Food photography of lobster risotto, art directed by Nesnadny and Schwartz for the Cru Uncorked identity

Cru Uncorked: Website, Menus, and More

Identity materials to savor for this French New American fine dining restaurant

Cru Uncorked: Website, Menus, and More

Identity materials to savor for this French New American fine dining restaurant

An upscale French New American restaurant that has created a space that transports diners to the French countryside, Cru Uncorked required a brand identity that clearly translated their authentic atmosphere. The brand design and resulting identity system, which includes the website and custom integrations, menus, brochures, advertisements, and an email marketing campaign, is simultaneously classically French and beautifully modern.

In addition to the brand design, N+S directed a photo shoot at Cru Uncorked with photographer Barney Taxel and stylist Heidi Robb. Their talent combined our careful art direction enabled us to capture the artistry of each plate Cru Uncorked serves.

The Work

Cru Uncorked is an upscale French New American restaurant located in Moreland Hills, Ohio. Inspired by the château manors of the Loire Valley, the restaurant relies on a collection of jazz-era reliefs, winemaking relics, and period antiques to create an atmosphere that transports diners from Northeast Ohio to the French countryside.

Food photography of passionfruit tart, art directed by Nesnadny and Schwartz for the Cru Uncorked identity

The Results

N+S took the restaurant’s authentic atmosphere as inspiration for translating the restaurant’s brand identity across its print and digital collateral, which included the website, menus, brochures, and advertisements. The result is a set of identity collateral that are simultaneously classically French and beautifully modern.

Three custom print designs developed for the Cru Uncorked identity
Cru Uncorked menu print design spread
Cru Uncorked drink menu print design spread

We directed a photo shoot at Cru Uncorked with photographer Barney Taxel and stylist Heidi Robb. Their talent combined with our careful art direction enabled us to capture stunning images that highlight the artistry of each plate. The photography serves as the backbone of our web design. As users scroll through the menu, the images change—creating a visual meal that moves with users through the site.

The website also features custom integration with a suite of tools, including OpenTable, Eventbrite, and PayPal, that enables the restaurant to seamlessly promote and manage reservations, events, and online gift card sales.

Cru Uncorked gift card and branded envelope
Food photography of steak, art directed by Nesnadny and Schwartz for the Cru Uncorked identity
“Through dedicated time and personal service, N+S “gets it” and brings the atmosphere of Cru Uncorked to life in all expressions. Having the benefit of their incredibly talented designers continues to be an essential element to success. Their work on our website, in-house printing, and advertising is on time, as quoted, and inspired.

“As our business continues to grow and evolve, N+S continues to position Cru Uncorked with a comprehensive, brand-focused mentality. N+S acts as a partner and an advocate for us, and we look forward to continuing to work with this talented team.”

— Chris Oppewall, President

Our ongoing partnership with Cru Uncorked includes designing their seasonal collateral and printed advertisements as well as email marketing. We are collaborating with the Cru Uncorked team to utilize their digital tools to more effectively engage their clientele, expand their audience, and drive online traffic to their event registration pages.

Food photography of steak, art directed by Nesnadny and Schwartz for the Cru Uncorked identity
Food photography of beef tartare, art directed by Nesnadny and Schwartz for the Cru Uncorked identity