Today we’d like to introduce you to Lance Whalen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
We expanded upon the existing building at 78 Salem St. Adding a whole new second floor, and completely renovating the interior. We completed construction and opened in June of 2015.
I think we navigated many of the same hurdles any new restaurant faces. As we close out our second year, I would definitely say we are a long way from where we started. You know you’re doing something right when you have as many regulars as we do. I routinely see the same faces 2-3 times a week. The staff has developed great chemistry. A big difference between when we started to now, is how often I hear guests request staff by name.
Our menu options have done some “growing up” as well. We have started mixing in a lot more creativity. While we still pay homage to traditional Japanese culture, other Asian influences that have made their way to the menu include Thai, Korean & Chinese. Marry this with some traditional coastal New England ingredients and you get something pretty special. On the bar side, we have made a real effort to highlight unique Asian ingredients, local brews, and an eclectic wine list.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not smooth. But what restaurant doesn’t have some hiccups along the way. I would say our biggest obstacle has been staffing with the right people. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s not about finding the 10 best individuals. It’s about finding the 10 that work the best together. When you have a business to staff that is as hectic as a restaurant, that can be tough task to accomplish. While we are a young restaurant, the staff here has done a great job growing together.
Another struggle is getting noticed in the North End, which is heavily populated with long established restaurants. Heck, our next-door neighbor is Neptune. That’s like a David and Goliath comparison. But instead of looking at as a negative, I take it as a challenge. So far, we’ve held our own nicely.
Please tell us about Crudo.
Crudo mixes sushi with hot options flawlessly. Giving our guests a myriad of options. I am most proud of how far our staff has come. A lot of our staff were pretty green when they started here. But a focus on positive energy and continued education has brought them a long way.
We are definitely known for some of our less traditional sushi offerings, but the crab rangoons or firecracker calamari are not to be missed either! Our cocktail program is another can’t miss. The Yuzu Negroni or lemongrass lychee martini are both in the must-try category.
What sets us apart? How much fun we have. I have always embraced my competitive nature. Always trying to be better today, than I was yesterday. I would like to think some of that has rubbed off on the rest of the staff. At Crudo we combine that with a fun, energetic & unpretentious approach to fine dining. Love your food or not, I can promise you won’t be bored!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
There are so many. I’m sure it’s not a surprise that the best all involve family and food. Whether picking wild grapes & rose hips to make jelly, or foraging for mushrooms with my grandmother. Definitely baking with my mother. The best would have to be Christmas dinner with my dad’s family. Too many people to count, overflowing to every corner of the house. With my grandmother refusing to sit until everyone else was all set, and everyone else yelling at her to grab a seat. Christmas dinner got to the point where it was so many people we ended up taking over the local firehouse to have enough space!
Contact Info:
- Address: 78 Salem Street,
Boston, MA - Website: crudoboston.com
- Phone: 617-367-6500
- Email: info@crudoboston.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crudoboston/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrudoBoston
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/crudoboston
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