Indulge in culinary excellence at Cru Uncorked—a French-inspired gastronomic journey
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By Patricia Nugent
Since 2017, Cru Uncorked has transported diners back to the understated elegance of a French chateau. The same sense of authenticity—curated artwork and period antiques—has made its way to the gracious outdoor patios, greenhouses, ornamental gardens and garden pavilions.
“We’ve just been informed that we were selected as one of the top 100 patios in the country by OpenTable, which is a testament to the lengths we’ve gone to cultivate a transformative experience,” says Cru Uncorked President Chris Oppewall.
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Just off the main restaurant are mixed spaces featuring dining tables and soft seating divided between an open-air patio and one behind it with a retractable roof.
On several acres behind the restaurant, you’ll discover the formally designed French “parterre” gardens that represent four symmetrical quadrants of lush beds interconnected by stone walkways. Standing sentinel at the intersections of several of the walkways are 10-foot ivy-covered garden sculptures of (what else?) wine bottles.
A stroll through the shock of greenery will land you at either the greenhouse, where produce, herbs and edible flowers are grown to support farm-to-table fare, or the garden pavilion with roaring firepits that has played backdrop to rehearsal dinners, parties, showers and weddings.
The meticulously maintained patios and grounds are an extension of Cru’s core belief: that great dining experiences are the sum of place, food and wine, and great service.
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Adventures in Viniculture
Cru’s three sommeliers—Janine Poleman, Anthony Taylor and Chris—are lifelong friends who are fiercely competitive. They came up with the Sommelier Challenge, a series of monthly Showdown Dinners to flex their skills, with diners voting for their favorite som’s pairings following the meal.
“The events are part ‘Iron Chef’, part ‘Comedy Central’ roast, and everyone has a ball,” says Chris, who playfully boasts that Janine may have won the honor of supreme sommelier last year, but the 2024 title will belong to him. Make your reservations for any of the next three Showdown Dinners set for Tuesday, July 9; Tuesday, August 20; and the championship on Tuesday, September 17.
Cru also has earned a reputation for its exclusive Wine School, which spans six classes geared toward beginners looking to broaden their wine knowledge. “We dive deep into the last 200 years of history of the grape,” says Chris. “People also appreciate our wine tastings, which can happen during any dinner, just mention it when making reservations, and being able to buy bottles from us at retail pricing.”
Scintillating Summertime Specials
Much like the elegant and cultured environs, the French New American dishes at Cru function as works of art. Chef Sam Lesniak conjures from-scratch gastronomic delights.
“By mid-June, the stock of summer produce will give way to our summer menu,” says Sam. “When that drops, we will have a petit patio menu available to feature lighter, brighter cuisine. Two of my favorites are the crab and mushroom crepe with soy-glazed watermelon, sugar snap peas and watermelon radish; and the buratta topped with heirloom tomato and charred peach, in a peach vinaigrette with a basil-Parmesan cracker on the side.”
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Music Mondays and Meet the Horticulturist
On Monday evenings through Labor Day, visit Cru Uncorked to enjoy a meal or shared appetizers and wine along with live music in the garden pavilion.
Avid gardeners won’t want to miss Mondays, June 24 and July 22, when Cru horticulturist Mike Calkins will be on hand to chat about his gardens and greenhouse from 5:30-8 p.m.
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 or to register for wine events. Reservations are suggested for the patio, as it books up quickly. Gift cards are available online.