The tables and the bar are hand made out of wine barrels and the corks in the sides of the tables are all from the owners' private collection.  The tables definitely enhance the look of the well designed room.

There were a surprising number of younger people (under 30) and that definitely added to the fun.

7/12/08

Service is fantastic.  Even though it is really busy, we received our items on time and Rob, the manager, made sure that each table was being taken care of.  Jon, our waiter, was definitely being pulled in many directions yet we wanted for nothing.  While I didn't catch the barista's name, I can assure you she is one of the best in town.

I was finally able to enjoy some food at Crush.  I will have to rely on my friend's descriptions of the wine selection and pairing but as for the food:

I ordered some meat balls, jerk chicken and sausages.  Each plate was around $7.

The meat balls were fantastic.  Moist and incredibly delicate, so much so that it seemed impossible that they'd hold together.  The sauce was light but filling.

The sausages (and I love sausage) were equally well prepared in both temperature and presentation.  The mustard that accompanied the sausage was spicy.

The jerk chicken was on skew and was equally as spicy.  I found my eyes watering a couple times.

I like spicy food.  As my bio says, I like everything I've ever tried except for soggy bread.  I just prefer not to eat some things.

Now for the review that isn't me. I took several experts (trained at the CIA and well traveled throughout the wine world) with me.  The youngest one just recently returned from studying abroad and the oldest one has more experience than I have been alive.  We'll call them one and two.

One said that the spices from the foods really ate the wine flavor.  He believes that spices have a place with wine in drawing out the flavors and subtleties but not at the expense of the taste buds themselves.

Two says that while the spice was strong, skip it and go directly to the wine.

Both say that the wine list is very "strong" with full "meaty" wines and lighter wines for most tastes.

Take some time to check this place out.  It's across from Nordstrom's and it will definitely be busy all summer.  It's a great place to have fun and socialize...not such a great place to do homework and study.  that's why I rated the Crush as a solid B+.  I'll be visiting again soon, though, to try more food so stay tuned!

Crush Overall Grade: B+