Steak and seafood restaurant The Crane coming to Central Avenue next year

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The Crane, a casual steak and seafood restaurant with a classic cocktail bar, is coming next year to the former Wig Villa space at 575 Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete. Owner Sean Thongsiri’s first downtown restaurant, Mangosteen, opened this week at 656 Central Avenue – just a block away from The Crane.

“We love downtown St. Pete and all it has to offer for residents and guests alike,” said Serena Raynard, who is helping Thongsiri open and operate his restaurants. “Now that the doors are open at Mangosteen, we are excited to shift our focus to The Crane.”

Interior demolition began a few weeks ago and buildout is now underway. When diners enter the 150-seat restaurant, they will escape into a world that could’ve been taken right out of The Great Gatsby. Lounge seating at the front of the restaurant will welcome guests to relax and enjoy the food and drink offerings.

The centerpiece of the restaurant will be a white marble circular bar where handcrafted classic cocktails will be served. Gold accents will be scattered throughout, from the liquor rack above the bar to the hostess stand to the large mirrors that adorn the walls to the light fixtures hanging from the ceiling. Modern white furniture will sit atop a restored terrazzo floor.

As for the exterior, what was once a solid block wall fronting 6th Street is now lined with window cut outs, which will allow some natural light into the space. The building will soon receive a fresh coat of paint, awnings will be installed, and a mural of a crane will decorate the wall along 6th Street North.

The Crane will be located at 575 Central Avenue, formerly home to Wig Villa.

Entrees will focus on fresh fish and high-quality meat. One of The Crane’s best sellers is sure to be their pan-seared snapper with a coconut curry drizzle over a bed of parmesan risotto. The risotto, which will also be available as a standalone side item, is made with heavy cream, parmesan cheese, edamame, cherry tomatoes, and onions.

The Crane will also offer a catch of the day served as a whole fish – head to tail. The fish will be scored, lightly seasoned, and then fried. Other seafood options will include lobster, ahi tuna, Chilean sea bass, and shrimp.

pan-seared snapper with a coconut curry drizzle over a bed of parmesan risotto

As for the meat selection, expect to see all the popular cuts, such as filet, ribeye, and New York strip. Steaks will be lightly seasoned with Thongsiri’s own blend of allspice, bringing an Asian influence to the dining experience.

“Being Asian-owned, we will naturally have an Asian undertone. But with The Crane it won’t be very obvious,” said Raynard. “You will really only see it in our sauces and seasonings.”

Compliment your entrée with a few of the appetizers offered at The Crane. Check out the mussels served in a turmeric, white wine, and butter broth accompanied with a French baguette and garlic aioli. Another option will be the lobster and shrimp egg roll, which is a cabbage mix combined with lobster and shrimp and served with a sweet mango and pineapple dipping sauce.

The Crane will seat 150 diners, both indoors and outdoors. An expected opening is slated for early 2022.

The Crane’s lunch menu will differ from the dinner menu, offering items like a grilled salmon salad or a smaller filet with vegetables served with a side salad.

Complete your meal with a classic cocktail. Expect to see well-known concoctions like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Bohemian as well as a new twists on old favorites.

Additionally, The Crane will have a full red and white wine menu. The selection will be approachable with options for the amateur as well as the aficionado. Bottled beer and local drafts will also be available.

Unfortunately, The Crane will not have a rooftop bar, as previously reported by another outlet. However, The Crane will turn into a late-night cocktail bar after dinner. So, after you finish your pan-seared snapper or ribeye, be sure to grab another drink and enjoy the live music!

The Crane is expected to open in early 2022 at 575 Central Avenue. Stay up to date on The Crane by following them on Facebook and Instagram.