Tom Douglas

Dinner at Luc/ by Shelley Lance, Blog Editor

My husband, Frank, and I had dinner at Thierry Rautureau’s new joint, Luc, last night.  At a quarter past six the place was already filling up, but we managed to snag a little table for two.  I enjoy the ambiance of this restaurant- the warm colors and Moroccan lanterns, the clatter of the bustling bar, the casual, neighborhood-y vibe juxtaposed with polished service…. and the food!  Thierry Rautureau’s crew cooking you up a very reasonably priced weekday supper- isn’t that a dream come true?

As this was our second visit to Luc, Frank was ready with his order for a Lucatini- a beautifully balanced cocktail flavored with St. Germain and Lillet- while I had a glass of the Cremant sparkling rosé.  Our server brought out an amuse bouche of cold cucumber soup served in tiny Illy espresso cups.  For appetizers, we shared an arugula salad with caramelized shallots and plums and an order of Thierry’s already famous souffle potato chips with a spicy dipping sauce.  The chips were light as clouds. As far as I’m concerned they can put our Lucatinis and a basket of the chips on the table as soon as we sit down on the next visit to Luc!

Frank cannot resist one of his favorite meats, tongue- so he was thrilled when the server told him it was possible to order the shared special of the day, braised tongue with mushrooms, Madiera, and farro, for just one person.  I went for the pasta special of the day- handmade fettucini with corn, clams, and chanterelles.  The tongue was fall-apart tender and delicious. Even the green beans were amazing. The pasta was superb- every strand coated with exactly the right amount of buttery sauce.

We had just enough room to share a berry cobbler with peach ice cream.  A delightful evening, we’ll return to Luc soon!

August 26th, 2010