Dining In Style at Crane Ramen in Five Points
As we enter spring, I’m thinking about my desire to be out more and enjoy the weather (safely). I’m also thinking about dining out and supporting our favorite local businesses. While our community optimistically engages and becomes more comfortable resuming the things we love, I think we should celebrate that in our personal styles. It’s been quite a year, we deserve a pat on the back. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good pair of joggers and sweats. (Show of hands if you have sweats in various colors by now – I’ll wait.) However, I think it’s time we emerge from our “lockdown state of mind” and get back into expressing ourselves stylistically when we want to go out to enjoy a nice meal and have a cocktail.
One of my favorite spots is Crane Ramen in Jacksonville's Historic Five Points. It's the perfect hybrid of a casual and fine dining experience. You don't necessarily feel out of place coming in casually nor do you feel like you overdressed if your attire is more formal. Either way, this contemporary restaurant makes you feel welcome. How do we dress to dine out when spring in Florida is notoriously fickle? Our days are starting to have a mix of coolness, with midday moments of heat that settle down in the evening. Let’s keep it simple. A fine casual dining restaurant like Crane Ramen has a versatile atmosphere that lends itself to casual or formal attire. Gentlemen, a pair of your nice jeans, a casual yet dressy sneaker, a pop of fun socks to add contrast and a bright solid colored shirt will take you far. The pastel colors like mint greens, light blues, whites, pink, lavenders and even some neutral tones will complement any guy. Basically, let’s not do pandemic greys. A light bomber windbreaker jacket will come in handy if you’re eating outside and spring weather throws you a curveball with a slight chill.
Crane Ramen is thinking about spring and they’ve been working hard to revitalize their customers’ favorite menu items with a refreshing twist. I had the pleasure of talking with Crane's Executive Chef Kat Carrasco about what worked and what needed some improvements, with a goal of maintaining consistency while updating the visual presentation of each item on the menu.
The Chicken Paitan was a go-to favorite of mine when I didn’t know what I wanted. But now, instead of chicken meatballs, the dish now comes with chicken strips, the same use of veggies and a much heartier broth that made me sip the entire bowl. I’ve been going to Crane since their original debut in Gainesville, and I can tell you I have never demolished a bowl in one sitting. You’ll thank me later for it. Promise!
Another staple, the Tonkotsu, has also been improved. The darker counterpart to the chicken paitan retains what you might remember. However, it’s the meat that's undergone the biggest change. You now see the thickest slices of pork tenderloin Crane has ever used in this aromatic broth and some pickled veggies. Slices thick enough that they could be eaten in a sandwich or rather in steamed buns alone. (Psst...order the new Steamed Pork Buns, you won't be sorry.)
Suppose you’re feeling a bit fancy. Bust out the skinny suit you planned to wear to that canceled event last year and keep it simple. If you want to wear a tie, by all means go for it, but I suggest ditching it in this case when eating ramen. You never know, as you start sipping and slurping Crane’s broth you might end up getting a stain you won't get out.
New items like the Katsu Don Pork Rice Bowl and the Mochi Dessert Trio are sure to be big hits. I’m looking forward to the return of their famous Ramen of the Week specials. Remember Crane's culinary take on the classic arcade fighting game Street Fighter? Get ready for a Sunshine State Ramen Theme where there will be weekly ramen specials representing the iconic cities around Florida and people can vote on their favorites. And, what’s a good bowl of ramen without Japanese-inspired whiskey cocktails and other signature drinks? There are new seasonal cocktails on the horizon in addition to the customer favorites. I’m here for all of it and I’ll be dressing accordingly!
A black suit looks great on any guy. Pair it with a long-sleeve henley t-shirt as a substitute to the classic white button-down shirt. A pocket square with a floral motif or solid color to add some interest gives a nod to your spring style. Or you can just use the blazer, and pair it with jeans if that’s more your style. For the guy that loves all things boots, pull out your dressier boots you feel more like a rock star in.
What about your sock game? Gentlemen, our socks can be one of the best ways to make a statement and, ultimately, have fun with it. With this mostly all-black look, I went for a subtle yet fun statement using these tweed socks with multicolor flecks. They’re long and not too thick when wearing boots. More importantly, tweed is breathable and can handle even warmer weather so I recommend a pair for those dressy or casual occasions.
So here's to appreciating beautiful weather with as many opportunities to be outside, enjoy our favorite local dining spots and look good doing it.
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Find Crane Ramen at 1029 Park Street in Jacksonville's Historic Five Points Neighborhood.
