If there is one thing I have learned since I started this site, it is that there is more than one way of looking at a restaurant experience. Different things are more important to different people. While some put the food before anything else, others may care more about the atmosphere or the prices.
Last week I was at Lucca. It occurred to me that depending on your priorities, this restaurant could make a very different impression between diners. An idea was born: two reviews of the same place, from two different points of view. I asked several friends to go to the restaurant, and each write about their experience based on personal preferences. Following are two separate reviews, with somewhat different conclusions. I like the way this came out, and think we’ll be doing more of it in the future, varying the writers each time. Enjoy.
Lucca, by Foodie
Lucca is like an uninteresting woman in a beautiful dress, who is good with children.
The corner of 24th and NE Fremont has not been a lucky site for restaurants. Marco’s NE, The Dining Room Table, and Aja’s all gave it their best shot. And now Lucca. Upon entering the restaurant, I was immediately taken by the remodeled décor. It was warm and classy. I loved the basket-weave ceiling and the unique lighting fixtures. The dining room at the far end of the restaurant looked equally well-dressed and everyone seemed quite happy.
There are a lot of flaws I can overlook in a woman and even in a restaurant, but uninteresting is not one of them. I began with a spinach salad. There was nothing to complain about, but there was nothing to recommend it. It sat there smiling, but unable to think of a single thing to say. Then came my Carlton Farms Pork Shoulder Slow Roasted in Milk with rosemary white beans, accompanied by prosciutto and winter greens. I admired the ceiling one more time and commented on her earrings… er, light fixtures. She smiled and asked if I liked my food. The pork shoulder was exactly that, nothing more nothing less. Not a single layer of interest or intrigue. Maybe a bite of white beans with rosemary would jumpstart some conversation. Nope. “I really like the paint color of the walls … very, um … er … warm.” I could taste no rosemary in the white beans. And the greens did nothing to help me like this woman … er, restaurant.
I was not really hungry for dessert, but the meal had been so uneventful, maybe that would be the area where she could shine. The name should have warned me that this was not a woman with an expansive vocabulary: chocolate decadence, (rich flourless chocolate cake, espresso anglaise, chocolate-hazelnut bark.) Desserts in my book should make you say, “Oh my God! You’ve got to try this!” not, “Nice blouse. Macys?”
My dining companion, who generally has tons of things to say about food, was largely silent about his pasta. About his profiteroles he said, “The gelato tastes like ice cream from Safeway.”
She is a well-dressed lady and good with children. The families nearby seemed grateful to be able to eat in a restaurant the level of Lucca’s and bring their children, a respite from Olive-Garden-Hell. But the one flaw I cannot forgive in a restaurant or a woman is to be uninteresting.
She is new to Portland and will have lots of dates with locals. But as for me, give me a woman in jeans who has some great stories to tell.
I am being overly smug and critical. This restaurant has a lot to offer and we only dated once. Maybe we could become friends and not lovers. Interesting women always end up breaking my heart anyway!
Lucca, by Soccer Mom
If Lucca were a man, he’d make a great husband.Lucca is casual, comfortable and reliable, but puts on a clean shirt for dinner and has excellent table manners. He’s kid friendly and gets along with the in-laws. Even better, Lucca knows how to provide the occasional romantic getaway when there is money in the budget for a babysitter, but not for a fussy multi-course meal across town in the Pearl.
Located on NE Fremont and 24th, Lucca has transformed this corner into something classy but affordable. He is not on the same level as neighbors Mr. Fife or some of the Alberta street restaurants, but is still more sophisticated and upscale than other options found in the area.
Lucca is cozy, with a small waiting area filled with multi-generational groups and young couples alike. A long backlit bar with modern Italianesque glass pendant lamps, ceramic art, and a large divided middle section make up the rest of the main space. In the back there is a separate room with even more tables. I’m told groups with children are frequently placed here as not to interrupt diners in the front room. Warm and earthy orange hued and green paint colors, subtle lighting and noise reducing artistic touches like the wooden “basket weave” ceiling show attention to details.
Finding a man with a balance between casual good looks and refinement, suave moves but not bank-breaking tastes, is often harder than it sounds. Finding a place where the adults can get a glass of wine for fewer than eight dollars and nice plate of tagliatelle pasta with wild mushrooms, leeks and prosciutto for thirteen is an accomplishment. Even better if the finicky teenager can order a cheese pizza and the preschooler is happy with a kid portioned plate of spaghetti and meatballs ($6.00). Lucca does just that.
Prices are in the average range for starters, such as fontina cheese-stuffed risotto cakes (called Arancini), roasted vegetables, or a thick Tuscan vegetable and bean soup. The Caesar which comes dressed in the traditional manner of uncut romaine leaves, lightly bathed with creamy lemony-anchovy dressing and shavings of real Parmesan cheese, is about as good as it gets.
Pizzas are of the wood-fired variety – thin and crispy with a nice balance of toppings. They are big enough to share as an appetizer or can be a main course for one person with a big appetite. Choices range from the simple cheese, tomato and basil Margherita to hearty meat and veggie combos. Pastas include classic cheese-stuffed cannelloni, simple spaghetti with tomato sauce and cheese, and linguine with clams, chilis, and fennel sausage. Entrees include a juicy “chicken under a brick”, a milk braised pork shoulder, and a very tender roasted cod served with “melted leeks, shaved fennel and lemony Yukon gold potatoes.” My husband found his steak tender and correctly cooked to medium-rare, and my short ribs with creamy polenta seemed just the right dish after a hard day trying to keep up with the kids.
Desserts too are simple, but they taste just fine and seem to be crowd pleasers (at least at my table). A recent dip into the warm lemon soufflé pudding revealed a creamy bright dessert loaded with lemon curd and a dollop of whipped cream and berries on top. The profiteroles too were a nice ending, with several to a plate, stuffed with caramel gelato, chocolate sauce, and toffee crumble bits. The kids, needless to say, loved them.
Sure, there are flashier guys around town with more panache and edge. And we’ve all had our memorable dazzling rock and roll boyfriends who seduce with their imported sports cars, foie gras, and champagne dinners. But at the end of the day we often crave a place close by that will satisfy us without a big production attached; a place where everyone at the table can find something to eat, even if this means putting the excitement of the dining experience second to the overall value. It’s about comfort. It’s about getting the everyday La Dolce Vita in a plate of pasta that you didn’t have to make yourself and it’s about being able to go out and eat like civilized people at a place with cloth napkins, but not having to worry that doing so will destroy the mortgage payment. For these reasons, like that really nice reliable guy you know will always be there for you, Lucca is a keeper.
- Grade C+
- Phone: (503) 287-7372
- Address: 3499 NE 24th, Portland OR. 97212 GoogleMap
- Hours: Tues – Thurs 11:30am – 9pm, Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat 5pm-10pm, Sunday 10am-2pm/5pm – 9pm. Closed Monday
- Website: Luccapdx.com
Apollo says
So what is the rating? Is it good or is it mediocre? I am confused.
LadyConcierge says
I don’t get it. Did you ask them to compare the restaurant to a man/husband, woman/date? If not and it was coincidental, then that’s scary. I liked the second review better as it discussed the menu in more detail and had more comments to note about the dishes.
Cuisine Bonne Femme says
Wow, y’all are serious today. I read this completely differently. I saw it as a play on the said/she said, men are from venus/women from mars thing and I read it as tongue in cheek and playing on all kinds of stereotypes. It is after all Valentines day. And I don’t think Food Dude meant it to be a “review”, more of a first impression. Am I correct FD? However, I liked the polloelastico transgender hooker in haute couture restaurant.
Anyway, when I read this piece what struck me is not the gender stereotype stuff (which I read as tongue in cheek anyway), but how differently different people can experience a restaurant.
polloelastico says
Others may be flummoxed by the format, but I thought it was interesting and a interesting change of pace. The concept of a restaurant being two things to two different people is one I can accept, just as a band or a movie can.
What I took from the review: it won’t dazzle, but it’s a solid neighborhood option. Stay away from the more ambitious stuff, stick with the standards.
Question: who would be the restaurant equivalent of a transgender hooker in haute couture?
reflexblue says
I, too, would have enjoyed this idea more without the hackneyed stereotyping. It distracts me from the stated intention of two different points of view. Overall, these seem like very similar perspectives with gender variants.
So far, Lucca seems like a relief for me as a person who’s often left with trying to find a choice that will please everyone. Also, I love a good Caesar done in the traditional way. I only went by once so far, and they were closed since it was Monday.
Do they have a full liquor license, by the way?
Foamer says
Definitely interesting reviewing styles – one thing is obvious from both reviews, they’ve got the decor right. And they are kid friendly, which is a very nice thing to know.
Based on Foodie’s nickname and what he chose to eat, this is not the place to go if you are looking for high-end cuisine. Reasonably good food, but not Mario Battali. (Batalli? whatever). He wants a fiery woman… and didn’t find her there.
Soccer Mom’s review actually reinforces that – it’s good, appetizing, and reasonably priced food, with a variety in both type and presentation to please a family. She wants a stable family man… and found him.
I suspect I would have no problems taking my wife (who loves pasta) there. It would probably also work well as a date location, for those single and so inclined.
I think polloelastico (very cute name) has the right of it. As for the transgender hooker in haute couture… Ten01 seems to be frequently listed as looking like something it ultimately isn’t…. but happily taking your money anyway. :)
Food Dude says
I figured I’d let people think about it this morning. Foamer is right. Though it is a bit tongue and cheek, and purposely stereotypical, I wanted to show that, depending who you are, there are many ways of looking at a restaurant. We used to be a primarily foodie crowd, but now it has to have gone more mainstream (one of these days I’ll do a survey). Traffic has doubled in the past month, and I can’t imagine there are that many “foodies” in town.
If you grabbed to random people walking in the door, one a “soccer mom” and one a foodie, and asked them each to write a review of the same restaurant, what would you get? That was my goal. I think both of them brought up very valid points, and came toe similar conclusions. Now I’m tempted to write one myself at a transgendered hooker in haute couture… or maybe just as a hooker. Hmm. First a cup of coffee.
Food Dude says
by the way, if you haven’t checked it out, PolloElastico has a darn good blog. Just click on his name.
Cuisine Bonne Femme says
The Roxxy on SW Stark.
Aut531 says
I really enjoyed these two reviews. They were both insightful in their own way.
I went to Lucca this past weekend and had a pleasant experience overall. I do think the servers need a little more training. Our server seemed pretty green, but I am sure with time will be fine. I did like that one of the owners was working the room. For a new business, it is so important to put yourself out there.
The food was quite good as well, and the prices certainly made it more appealing.
The fact that it is family friendly should also be noted. If large groups of families with small kids bother you…be forewarned. It does get a bit loud with the small ones.
All in all…I am glad to see a new place in there, and I will certainly go back again.
twschopp says
Transgendered hooker in haute couture… Transgendered hooker… hmmm… I’m gonna say Saucebox.
Food Dude says
Geeze… no sense of humor! I refuse to do nothing but dry, boring reviews. In that vein, here’s another version for those who aren’t easily offended. Didn’t get around to finishing it:
Lucca – By Hooker Girl:
I’m on my feet all day, parading back and forth on the same couple of blocks on Sandy Blvd. At the end of the day you bet I’m tired. I’ve got bunions on both feet from standing on concrete. I’m not even gonna talk about my knees! It’s a good day if I haven’t had my ass scratched by an old spring in the back seat of a ’82 Chevy. Comes down to this – at the end of the day, I want to relax. I’m done with being on my feet. Let someone else serve me for a change.
Now we working girls don’t exactly bring in the big bucks. Slam bam thankyouma’m, that’ll be $20 please. Then it’s back to parading my tired ass up and down Sandy. At the end of a hard day, I head to a classy place – something like Lucca on NE 24th and Freemont. It fits the bill just fine.
They have some good wines by the glass for around $7-8 dollars, but I’m heading right for a cocktail, and they help me out with a full liquor license. I want something strong to take the edge off my knee pain. If I’ve had a good day, I’ll go upscale with a swanky Seven and Seven, but most days it’s a house vodka tonic for only $7. Since there is a short wait most nights, I’ll suck down a couple of those while my girlfriend and me check out the menu. Some things remind me too much of work. Rice balls? No. My coworkers got drunk on Miller one day and ordered them and manicotti for a joke. Actually, they were both good – those rice balls were full of hot melted cheese that was creamy and had lots of flavor, and those manicotti were nice thick tubes of pasta in a good flavored tomato sauce. But after work I just couldn’t take anything like that. Instead, I usually go for the tagliatelli pasta. It’s loaded with all kinds of wild mushrooms and little hazelnuts; all strong flavors that wash away the tastes of a hard day.
One night I tried a spaghetti pasta dish with roasted butternut squash and hazelnuts. It was okay, but kinda borring – the squash was too soft, and there weren’t enough hazelnuts to give anything much texture. I wouldn’t recommend it to any of the other girls….
Marshall Manning says
Count me as another one who thought the male/female thing was a little corny, and forced. I would have rather seen 2 direct, honest reviews of the place without the cliches.
QuoVadis says
I don’t know that I would want to see every review done this way. But I think it fits for a place like this and enjoyed it in context.
A restaurant can be a very different thing to two different people, and often reviews skip over that fact. While the “harry met sally” style might be a little too precious for some I think it dealt with that it a nice simple way. Fact is- with a place that could be polarizing if you do the the review in traditional style and say pan it- because you don’t like family dining atmosphere with “one size fits all” cuisine but then add the caveat of “well, it is ok if you like that sort of thing, some people may enjoy it”… you can come off as condescending.
The review let me know this place is one I will never, ever set foot in. On the other hand it let me know that when soccer mom types or friends who have kids are in town I can recommend this place and they will get a step above where they usually have to go- without intruding on places they really have no business bringing their kids.
Apollo says
Wow… that was… vivid. Rice balls? Good thing I wasn’t drinking anything or my computer would be shorting out right now. Good one Food Dude.
reflexblue says
I would have enjoyed that more if she had been an Italian hooker from a fishing villagio. Just kidding! Very funny, a much-needed laugh this morning. Thanks!
reflexblue says
I would have enjoyed that more if she had been an Italian hooker from a fishing villagio. Just kidding! Very funny, a much-needed laugh this morning. Thanks for ruining rice balls and manicotti for me. No really, thanks!
maggiedo says
I went to Lucca once, with 3 other people. We live in the neighborhood, and were rooting for the place – albeit we are neither foodies nor soccermoms (although I did enjoy those reviews). My husband and I were early and waited for our friends at the bar – I ordered what turned out to be a $10 martini (just a call gin). We started with the 4cheese pizza and the arancini – the pizza was 11.50 and although the crust was good, the only cheese you could taste was the gorgonzola, and there was not very much of any cheese, the arancini were flavorless and the aioli and marinara sauce on the menu were present only in tiny drops. The entrees we tried were a pasta with squash, hazlenuts and sage (pasty and too sweet, hardly any nuts or sage), the short ribs (ok tasting, a smallish portion) and the pork shoulder with white beans (beans were tasteless and small portions). We each tried a different dessert, the profiteroles were missing the toffee sea salt crumbles and the sauce was barely warm, the apple tart and chocolate decadence were pedestrian, the lemon pudding souffle was very good.
That being said, they are new and may get better. I am not sure to whom they are trying to appeal – my husband and I eat out a lot and like to support restaurants in our neighborhood. We are not too fussy, but do want value for our money, and felt that was lacking at Lucca
ATrain says
From the reviews, Lucca sounds very similar to Amalfi’s just up the hill at 47th and Fremont. Has anyone been to both and care to comment? Of course one major difference is that Lucca is new and Amalfi’s has been around for almost 50 years.
flavorcountry says
ATrain, for me, the difference between Amalfi’s and Lucca is expectation. The choice of ingredients and consequently the variety of dishes at Lucca set me up for higher expectations than Amalfi’s, where I know I’m going to a local joint thats serving straight, (maybe Americanized) traditional Italian fare.
If I were to rate the two places, I’d rate Lucca slightly higher. Side-by-side, I’d choose both Lucca’s pizza and pasta over Amalfi’s pizza and pasta, respectively. But with regard to EXPECTATIONS, I’m more let down at Lucca.
I guess that naturally means I should lower my expectations of Lucca …
johnee says
We went to Lucca last night; my pasta was very good and the wine prices were reasonable. Outside of that, we didn’t have a great experience — service was very spotty, and they keep selling up – (e.g. you really want the arancini, they told us when we were given the menu, no we don’t we said. Ten minutes later arancini anyway, a drop and run. I had to get up and chase the server down to take it away. We said we didn’t order it and the bartender said to the server, loudly “I’ll eat it if you can’t sell it!”) We got no bread until we were almost done eating because it was “baking.” It was full at 8:30, they told us it was a 30 minute wait — we walked over to the bar and they came for us in 5 minutes. Side dish had no flavor. Anyway, it isn’t a bad place but we probably won’t go back, certainly nothing special.
John J. Goddard says
These reviews are priceless. Never before has my heart so strongly pined for a mashed potato sandwich with mayonnaise on soft, crustless white bread and a lukewarm pint of whole homo milk.
All whitewashing aside, I have a quibble. Very seldom is the distinction made between Italian and Italian-American cooking. It’s much like the difference between Chinese and Chinese-American: The former tends to boast a broader spectrum of textures, flavors, colors, nutrition and character, while the latter can be served at wedding receptions to a broader spectrum of characters without eliciting complaint or gastrointestinal upheaval.
This axiom may or may not apply completely to Lucca (I haven’t put my face in the path of their fare yet), but from the reviews it sounds as if real Italian recipes have been executed by American, Italian-American or Mexican hands. I’ll even be so bold as to presume that this is exactly what’s occurring there. Slap me with a pork chop if I’m wrong.
eastsidegirl says
My girlfriend & I went this evening. Had just enough notice to call ahead and make a quick reservation and when I walked up was very glad I had – 7 people outside waiting and lots more inside. We sat at the tables for 2 by the bar and had a lovely meal. The nice thing about Lucca is that it’s not trying to be high end but it is trying to be good and it achieves that without any difficulty. For a neighborhood restaurant it’s close to perfect. I don’t always want ‘foodie’ food, I’m long past being a soccer mum (actually was never one of those anyway) and I do want to walk in, all jeans, hoodie, comfy shoes and feel completely welcome. I’ve brought big groups of neighborhood friends, I’ve been with my family, I’ve met my girlfriends, and I’ve dragged my teenage boy – it works for all of us.
eastsidegirl says
Last night I had the pan roasted Cod with lemony potatoes and instead of ‘melted leeks’ it was served with real watercress which I think is better. My friend had the short ribs – both were excellent, perfectly cooked and full of flavor. I finished with their lemon souffle which was served cold last night – but last time I had it I could have sworn it was warm (but I’ll take the 5th on that cos I was well into my cups by that point and it was a few weeks ago and my short term memory is shot anyway!). My friend finished with the chocolate pound cake and she virtually licked the plate clean, the owner also gave her a small tasting of their very excellent sherry with the chocolate – it’s almost a port and very delicious. Oh and we had a bottle of excellent pino grigio that went well with my fish…
Food Dude says
Remember, this is not meant to be a review, but is a “First Impressions”, as it hasn’t been open at least for the two months people here thought was the appropriate amount of time before a review. The goal with a FI, is to give an idea of what the feel of a place is like, the type of crowd, location, and what type of things are on the menu. We don’t generally go into great detail on the food, but save that for a real review later.
I think one thing that might have confused a people, is that it was posted in the “Review” category. That’s because of a SQL bug that kept it from appearing on the front page. I’ve worked out a way around that now.
averilpdx says
I understand what eastsidegirl is saying, and I agree. Sometimes I just want good food, plain ol’ tasty , well prepared, simple food. My problem with Lucca is that (some of) what I’ve had there wasn’t that good.It wasn’t disgusting by any means, more just ho hum to the max. The farro and bean soup is the best thing I’ve had. I have only been twice and have tried mostly salads, appetizers/sides so maybe I need to try a pasta or entree? Maybe they will get better over time- who knows. I will probably try it again as it’s close by and there aren’t so many choices for a little nicer place where we can bring our kid. Curious to know what people have eaten there that they’ve liked. I am not looking for gourmet perfection, but some well balanced flavors would be good. I am a fish/vegetarian so that limits my options somewhat as well- anyhow, would love some specifics on what’s really good there.
mzwong says
I haven’t been to Lucca and after these two reviews, am honestly confused over whether I’d like to or not. There’s nothing wrong with trying to review outside the box, but I agree with some that these reviews seemed a bit forced. The Foodie review told me nothing, other than I sure wouldn’t want to date him. The Soccer Mom review at least told me something about the food. I read the other comments to get more information on the actual menu. The biggest thing that I come away with is that, if I were the owner or employee at Lucca, I would be a little devastated that the restaurant was reviewed in such a flip way. Whether or not Portland Food and Drink has tried to be, or wants to be, a destination spot for food info in Portland – it is now. I read the reviews on this blog (perhaps a bit too) earnestly and tend to really use them for my dining out options. I hope that Lucca gets more detailed reviews about the actual food put out, rather than just this cutesy stuff. You can review a place in a new way, just remember to actually review it. Thanks.
NYC-PDX says
Boyfriend and I took his 7-year old to Lucca last night. It was a very pleasant meal, with good service (and the waitstaff knew to bring the kid’s meal first – without even asking – bonus!)
We all shared the antipasti and roasted artichoke appetizers – very well done. The little one had a kid’s pasta meal (complete with a scoop of gelato for dessert) and we shared a pizza. While the pizza was not on par with say, Apizza Scholls, it was much better than many other places around town. We tried the lemon pudding souffle for dessert…to answer another reviewer’s comments, it is served warm, but the cold berries on top really cool it off quickly. They mght consider warming those before they put them on. While this restaurant may not appeal to “foodies”, as there’s nothing really exciting on the menu, this is a perfectly good neighborhood restaurant, with ambience a notch above most of its peers and very decently priced for what we got. Not every restaurant has to aspire to gourmet heights — sometimes you just want well-prepared food at reasonable prices. I think they’ve found their niche. We’ll certainly be back.
Anonymous says
I’ve eaten lunch at Lucca twice and dinner three times. All of the food has ranged from good to very good. For a buck or two more, the pastas blow away anything at La Buca or Pastini. The food is not meant to be in the same price-point or category of more upscale Italian places.
Considering the entire Broadway corridor is a disaster food-wise, having a good Italian spot in this area of town is a blessing.
The daily/nightly crowds seem to agree.
mike says
We have been to several Italian Restaurants in Portland and were very pleased with Luccca. The crustini was very good and artistic in presentation. I had the pasta primavera and enjoyed it to that last piece of pasta. Also I found the wine list was good with reasonable prices. The Montipulciano was fantastic at$28.00. We sat outside on the Fremont side which was a little loud due to the stop light on the corner but……..hey if you have been to Italy a little noise is nothing. I would send friends and relatives anytime and plan to return soon.
haha says
Just a word of warning….went to Lucca last Friday night…got charged $11 (eleven) for a glass of whatever their house Pinot Noir is.
R-I-P off
Aaron says
Unless the price was not posted anywhere on the menu or wine list, YOU are the one responsible for the R-I-P off!! You CHOSE to order the $11 house pinot.
I have many times found myself in the position of ripping myself off due to inattention (my personal repeating classic: ordering a Blanton’s assuming it’s in the $9 range, and then having to pay twice that). It’s MY responsibility for not asking, not the establishment’s for selling it to me!
This has become a common refrain in the dining world, and is present in various forms throughout the comments on this (and other) food blogs – blaming the restaurant/management for the results of one’s own poor decisions.
If $11 is too much for a glass of wine, DON’T ORDER IT!!!
haha says
Aaron, some of what you say above is valid.
Yes I confess to inattention regarding the price. If I had seen the price on the menu, I would not have ordered the wine……….BUT my order was underpinned by a (naive)assumption that bearing in mind the kind of place Lucca is, and the price points it serves the food at, a glass of Pinot N. would be in the $6-7 price range.
At Higgins with its downtown location overhead, skilled and knowledgable staff, reputation and general ambience, a glass of their Pinot is $10.50. Am I reallly expected to think “My Lucca pinot noir will be more expensive than the one I can get at Higgins ?” I don’t think that is reasonable or logical.
And in summary, on the rare occasions I am lured into Lucca, my view that it is overpriced, boring and bland is nearly always confirmed.
tinamarie says
I think some people take food too seriously. Good food doesn’t always need to ‘wow.’ It just needs to be satisfying. I feel sometimes when in Portland that friends and family are suddenly renown chefs or designers who can critique a restaurant and it’s food with any real education behind their critique. Would LOVE to see how your ‘expertise’ would hold up in somewhere as ‘safe’ as oh, maybe a serious cooking class? LOL. I can say with confidence that you’d have a whole different view and more respect for those that serve up serious restaurant food.
Professional food writers go several times to a restaurant before they write a word. But the back seat food writers are like those that see a movie and walk out saying they think the cinematography could have been more crisp. ??? Really. You take photos with your phone…and you have never fired up your own stove at home. hmmmm. maybe just enjoying the food – or the movie – for what it is and not what you think you could do better (not!) would be more positive – maybe?
Marie says
You need to give this place another chance. (It’s 2011) We have been very pleased every time we go, and love the pizza. I’ve ordered the steak and house salad as well, and they were very good. The antipasto has always had something outstanding mixed in with the usual. My only complaint is that it is always so crowded and we have had the misfortune of having wild children sitting next to us a few times because it is very family friendly for such a adult looking place. I think they took your comments to heart.
foodeater says
We like Luccas. If you’re living so high on the hog that you can’t see that its a good place, then you have other, more serious problems than choice of restaurant. It’s not surprising to us that the place is always packed.