Cravin’ Combines Thai, Taiyaki and Poke in Encino
Square Mix, a company with 13 different concepts in Korea, opened Cravin’ in Encino’s Plaza de Oro, combining Curious Goldie dessert shop, Grill Thai Noodle & Steak, Blue Poke and […]
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CategoryEat & Drink
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Written byJoshua Lurie
Square Mix, a company with 13 different concepts in Korea, opened Cravin’ in Encino’s Plaza de Oro, combining Curious Goldie dessert shop, Grill Thai Noodle & Steak, Blue Poke and shared seating. The space last housed Sushi Ganzo and flipped on February 13.
A red awning gives way to a two-tiered space. Upstairs you’ll find Curious Goldie with white-tiled floors, high-top tables and cartoon art. Downstairs the remaining concepts share a counter in front of a sea of tables and faux plants in wall-mounted boxes.
Curious Goldie is a popular dessert brand featuring croissant taiyaki, a fish-shaped waffle filled with ingredients like cream cheese, custard, Nutella and red bean. They also offer a fish-shaped waffle “cone” filled with soft-serve ice cream.
Blue Poke (created for Encino) features either two scoops ($8.95) or three scoops ($10.95). Select a base of either white rice, brown rice, salad or blue tortilla chips. Key proteins include albacore, octopus, salmon, scallops or soft tofu. Add mix-ins and sauces like masago, roasted corn, green onion, garlic ponzu, spicy mayo and sweet chile. Finish with toppings like guacamole, wasabi, crab meat, Hot Cheetos and furikake.
Grill Thai Noodle & Steak is another Korean import for people who don’t want raw fish. The LED menu ($8.95-9.95) features pad thai with chicken, shrimp or short rib. Fried rice comes with the same selection. Fried chicken and spring rolls round out the roster.
The company plans to expand Cravin’ to Koreatown’s California Market and Buena Park’s The Source OC mall.
17237 Ventura Blvd., Encino, 818-906-1100
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