Dishes and drinks that have us doing a double-take this week include a panko-crusted crab “bomb,” churros made with coconut husk ash and croquettes inspired by a Peruvian chicken stew at Nacional 27, a restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises.

Those of us at Restaurant Hospitality regularly see what independent operators are dishing out, but some menu items make us stop and stare — whether they involve an out-of-the-box way of using an ingredient, the appearance of a burgeoning trend or simply stunning presentations. We bring you NOM: our New on the Menu weekly roundup.

Email Anna Kang at [email protected]

Follow her on Twitter: @annaheekang