The courage to combine flavors that typically wouldn’t be used in the same entree is the essence of the fusion themed menu at Crave sushi bar and restaurant. 

“It’s a little more daring. We introduce foods that are not commonly put together, and we are not afraid of unconventional flavors,” Executive Chef Dennis Kennedy said. Mediterranean herbs and spices are infused into sushi rolls and other items at the notable eatery in West Dearborn. 

Jerome Jackson (left) and Crave co-owner Khalil Ramadan in Africa after the restaurant received a request to prepare dinner for the president of Gambia.

“It’s great to have a California or tuna roll but I think it can go further,” said co-owner Khalil Ramadan, who is business partners with his brother Alex.  Both are Lebanese and were exposed to Mediterranean cuisine early on. Crave features a bold variety of poultry, seafood and beef delicacies including lemon grass filet and citrus chicken. 

It opened seven years ago and has been voted best sushi bar in metro-Detroit every year since while still managing to hold the title of best restaurant in Dearborn four years in a row. Crave has also won a number of awards and was recently voted 2011 best restaurant ambiance and sushi bar  by HOUR Detroit Magazine. Additionally, the hip and elegant lounge averages four and a half stars out of five.  

Major celebrities have visited Crave and experienced its high standards for cuisine including actors John Travolta, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Jennifer Connelly and  major league baseball star Derek Jeter to name a few. 

After eating there, liaisons from President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia requested Crave prepare dinner for the country’s leader and his guests. Khalil and his employees were flown out to Africa to cater to Jammeh for a special event. 

The finest seafood imaginable is shipped in three times a week and prices are reasonable ranging from $15 to $30. There is also Happy Hour Sushi Monday through Saturday 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Alcohol is offered as part of the full dining experience.  

Although Crave is a hot spot for nightlife it’s still a restaurant Khalil says. It has earned a reputation for providing hip and energetic entertainment for parties, fashion shows  and concerts to private events in an elegant atmosphere. “But at the end of the day we’re a full blown restaurant,” Khalil said. 

The décor is tasteful and features creative art work plastered on the walls, dark wood floors and comfortable couches. Additional locations in London and Morocco are in discussion.  The owners are always seeking to reinvent the menu.  Khalil says they look at what other restaurants do and try to do it “10 times better.” 

Despite the economic downturn in Detroit, Ramadan cites that one advantage of doing business in Detroit is the cost of purchasing a business. He says young people shouldn’t be afraid of launching a business. “I definitely think everybody should pursue something because all that’s going to do is create jobs,” he said.  

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