Food Wine Sleep

Supporting her love for travelling, Catherine Andreo relocated to Australia in 1992 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 with. 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. She explains, “Although I was born in Salon de Provence (France), my upbringing was essentially Spanish; late lunches, afternoon siestas and leisurely evening strolls. We used to go on holidays to Guardamar Del Segura, Spain where we stayed with close family friends. It was during these trips, when our table was piled high with fresh seafood, and vegetables and fruit ripened by the hot Spanish sun, that I felt I was where I belonged. My love of food developed in Spain, and it was further enhanced by watching my grandma and mum cooking through the years. As soon as I was able to reach the stove, I started to experiment, and I have not stopped since.”

Based in Valencia, Catherine began by checking 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 on a series of return trips to Spain between 2003 and 2007. Armed with fresh knowledge and understanding of Modernised Spanish Cuisine her passion for food and wine reignited. Catherine returned to Australia for good determined to bring a piece of Spain back with her. After discovering the perfect site in Foveaux Street, Cru54 was born in February 2008. Cru54 is fresh, authentic and designed to share. Cru54’s homemade menu now draws directly upon Catherine’s own experiences of food and family. Putting a spin on traditional Spanish fare, Cru54’s striking and affordable menu will satisfy the demands of even the most critical connoisseur.