Crush On Food!

Crush 29 was launched in June 2006 and features a round bar, two wine caves, murals of the Napa Valley and two fireplaces. Private rooms are also offered for your party.

With its contemporary gold and brown furniture, Crush 29 is an attractive restaurant. It is located in Roseville in a plaza full of other restaurants, yet it seems to outshine them. Perhaps it is because is the only place that offers free valet parking.

The menu is influenced by the Napa Valley with cuisines such as seafood, steaks, rotisserie, gourmet pizza, pasta and desserts.

Appetizers at Crush 29 include a variety of food under interesting names—for example, the “Lamb Lollipops.”

I believe the waiter said the “lamb lollipops” was popular but it was hard to hear what he was saying over the noise level. I ordered it anyway and, boy, were they tasty.

Five cubed marinated lamb tenderloins skewers around sweet potato puree with a hot mustard-pomegranate drizzle for $9.95. It’s perfect in portion because it satisfies hunger with its rich flavor but still leaves room for the entrée.

Aside from the lamb, we also tried the “Asian steak butter cups,” which consisted of thinly sliced seasoned beef topped with cucumbers, carrots and peanuts around a spicy chili glaze ($8.95) and the “roasted garlic bruschetta,” a tomato and basil chutney over slices of bread ($7.95). Both were fresh and fulfilling.

My taste buds were surprised by the “drunken brandy steak” ($15.95). It had just a hint of sweetness in it and was tender and juicy. According to the restaurant, the flank steak is marinated for two days.

The generous steak entrée came with a mushroom ragu, asparagus and mashed potatoes which only made the meal more gratifying.

Their executive chef, Irie Genglar, has been in the culinary arts for 15. He first started in Hawaii where he worked with Roy Yamagucci, a well-known chef. Genglar brought some Hawaiian dishes to Crush 29’s menu as well.

Prior to joining Crush 29, Genglar was executive chef for The Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento for five years.

The restaurant specializes in wine—which the waiter neglected to tell us. However, they have a wide selection of wine with a glass costing at around $8 to $9. Free wine tasting is also offered while you wait for your table.

If you don’t like wine, there is a variety of martinis and other alcohol beverages to choose from. A favorite of mine is the “California apple,” which includes Crown Royal bourbon, sour apple pucker, white cranberry juice garnished with fresh green apple. Martinis are served over dry ice.

Beware of the gradually dimming lights—it may trick you into believing you’ve had too much too drink.

Although the dimmed lights are supposed to make the atmosphere romantic and intimate, it also makes reading the menu a bit difficult. Intimacy is a bit ruined by the clamor.

After eating twice at Crush 29, I’d have to say the customer service could be better. The hostesses are courteous but not friendly and the waiter was like a robot. His voice was monotone and his expression blank. When we asked him what dishes were good, he recited the menu almost word for word. We were hoping he’d tell us something we didn’t already know.

Although the service was a little disappointing, I recommend the food and martinis to everyone.

It’s a great place to hang out if you’re into the contemporary, loud scene. My friends think it’s great because they’re chatter boxes and feel more comfortable in an environment like Crush 29.

Crush 29 is open daily for lunch and dinner and is located on 1480 Eureka Rd. in Roseville. Their menu can be viewed at www.crush29.com.