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Cru Uncorked

La belle vie.

When it comes to the experience of food – sight, smell, taste and texture – it all matters. Beautiful plating. Rigorously chosen ingredients. Daring flavors. Perfectly paired wines. They delight and satisfy. Inspire adventure, or comfort. The care we take to bring the memorable to your table reflects our passion – to make the ordinary something exceptional.

About the Space

Escape to the French countryside.

Smoky woods, vaulted ceilings, fine stonework and rich textiles drape Cru Uncorked in sophisticated luxury. Our four dining rooms – Terroir, Vineyard, Winery and Wine Cellar, each with its own fireplace – feature French antiques and original artwork on the winemaking process.

Background noise has been minimized, and privacy enhanced. From wide table distances, to carpeted and heated floors, to upholstered chairs and intimate settings, we’ve designed every detail to provide the optimal space for conversation and comfort.

Share a cocktail pre- or post-dinner in our comfortable rustic lounge. As the seasons permit, enjoy long peaceful evenings when you dine on our outdoor terrace.

The Specifics

Taking Dinner Reservations from 5pm–9pm, Monday–Saturday.

Please arrive a few minutes pior to your seating time and plan on spending several hours dining.

Reservations are strongly suggested for all areas of the restaurant. When possible, our intimate lounge is open to guests without reservations from 4:30pm until closing.

Please enjoy our complimentary valet and coat check.

Reserve a dining area, or the banquet room for your next event or celebration, when you call, or speak with a member of our staff.

Be one of the first to learn about our premier events, menus and rare wine label acquisitions. Join our email list and follow us on social media.

Dress

We welcome business and business casual attire. If jeans are a preferred choice, well-maintained denim in a dark shade is requested. While dining with us, we ask that our gentleman guests refrain from wearing hats inside the building.

The Collection

Cru Uncorked brings you a collection of artwork and French antiques curated to enhance the dining experience.

Each piece has been selected to complement a relaxing evening of incredible food, wine and service. From the moment you enter, fine art sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Winemaking relics, French jazz-era reliefs, period antiques, Napa Valley photography and vineyard-inspired artwork establish an atmosphere steeped in history and the mythos of du vin.

Lounge

Lobby

Josephine Baker reliefs discovered at a fruit stand on the Left Bank of Paris, by unknown artist, circa 1950.

when in paris

Josephine Baker

Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1906, Josephine Baker is arguably France’s most famous American jazz import. Performing at the renowned Folies Bergère music hall, Baker amazed audiences by dancing topless in a skirt made of bananas for the La Folie du Jour. Baker’s legacy includes a lifetime of work advocating for racial justice around the world.

Terroir & Vineyard Rooms

Terroir & Vineyard Rooms

Photographic murals of Napa Valley vineyards and landscapes, by photographer Ryn Clarke; antique fireplace surround with antique French wine barrel markers, circa 1800’s.

Wine Cellar Room

Wine Cellar Room

Reprint of the Maurin Quina, a famous French wine poster by the celebrated artist Leonetto Cappiello, circa 1906.

Wine Cellar Room

Wine Cellar Room

Reprint of the Maurin Quina, a famous French wine poster by the celebrated artist Leonetto Cappiello, circa 1906 (top).

A collection of 40 antique tastevins from around the world, 25 antique cheese knives and antique corkscrews (bottom).

Wine Corridor

Wine Corridor

A pair of antique French gates, provenance unknown, circa 1890.

Lounge

Lounge

Three Mouton Rothschild original label posters, circa 1982, 1989 and 2011; four original maps of Paris, circa 1910; three French grape baskets, originally worn by vineyard laborers, circa 1890’s.

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The Team

Sam Lesniak - Executive Chef

Sam Lesniak

Executive Chef

Sam Lesniak is the Executive Chef at Cru Uncorked.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Sam's family is steeped in culinary tradition.  Since age 18 he has been cooking in fine dining.  His style is contemporary American cuisine with French technique.  Never one to shy away from bold flavors, new ingredients or new cooking methods, Sam's always excited to push boundaries of flavor.
Sam brings the same intensity to fitness as an avid gym attendee during his time off. 

Alex King - Sous Chef

Alex King

Sous Chef

Alex began cooking professionally at 19, quickly rising at every opportunity.  Beyond her dedication and work ethic, Alex brings a true passion for flavors as evidenced in her enthusiastic sauce work. Seafood is a favored medium for Alex's culinary artistry, especially working with lobster. 

In her time off from the rigors of Cru's scratch kitchen, she favors sushi, authentic ramen and classic stewed dishes. Her culinary exploits extend into canine delicacies with a specialty in organic dog treats.  Home includes 97 house plants, 3 cats and her beloved dog, Apollo.

Lauren Davis - Pastry Chef

Lauren Davis

Pastry Chef

Lauren has been in the restaurant business since the age of 15.  Her love of baking goes back even further as her grandmother enlisted her help making wedding cakes. As a member of the opening team, she credits her time at Cru with rounding out her pastry skill. 

Thai food and sushi are among her favorite dishes when not slinging sugar at Cru. She also loves preparing food for her family and loved ones including paprikash, stroganoff and loves a grilled steak. Her home is as busy as her kitchen with her husband, 2 kids, 2 cats and 4 dogs. 

Chris Oppewall - President

Chris Oppewall

President

Chris Oppewall brings a true “farm to tablecloth” experience to Cru Uncorked. Coming from the family’s farm in Iowa to top resorts with the cellars of top Chateaux provides a wealth of experience from which to draw.
Chris credits a passion for quality and beauty as the unifying element between time on the farm and a career filled with diamonds and stars.
An eager student and teacher with all things wine makes Cru Uncorked a match as natural as Lamb and Bordeaux. In the moments away from work, Chris enjoys time with his wife, three children and dog.

Janine Poleman - Maître d'Hôtel, Sommelier

Janine Poleman

Maître d'Hôtel, Sommelier

The leader of the service team at Cru Uncorked, Janine brings experience from New Orleans to Bordeaux to Moreland Hills.  Having worked in world-renowned restaurants coupled with a deep involvement in the wine industry, as an importer, sommelier, educator, and auctioneer of stage and screen, Janine's rich background is evident in her warm hospitality.  A Victorian ruralist at heart, her love of storytelling and craftsmanship extends to artistic pursuits and the renovation of a dilapidated farmhouse with her terribly patient husband.

 

Anthony Taylor - Beverage Director

Anthony Taylor

Beverage Director

Anthony brings a wealth of Cleveland and international experience to the beverage team at Cru Uncorked. His career includes beverage management and sommelier duties at both Watermark and Lockkeepers. From there he toured the world working with South American and French wine companies. His passion brought him to Italy where he sold wine with Leonardo LoCasio.

Cru Uncorked renewed his love affair with France, Burgundy and Bordeaux. His expertise extends well into the liquor and cocktail world as well as a founding member of Cleveland Bourbon Club. When not at Cru or traveling to wine regions, he can be found dog sitting, smoking meat or in a tasting group.

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