Fabulously plush and ornate, Cru Uncorked transports guests to the luxury of the French countryside

By Patricia Nugent

Like a fine wine, the experience at Cru Uncorked holds an unparalleled place in the universe.

At once fabulously plush, polished and ornate, the restaurant transports diners back to the understated elegance of an estate in the French countryside.

“We are devoted to crafting an unforgettable dining experience,” says President Chris Oppewall. “At Cru, everything is authentic—from the museum-quality curated artwork, period antiques and reclaimed wood beams to the hand-crafted, from-scratch sauces and dishes.”

Though the sheer volume of wines may seem intimidating—15,000+ bottles in inventory—the staff is decidedly unpretentious. There’s always a sommelier strolling the dining floor, ready to share his or her knowledge and sense of viniculture adventure. Their passion lies in educating diners who want to discover and appreciate wine. To that end, check the website for a listing of special wine dinners and ongoing tastings.

“We like to bring in the primary representatives from wineries all over the world for people to interact with,” says Chris.

For chilly-weather-worthy comfort fare, Executive Chef John Stropki has recently introduced a menu that features tantalizing and eclectic selections.

“One of the most popular dishes is Short Ribs Bourguignon, which are slow simmered in a classic red wine reduction and served with pommes puree, bacon, mushrooms and autumn vegetables,” he says.

You can’t bring fine dining to the next level without the freshest, most flavorful ingredients. Last year the cognoscenti at Cru took the bold path of building their own greenhouse and cultivating French-style parterre gardens behind the rear terrace, where diners can enjoy al fresco meals under radiant heating until the worst of winter hits.

They even hired a horticulturist to oversee the abundant microgreens, edible flowers, herbs and produce that are harvested daily to complement the gastronomic delights.

Cru Uncorked is located at the southeast corner of S.O.M. Center Road and 34300 Chagrin Boulevard in Moreland Hills, about a mile east of I-271. Call 440-903-1171 or visit CruUncorked.com for more information, to make reservations online or register for a wine tasting.

Visit CruUncorked.com or call 440-903-1171 to order your holiday dining cards. Now through Sunday, December 31, 2023, get $120 when you spend $100.