It was a bit of a surprise when Mark Taylor announced that Cru would be closing it’s doors at end of June.
I remember returning to live in Vancouver not long after Cru opened to much fanfare nine years ago, including winning a coveted spot on Enroute Magazine’s Best 10 New Restaurants in Canada, as well as nods from Vancouver Magazine and the Georgia Straight. It was over meals at Cru that my new online friendships forged over a love of food where solidified and made real (anyone remember eGullet Vancouver’s glory days?).
The focus at Cru has always been on exquisite food paired with a wine program that sought to demystify ordering a good glass without sacrificing depth or character. The menu has moved away somewhat from small plates – but the underlying discipline and generosity remain in full force.
Spring pea risotto, bright fresh green flavors, even if the weather has not been cooperative.
Look at that sear on the local halibut! Perfect.
Lush mouth-filling chocolate torte and subtly floral lavender ice cream.
The night I was there, Mark moved about the room ease – ensuring guests were happy. This was no wake about Cru’s imminent closing, but an ongoing story about a style of hospitality that mixes ease with a sense of occasion. That it was okay to make diners feel special and feted in a world that, at times, feels like it is rushing towards lowest common denominator dining.
As you get older, you realize that how you achieve your goals is just as important as the accolades you earn, if not more so. How you conduct yourself as a person and restaurateur informs every aspect of the dining experience for your customers. Mark and his team have certainly ticked both boxes with Cru.
I can’t wait to see the next chapter as Siena moves forward and Mark finds new venues for his vision.
In the meantime, if you have not done so already do yourself a favor a get down to Cru before the final curtain.
1459 West Broadway | Vancouver
604.677.4111
Dinner nightly, 5pm-10pm
~Canucklehead pays for all his own food, and dines anonymously. Mark Taylor did not respond to either repeated eyelash batting or lip pursing from Canucklehead.
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Yes, I do remember the glory days of eGullet. And we, too, have very fond memories of CRU. We have celebrated multiple family birthdays, New Year’s Eve, high school and university graduations at CRU as well as retreated to the comfort of good food and a perfect glass of wine when it seemed that not much was right with the world. Bill, Chris, Alanna, Mark and all the staff at CRU have welcomed us warmly and we have always left happier than when we walked in. It is hard to imagine another restaurant in Vancouver that will be able to fill the void. We will truly miss CRU and the stellar crew who have made it all possible. Au revoir and good night.