| Author |
Message |
    
Case
Citizen
Username: Case
Post Number: 80
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, July 9, 2005 - 1:33 pm: |     |
What a great place! Its taken me awhile to finally get there, but I'm glad I did. The sandwiches are reallly excellent, and my wife is very excited about the cheeses.
If you haven't tried Crane's yet, go soon! |
Beans
Citizen
Username: Nalini
Post Number: 102
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, July 9, 2005 - 2:54 pm: | |
What a great addition to maplewood. I had their tuna sandwich today and my hubby had their sloppy joe and boy was it good. It's so refreshing to have a place like this. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 1677
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, July 9, 2005 - 9:54 pm: | |
Where is Cranes? |
emmie
Supporter
Username: Emmie
Post Number: 548
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, July 9, 2005 - 10:14 pm: | |
It is where Carmalita's used to be. |
slipknot
Citizen
Username: Zotts
Post Number: 55
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, July 9, 2005 - 10:45 pm: | |
They had the best bread pudding I've had this side "the pond". Highly recommended. |
Case
Citizen
Username: Case
Post Number: 92
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, July 10, 2005 - 10:11 am: | |
My only wish is that they start selling small bags of pretzels and those 'baked' potato chips. Then I'd be happy forever.
Well... I'd be happy when I wanted a good sandwich, anyway. Maybe not forever. |
Maplefan
Citizen
Username: Maplefan
Post Number: 28
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 - 5:28 pm: | |
Crane's reigns! |
wbwallflower
Citizen
Username: Wbwallflower
Post Number: 44
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 - 10:23 pm: | |
Amen to that! |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 1314
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 - 10:36 pm: | |
O.K. Went there today to check it out. Had the roasted vegetable and goat cheese sandwhich. Very yummy. The veggies were tasty and there was plenty of goat cheese (lots of places are very "cheap" with portions of goat cheese). The bread was also yummy, but a bit hard for the type of filling that was in it. The veggies and cheese squeezed out whenever I took a bite. Knowing that, perhaps I'll try it again and ask for a softer bread? Also, I was a little bit disappointed in the limited selection of sandwiches. Perhaps only because I went in expecting "more." Also, would love to see the cheeses displayed in front, not stuck behind the counter where they're very hard to see. But I suppose, if I went in knowing exactly what I was looking for it wouldn't be a problem. Not so great for just "browsing" the selection though.
I definately plan on going back and trying more. |
sullymw
Citizen
Username: Sullymw
Post Number: 762
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 9:12 am: | |
great addition to town. love those bbq chips |
wbwallflower
Citizen
Username: Wbwallflower
Post Number: 48
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 10:19 am: | |
Me- The owner told me they would make any kind of sandwich you want if that helps any! |
Mary Flannery
Citizen
Username: Maplewoodsok
Post Number: 5
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 10:39 am: | |
Everything is super yummy at Cranes and they are all really nice |
Nonymous Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 8744
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 11:32 am: | |
I'm biased, because Steve Crane is my very nice next door neighbor, but wow anyway. We had his olives last night. They were unbeatable. And some really interesting goat cheeses. And some fresh mozzarella. My wife doesn't normally eat cheese, but she had to try these. Fresh mozzarella is interesting: it's very mild in flavor, yet it's complex and discernable. I can't describe it, but there it is.
Their pickles are outstanding, too.
|
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 8959
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 - 11:15 pm: | |
Youandtheboys, Steve says he's interested in hearing what kinds of sandwiches we'd like to see there. He'd like to carry the stuff we want to buy.
|
msg
Citizen
Username: Msg
Post Number: 23
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - 9:35 am: | |
Not only is the food great but isn't it nice to actually have our neighbors owning and working in our town. This is another case of supporting small town merchants instead of chains and mall stores. Three cheers for the Crane-Ramirezd duo. May you stay and prosper. (Love the purple cabbage on the sloppies!) |
Amie Brockway-Metcalf
Citizen
Username: Amie
Post Number: 345
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - 9:38 am: | |
I had a lovely time in there Monday-- stopped by to get some bread and ended up having a delightful conversation with the owner and clerk about muffeleta and Central Grocery. (It's close but not quite there. Still enough to to satisfy my preggo cravings for muffeleta without having to order a case of it from the Central Grocery, like my last pregnancy!) |
davidbuckley
Citizen
Username: Davidbuckley
Post Number: 319
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - 11:28 pm: | |
Really like Cranes too. Nice people and good food. Any chance for breakfast egg sandwiches?
Eat well, all.
David |
wbwallflower
Citizen
Username: Wbwallflower
Post Number: 71
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 12:58 pm: | |
I keep hearing people say they're somewhat surprised at the prices at Crane's. Anybody have any opinions? |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 9026
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 1:07 pm: | |
I haven't paid close attention, but I think the place is aiming to offer high quality stuff, so it seems out of place to place a high importance on price, unless the prices are extremely high, which they're not. Crane's doesn't aim to compete with the Quick Chek deli counter, and thank goodness for that.
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I'm Only Sleeping
Citizen
Username: Imonlysleeping
Post Number: 17
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 1:10 pm: | |
I had a decent pulled pork sandwich last week that was, in my opinion, way too expensive for what it was. It was quite a small sandwich and came with no sides of any sort (not even a pickle). Definitely not a full meal for someone with a healthy appetite. And I think it cost about $7, if I remember correctly. I enjoyed it, but I won't be buying another at that price. |
Strings
Supporter
Username: Blue_eyes
Post Number: 567
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 1:44 pm: | |
wallflower - surprised in which way?
I went in with my mom a few days ago. She was going to a clam bake and all the guests were asked to bring different apps so she figured a few cheeses and bread and crackers would be perfect.
The girl behind the counter was incredibly informative and helpful. She let us both taste each cheese she suggested and helped my mom pick out what would be appropriate. We left with 3 cheeses and a baguette. I was suprised with the final price - I thought it would have been a lot more!
I grabbed a sandwich menu and will definitely make an effort to go back and try them out! |
wbwallflower
Citizen
Username: Wbwallflower
Post Number: 72
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 1:58 pm: | |
Strings- I guess that they think they're a little high. I really enjoy the food from Crane's and continue to go back but I've heard similar responses to what I'm Only said.. that they enjoy the sandwiches but some of them cost more than they're worth.
ps- they give you pickles if you ask  |
oots
Citizen
Username: Oots
Post Number: 244
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 4:25 pm: | |
I had the sloppy joe (w/purple cab)and it was very good. But I agree-it was not very big and cost $6.50. So I also think the place is overpriced. If the sandwich was bigger I would'nt mind the price so much. My wife complained that I did not save her any. I said it was not very big!
oots |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 9043
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 5:03 pm: | |
I don't get it. Do you want your food to be good or cheap?
|
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 2519
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 5:07 pm: | |
Both, obviously.
However, I do think that the portions are relatively small compared to many delis ... I usually complain about portions being too big. I think Crane's is good, but I think that the prices should lead to larger portions, consistent with other good delis in the area. Or if the portions are going to be smaller, which is OK by me, then the prices should be somewhat (not drastically) lower. |
davidbuckley
Citizen
Username: Davidbuckley
Post Number: 320
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 5:16 pm: | |
I think Oots and I'm Only Sleeping are looking for "bang for the buck" which is really all about perceived value.
Meaning, for these two people, no issue with quality at all but an issue with quantity. I had one delicious sandwich from Crane's, it was very good and I was satisfied; I do know that I've had delicious sandwiches before from many different places that simply left me hungry because they were too small.
If enough feedback indicates delicious but small sandwiches it could behoove Crane's management to throw another couple of slices on the sandwich for customer satisfaction.
I also know that if a big giant person came in and ordered a sandwich I'd probably make it a bit bigger than if a little tiny person ordered the same.
Be well and eat well, all.
David |
I'm Only Sleeping
Citizen
Username: Imonlysleeping
Post Number: 18
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 5:24 pm: | |
Just to be clear: I'm not complaining about the price, exactly. I eat lunch every day in midtown Manhattan and $7 is about what I expect to pay for a sandwich. But the sandwich I had at Crane's was unusually small, and it didn't come with a side of any sort, which I would expect with a sandwich like this. Chips, potato salad, pasta salad, etc. It just wasn't worth the money, IMO. A slightly bigger sandwich with a little something extra I would pay $7 for. |
heart rn
Citizen
Username: Heart_rn
Post Number: 80
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 5:55 pm: | |
I had the best sandwich I ever had in my life at Crane's. |
mystic
Citizen
Username: Mystic
Post Number: 2
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 6:04 pm: | |
heart rn - now that's priceless! |
msg
Citizen
Username: Msg
Post Number: 27
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 12, 2005 - 12:00 am: | |
My daughters and I had lunch from Crane's again today. All three of us had different sandwiches and each one was better than the next. Absolutely the best grilled vegie and goat cheese sandwich ever. Great Ciabatta bread!!! Our sandwiches were plenty big; in fact, we saved the other half of each for tomorrow. Experts are right when they say Americans eat too much. Not everything has to be supersized. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 2982
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 12, 2005 - 12:19 am: | |
Crane's catered tonight's opening at the CDF Gallery in town and everyone was raving about the food. Not only did it taste incredible, everything was freshly prepared, and they also set it up beautifully and were knowledgable about ingredients. I would highy recommend them for catering as well as a few sandwiches! |
jem
Citizen
Username: Jem
Post Number: 1368
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 12, 2005 - 6:11 am: | |
I had one of their cranberry scones yesterday. Yum. |
mickey
Citizen
Username: Mickey
Post Number: 286
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 12, 2005 - 8:11 am: | |
Virtual,
What did they serve at the Gallery opening? Sandwiches? Salads? Cheese? Anything in particular you liked? I am thinking of using them for catering. thanks.
|
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 2985
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 12, 2005 - 8:33 am: | |
There were a few different kinds of sandwiches that I didn't try because I don't eat meat (pulled pork and muffaletta (sp.)) but nothing was left so I would say people enjoyed them. They also served a delicious quesadilla, smoked salmon spread on crispy pumpernickel rounds (I think), cheese/ smoked salmon stuffed tiny hot peppers, an assortment of cheeses and fruit, bread pudding, dried fruits and nuts, various stuffed olives. I probably missed a few things. It was a nice assortment of nibbles and more substantial food. |
I'm Only Sleeping
Citizen
Username: Imonlysleeping
Post Number: 19
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Friday, August 12, 2005 - 9:56 am: | |
MSG- Normally I'd completely agree with you. I'm not a supersize kind of person (either in appearance or eating habits). I'm not asking for a massive sandwich. Just a normal-sized one with the normal accompaniments. Maybe it's just the pulled pork sandwich and all the others aren't so tiny? |
wbwallflower
Citizen
Username: Wbwallflower
Post Number: 75
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Friday, August 12, 2005 - 9:58 am: | |
I'm Only- I think it depends on the kind of bread you get really.. |
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 2529
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 12, 2005 - 12:07 pm: | |
I have only had the pulled pork sandwich and, I agree, it was pretty small. (Like "regular" hamburger bun size - the ones you buy in an 8-pack at the grocery store.) So my comment is only legitimately based on that one experience. |
sullymw
Citizen
Username: Sullymw
Post Number: 779
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 12, 2005 - 12:10 pm: | |
plenty of meat on it though. I think if they just threw in some of their delicious chips then the quantity would be fine. Quality costs |
aquaman
Supporter
Username: Aquaman
Post Number: 379
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, August 13, 2005 - 9:42 pm: | |
I've been fortunate enough to hang my hat in several countries.
Americans are always either on a diet or complaining about small portions.
Crane's has good cheese, homemade chips, real bread, and wonderful sandwiches for a fair price
Cranes' chicken salad sandwich kept me going from noon until supper + it waz delicious.
If you want mediocrity and a full belly go to MIckey D's.
If you appreciate a civilized meal (real cheese, homemade bread, chicken that tastes like chicken, homemade chips) go to Cranes.
|
Wilkanoid
Citizen
Username: Cseleosida
Post Number: 468
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 16, 2005 - 10:57 am: | |
Finally got to Crane's last night. Had the pulled pork sandwich, and Mr. Wilk had the vegetable sandwich. Portions were good for us (we could eat a lot, but try not to), and the food was very tasty! I didn't find the food overpriced at all. |
Brick Pig
Citizen
Username: Brick_pig
Post Number: 38
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, August 21, 2005 - 1:58 pm: | |
My wife and I are slowly but surely becoming addicted to the pulled pork sandwich at Crane's. I must admit I'm kind of amazed that people here are complaining about it. It's easily among the best bbq we've eaten since we've moved away from North Carolina, and I don't think $7 is too much for it at all. Sure, I'd love it if they threw in some chips or something, but you'll never hear this ol' boy complaining about about having such easy access to good bbq! |
sullymw
Citizen
Username: Sullymw
Post Number: 787
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, August 21, 2005 - 2:05 pm: | |
Hey, if we didn't complain we'd have nothing to say... |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 5025
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, August 21, 2005 - 5:37 pm: | |
I had the turkey with cranberry & arugula for lunch Friday. Yumyumyum.
It was $1 more than a turkey sandwich at Panera, and yes - a bit smaller. But.... Panera compared to this sandwich?
'Nuff said. |
wbwallflower
Citizen
Username: Wbwallflower
Post Number: 122
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, August 21, 2005 - 6:27 pm: | |
Yum, love that one greene.. if you have it on the Ciabatta (spelling?) it's not small at all. |
Parkbench87
Citizen
Username: Parkbench87
Post Number: 2387
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - 3:32 pm: | |
Yes, I love that sandwich also. I believe it's named the Plymouth. |
Richard Kessler
Citizen
Username: Richiekess
Post Number: 35
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 9:32 am: | |
Well, my wife and I got two sandwiches: the BLT and the mozzarella and sundried tomato. We were really disappointed as both of the sandwiches were very, very greasy. The people working there were very nice and the bread pudding was terrific. But, we weren't able to finish the sandwiches. |
davidbuckley
Citizen
Username: Davidbuckley
Post Number: 342
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 3:37 pm: | |
Wow, RK, I'm surprised!
When you say "greasy" do you think it was the bacon in the BLT?
I don't know what it could possibly have been in the M & ST except often ST's are in olive oil ("good grease" to me if not too much but I know others might not like...)
Maybe there was a dressing or mayo applied to the sandwiches, either specified which you'd probably remember or default which I always make sure to avoid by asking first what a store uses, okaying and specifying how much I want if I like it and amending/specifying if not.
You see, as most things in life, to the best of my ability, I want my sandwiches "just so" and if an establishment begins with good ingredients and a good attitude, I find that with reasonable guidance, I can (and almost always do) get sandwiches I really like.
I think Cranes has good ingredients and a good attitude so definitely try them again, ask about that "default dressing" issue and report back so we can keep tabs on this wonderful new addition to our retail community.
Eat well, all.
David |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 948
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 10:35 pm: | |
Richard, I had the Sundried Tomato, Arugala and Goat Cheese on Ciabbata on the owners reccomendation as my first sandwich at the store. I actually enjoyed it A LOT but having said that, I will agree with you that the sandwich was DRENCHED in oil. I am not sure if it was the oil from the sundried tomatoes or whether they add extra oil on the bread. But the bread wasn't able to hold all of that liquid so it ooze out onto my hands and the paper that held the sandwich and eventually onto the park bench that I laid the sandwich upon. So I know where you are coming from.
I was able to overlook the problem with the help of MANY MANY napkins and I actually enjoyed the flavors, quality of the ingredients and high quality bread. I actually went back again and this time had a different sandwich (the melted provolone and roasted vegetables) and it wasn't slathered in oil so not every sandwich is laden with oil. I really enjoyed that sandwich too. I would suggest that you not give up on this place, I really am impressed with the quality of the ingredients. I also buy their homemade potato chips (delish) and I ask for a pickle spear (I don't think I should have to ask, they should just start giving it automatically IMO). I enjoy the Nantucket Nectar Half and Half and the other drinks are equally good. So this place is REALLY working for me. I bought a loaf of the Pane Pugliese (this crusty Italian bread) that was TOO DIE FOR.
I would suggest letting the guys behind the counter know about your grease problem and ask them to suggest what might not be so oily. But this place is too good to give up on. |
wbwallflower
Citizen
Username: Wbwallflower
Post Number: 148
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 10:33 am: | |
I think the sundried tomato sauce is what's oily.. I've had a sandwich with the stuff on it and ran into the same problem of needing many napkins.
Definitely agree with Alley though, don't give up on it.. Crane's is such a great addition to our town! |
Dego Diva
Citizen
Username: Fmingione
Post Number: 592
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 6:25 pm: | |
I had a Cubano there recently and it was SO good!
I alsolove the Pane Pugliese, which is from Sullivan Street Bakery in the city. It's some of the best rustic bread I've ever had.
Yeah, I think this place is a really nice addition to town, and I think it's going to be around for a long time. |
msg
Citizen
Username: Msg
Post Number: 61
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Friday, September 2, 2005 - 11:26 pm: | |
The teachers at Tuscan were lucky enough to have their welcome back luncheon catered by Crane's today. Everything was wonderful. Really good sandwiches, unique and full of stuff. Grilled vegies, tarragon chicken salad. Super salads including an orzo with smoked mozz and a terrific artichoke salad. The very best part was the outrageous bread pudding. Try any of these things if you want a real treat!!!!
|
wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 1580
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, September 3, 2005 - 9:23 pm: | |
Went into Crane's on Thursday at about 4:00. I had the grilled vegetables and goat cheese on Ciabatta. It was yummy and quite satisfying. They even offered me a pickle without asking so someone is reading MOL. While I was eating my sandwich there I saw a ten minute dialogue between one of the owners and a customer about cheese. The person only bought 2 quarter pound wedges of cheese but the patience and education from Dave, I think it was, would have been adequate for a person ordering 4 times that much. I was very impressed. This is a great place and their gazpacho rocks! |
Taurus5208
Citizen
Username: Taurus5208
Post Number: 117
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 8, 2005 - 11:42 am: | |
Does Crane's have a website or something to view their menu online? |
Yoette
Citizen
Username: Yoette
Post Number: 10
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 - 9:50 pm: | |
Great ICED COFFEE! The BEST in TOWN. I had their wonderful OLIVES at a party. SOOOO FRESH! Never will I buy my olives at WHOLE FOODS or KINGS, again! |
Diastole
Citizen
Username: Diastole
Post Number: 8
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, September 22, 2005 - 8:35 am: | |
I tried half of the Mufalletta the other day, then let the remainder sit in my fridge overnight. Wow! It was even better! Crane's rocks! |
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