The Crane Kitchen just opened its doors on Sheppard West this month, and they’re bringing a world of Southeast Asian-inspired flavours together. With a focus on barbecue, grilled meats and full savoury meals complete with veggies and coconut rice, the Crane Kitchen provides a sit-down-dinner counterpart to its sister location, the Crane Express cafe.
Initially based in Vaughan, the Crane Express made waves earlier this year doing a series of pop-ups and catering experiences with Filipino-inspired desserts and drinks, including their famous ube halo halo and other baked goods. Crane Express opened its first brick-and-mortar shop on Sheppard West at the beginning of June, just a few doors down from the new Crane Kitchen location.
The Crane Express offers a more cafe-style experience, with light, to-go drinks like halo halo and bubble tea, as well as a variety of coffee options, including Vietnamese coffee and others, and a focus on dessert offerings. That’s why when they expanded, the Crane Kitchen is set up to serve a savoury dine-in experience to broaden the palate.
While they are technically separate entities, the Crane Express and Kitchen are part of a joint effort between Toronto entrepreneur Clyde Pacis and NBA player Andrew Nicholson. Nicholson and Pacis met when Pacis sponsored an event with Nicholson’s non-profit organization 44 Hoops. The pair went into business together to share their love of Filipino and Southeast Asian cuisine.
Now with their second location under the Crane moniker, the Crane Kitchen is serving up Sisig fries with a variety of toppings to choose from, pork belly with Crane spring rolls, crispy pork skewers, among many more. You can find the Crane Kitchen at 850 Sheppard Ave. West in North York, and the Crane Express at 846 Sheppard Ave. West.
