Story and Philosophy behind Cru54
Our Story
Born in Salon de Provence (France), owner/manager Catherine Andreao and her family embraced their Spanish roots with a relaxed lifestyle of late lunches, afternoon siestas and leisurely evening strolls.
Catherine’s own love of food developed during annual holidays to Spain, when the family table was piled high with fresh seafood, and vegetables and fruit ripened by the hot Spanish sun. With the encouragement of her mother and grandmother, Catherine began experimenting as soon as she could reach the stove.
Fast-forward fifteen years, Catherine began her working career as a flight attendant to support her love of travelling. She relocated to Australia in 1992, where she landed a role working for Qantas. Taking a four month leave of absence in late 2003, Catherine returned to Spain to perfect her Spanish and reconnect with the country she felt such strong ties to.
Arriving in controversial times, Catherine’s childhood hero and close family friend, Marylene Albentosa, was running for Mayor in Guardarmar Del Segura in very neo-Spanish circumstances: born in France, unmarried, pregnant, and campaigning for the opposition. Yet this was only the start of many changes Catherine discovered about her homeland. The wine which used to be corked was now amazingly well balanced, the oily food was being revolutionised by leading European chefs, and the market produce was fresher than ever.
Based in Valencia, Catherine began by checking out the local tapas bars, and then travelled further through Ibiza, Barcelona, Alicante, Madrid, Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada, Cadiz and Rioja. Along the way, she connected with various chefs, wine makers, food critics, waiters, shop owners, and was inspired by the widespread passion for food and wine.
From small bars and local tipples, to vintage specials and Michelin starred favourites, Catherine continued her research. Armed with fresh knowledge and understanding of modernised Spanish cuisine, and her passion for food and wine reignited, Catherine returned to Australia in early 2007, determined to bring a piece of Spain back with her. After locating the perfect site in Foveaux Street, Cru54 was born on February 11, 2008...
Our Philosophy
AN EXCLUSIVELY EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE IN A MODERN, AUSTRALIAN SETTING
Putting a spin on traditional Spanish fare, Cru54’s hands-on owner/manager, Catherine Andreo’s own mixed heritage has resulted in a striking and affordable menu with a true Spanish core, and fine French and wider European accents. Fresh, authentic and designed to share, Cru54’s home-made menu draws directly upon Catherine’s own experiences of food and family.
With its chic modern furnishings with splashes of intense orange, ‘Cru’ which translates to ‘vintage’ in French, exudes sleek European charm and warm ambience, making it a suitable destination for all occasions; from business meetings in the private function room, Friday after-work drinks at the bar, or a romantic dinner date in one of the private window settings. For dedicated foodies seeking an authentic and interactive European dining experience, the open kitchen delivers, with the Cru54 chefs and wait staff on hand to educate and inform about the various European cooking methods.
Cru54 is dedicated to delivering approachable, affordable and absolutely authentic modern Spanish cuisine.
