quick bite to eat, or take-out. Everything that comes out of the kitchen is made from scratch, including Martin's taste tempting desserts. Martin creates mouthwatering selections to include Sour Cream Panna Cotta with mango coulis and shortbread cookie ($6); Warm Apple Turnover with vanilla bean gelato ($6); and Erika's Chocolate Addiction dressed with vanilla cream anglaise ($6). 'CRAVE on 42ND' features a worldly wine list with quality selections, including some nice 'organics' by the glass and bottle ($9-19; $27-51), as well as signature cocktails, including the 'Crave' Martini ($10) and Strawberry Mojito ($10).

'CRAVE on 42ND ', which was formerly Italian restaurant TerraVento, has been transformed into a modern casual space with light walls enhanced by colorful art canvases. The floor-to-ceiling windows along the front of the restaurant bring in wonderful natural light, plus a great view of bustling 42nd Street. Warm chocolate banquettes line the back walls, providing cozy seating along with the dark mahogany chairs that surround the entire restaurant. The amber glow of candles throughout the 72-seat dining room and relaxed 20-seat bar make it a space that one can comfortably use to unwind and enjoy. An eclectic mix of music plays in the background, keeping the volume focus on conversation; while two bi