Crú Food & Wine Bar

Crú Food & Wine Bar Restaurant Review:

Expect a fresh Mediterranean menu at this cool Napa-influenced wine bar in the revitalized downtown Second Avenue district. Perhaps it’s the shiny semi-open kitchen that puts us in a sharing mood, usually opting for multiple small plates. Request a spoon to capture every last drop of the steamed mussels in white wine brightened with lemon grass, shallots, parsley and garlic. Warm cheese fondue, lamb lollipops served on a stick with balsamic reduction, and crispy prosciutto and fig demi-glace are all tasty choices. For a classic entrée, splurge on the juicy beef tenderloin crowned with sautéed mushrooms, Gorgonzola and red wine sauce. Marry that feast with a big Cabernet from the 30 by-the-glass choices. A bevy of wine flights makes it possible to taste a wide selection, or settle on a full bottle from the 300-plus options on the expansive list. If you're grazing, kick back on the bustling sidewalk patio, watch the world go by and nibble on something from the exotic cheese menu with selections sourced from around the globe. Also located at The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, 512-339-9463.