The cuisine of France may be dominating the culinary news this week, thanks to Julie N Julia, but those of us who love its neighboring country might want to make a beeline for Lucca in Irvine.
On Sunday, August 9, the Italian restaurant/deli will be dishing up a four-course Spanish dinner (served family-style on the patio), including paella and rare Spanish wines. The cost is $40 per person. Reservations are recommended.
Owner Cathy Elliott is planning more geographical showcases (always on the second Sunday of the month), such as Tuscany, Provence and Greece. Hey, Cathy, how 'bout England? In which case, forget the fish and chips: My vote would be on roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, followed by apple crumble with custard. Yum!
In the meantime, please enjoy what is possibly the most bonkers clip ever from YouTube–and that's saying something.
Updated, September 3:
Just got word of the menus for two upcoming Sundays.
Full details after the jump!
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Sunday, September 13: Greece
Mezes:
Spanakopitas, dolmades, pita and spreads (taramosalata, hummus, tzatziki) and flaming saganaki cheese
Achaia Clauss Retsina Dry White, N.V., Peloponnese, Greece
Second course:
Traditional Greek salad
Domaine Gioulis Moschofilero, Roditis, 2008, Corinth, Greece
Third course:
Grilled skewers of marinated and spiced Colorado lamb and Certified Angus beef
Savory rice, corn-on-the-cob with mint-feta butter and green beans
Morras Saint George Agiorgitiko, 2007, Nemea, Greece
Sweets:
Baklava, handmade vanilla bean ice cream and fresh seasonal fruit
Lavazza coffee
Sunday, October 11: Tuscany
Antipasto:
Selection of charcuterie with grilled and herbed vegetables
Poggio San Polo Rubio, 2007, Tuscany
Second course:
Wild mushroom risotto with white truffle oil and fresh Parmesan
San Quirico di San Gimignano Vernaccia, 2008, Tuscany
Third course:
Certified Angus beef boneless osso bucco-style short ribs
Gremolata, mascarpone polenta and green beans
Valdipiatta Rosso di Montepulciano, 2007, Tuscany
Sweets:
Schiacciata alla Fiorentina (Florentine sponge cake)
Homemade whipped cream N fresh seasonal fruit
Lavazza coffee
