Crudo: Summertime with Japanese-Inspired Bar Fare
Just a few blocks away from Boston's TD Garden is a trendy sushiteria in Boston's North End neighborhood. This bi-level eatery prepares Japanese-inspired fusion cuisine to complement their extensive drinks menu. While I usually try to stay away from cuisine that dilutes my beloved Japanese cuisine, we decided to give Crudo a chance.
It was quite busy inside. I appreciate that there is bar seating on both floors. At night, the ambiance was almost sleek but it seemed that a tornado of drunk college students had just left since the tables and floors on the 2nd floor were all sticky. If you come during the day when the weather is nice, the natural light seems to pair well with Crudo's reclaimed wood decor and marble bars.
In terms of food, the quality is fair but I'd rather be a bit intoxicated to pay these prices. The Jalapeno Hamachi was very good. The fish was tender, fatty, and refreshing. It was humbly dressed with Yuzukosho, Jalapeno, and Citrus Dressing. It came with 5 pieces for $13. Not ideal.
There were still a few misses on the menu. The Pop Rock Shrimp and Pan Fried Noodles were slightly depressing. The noodles were unforgivable and had almost no toppings even though it was advertised to have calamari, shrimp, scallops, and a variety of vegetables. The Pop Rock Shrimp was lifeless without that spicy aioli.
Overall, I'm not 100% sure I would come back. Maybe I'll come back for lunch and try some of those crazy sushi rolls if available. If not, their lunch menu looks pretty good.
This was probably the best part of the meal. The Jalapeno Hamachi was real nice. I'd get this again. [$13 USD]
These Lobstah Tacos came with a Lobster Salad, Roasted Sweet Corn, Roasted Garlic, Fresh Tarragon. Not too bad but overpriced. I wouldn't even pay these prices in NY. [$12 USD per taco]
Wow, this was sad. I'm not even going to say anything else about these Pan Fried Noodles. [$18 USD]
Our friends got the The Royale, which comes with 15 pieces of Sushi, 20 pieces of Sashimi, a Spider Maki, a California Roll, and a Red Light District Roll. For $100 USD, this could be a good portion to share with three or four friends. [$100 USD]
This was the Pop Rock Shrimp. It's just Fried Rock Shrimp Tempura with Jalapeno Peppers, and Spicy Aioli. The batter wasn't thick but you could really taste the oil. Without the sauce, this would have been kind of bad. It goes well with beer though... [$15 USD]