This may come as a surprise to many, but archaeological findings show that humans began cooking with brick ovens long before they started recording history — or even writing, for that matter. But those who have enjoyed the spoils of a brick oven-cooked meal might not be so shocked to hear the news, as the radiant heat produced by a masonry oven generates results so delicious — especially with crispy-crusted pizzas and artisanal breads — that one can easily see why early humans might have been in a rush to build the first brick oven.
Today, Crave Italian Oven and Bar — located at 5900 North Kings Highway on the northern end of Myrtle Beach — brings this ages-old cooking technology to the Grand Strand, and the time-tested benefits of the brick oven can be tasted in the results. The restaurant’s in-house, wood-fired brick oven, which was built in Italy specifically for Crave before being shipped across the Atlantic to its new home in Myrtle Beach, produces a delicious range of authentic Old World Italian specialties (think lasagnas, raviolis and other tasty pasta dishes) and New York-style pizzas, along with steaks, pork, chicken, seafood dishes and more.
Here’s a quick sampling of some of the tempting entrée options in store for guests at Crave:
- The Italian Cheese Platter features a sampling of fresh bocconcini, smoked, bufala & burrata mozzarella, and tomini freschi, all accompanied by prosciutto, olives and peppers.
- A favorite from New York City’s famed Feast of San Gennaro (and recognized by many from The Godfather films), the Crisp Arancini features Italian rice balls stuffed with fresh mozzarella and Bolognese sauce.
- The Meat Lover’s Brick-Oven Pizza piles on the pepperoni, sausage, meatballs and ham, while the Chenel Brick-Oven Pizza features garlic oil, caramelized onions, imported Italian goat cheese, prosciutto, arugula and a balsamic glaze.
- Pasta dishes include Nonna’s Lasagna, which is baked fresh in-house each day, and Lobster Ravioli tossed with mascarpone cheese and jumbo shrimp.
- The Center Cut Filet Mignon features 10 ounces of prime-graded, certified angus beef with chef’s choice of potato, and gorgonzola mushroom cream sauce can be added upon request.
- The Stuffed Chicken Elanor features a seasoned chicken breast that’s stuffed with Italian cheeses, then cooked in the wood-burning oven and served with risotto and sautéed spinach.
- The Seafood Pompeii boasts an assortment of fresh seafood and shellfish sautéed in a mascarpone cream sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomato and served over lobster risotto.
For those looking to enjoy a glass or two of vino with their meal, Crave offers an impressive wine list that includes a long list of regional Italian wines such as Pinot Grigios, Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, Chiantis, Merlots, Cabernet Sauvignons and more, as well as additional red, white and sparkling varieties from other wine-producing regions of the world. Crave’s bar also pours over 75 different whiskeys and Bourbons, craft martinis, Manhattans, egg-white drinks and more.
To explore all of the delicious food and drink offerings available at Crave, and to check out what’s on tap at Crave’s strong happy hour (which offers food and drink specials from 4 to 7 p.m. daily in the restaurant’s bar area), visit cravemb.com. To keep an eye on the bar and restaurant’s regular entertainment offerings, visit Crave’s facebook page.
After enjoying a tasty Italian meal at Crave, head back to your luxurious oceanfront accommodations at The Strand Resort to rest up for another exciting day in the Myrtle Beach area or to enjoy our wide array of fun amenities. Book your Grand Strand getaway today — and start planning your good times on the Carolina coast!
