sunday supper @ lucques

sunday supper @ lucques
Originally uploaded by bluepupae.

i really enjoy suzanne goin's rustic cooking. that warmth and earthiness is further embodied in the ambiance and interior design of lucques. i came to appreciate the time and effort that goes into food that at first glance seems so simple yet is so delicious and comforting after getting her cookbook "Sunday Suppers at Lucques" and cooking from it.

recently, i tried one of her sunday suppers, a three course prix fixe dinner at a very reasonable $45, and must say that though AOC is my preference for it's variety and lightness, Lucques, is worth a visit. you'll not find minimalist portions nor sculpture on a plate, but you'll enjoy mediterranean-inspired california blended cuisine made with fresh local produce.

what goin does with salads is amazing. the GRILLED EGGPLANT AND PEPPERS WITH BURRATA, CURRANTS and PINENUTS seems like a typical italian salad made more geographically broad with the addition of currents that i've encountered at numerous restaurants, yet it stands out as one of the best of its kind. the inclusion of rosemary to the smokey flavers of the grilled vegetables adds not only to flavor but body. this is one hearty salad with its large globule of partially melted burrata.

though not mind blowing, my GRILLED PORK CHOP with farro, mustard greens, sherry and sautèed plums was a classic dish that was prepared well. the crust on the juicy porkchop was especially tasty, and the sweet cooked plums were an interesting addition. my only complaint was that there was not enough mustard greens.

however, of the two choices, i'd have to say the PANCETTA-WRAPPED MARKET FISH fish with yellow tomatoes and aïoli was the far better choice. dessert was a rich BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE TART with candied almonds and salted caramel ice cream. it pretty much was as good as it sounded.

service was inconsistent, which is too bad. i've never had bad service at AOC. our waitress was fine, mostly unnoticed, but the one guy clearing our table was like an elephant in a china shop, breaking the serenity of the dimly lit hushed restaurant with the clanging of plates and silverware, and on several occasions picked up plates that still had food on them without asking. my brother was too nice to say anything. it didn't affect the quality of the food, but was surprising for a fine restaurant.