The term “new classics” is one way of describing the desserts LUCCA has introduced at its Irvine eatery. Chef/Co-Owner Cathy Pavlos features “adult version” of desserts she loved as a child.
“The menu was conceived as I was joking around with my Pastry Chefs, Linzy St. George and Dawn Bresee, about desserts we loved as kids,” commented Pavlos, who co-owns LUCCA with her husband, Elliott. “The conversation led to the creation of a new menu of contemporary versions of classics desserts, such as a bourbon-butterscotch spiked S’more Bread Pudding.”
Following are the “new classic” desserts currently available at LUCCA:
· 50-50 Bar Cheesecake with Grand Marnier & Dark Chocolate Sauces – just like the ice cream bars with the vanilla in the center and the orange wrapped around the outside, but with added spirit!
· Pina Colada Upside-Down Cake – a beautiful layering of pineapple cake with passion fruit curd & cream brulee!
· S’more Bread Pudding with Bourbon-Butterscotch Sauce – this one speaks for itself.
· Stone Fruit Cobbler with French Vanilla Ice Cream – NOT your Mother’s cobbler! Heavenly, ripe farmer’s market peaches, nectarines, apricots, and plums are topped with ginger cobbler and handmade vanilla bean ice cream courtesy of Irvine’s Le Bon Gouter.
“At LUCCA, we strive to create an environment in which guests may unwind and relax,” added Chef Cathy, “This menu is a way to transport them to simpler, less stressful time.”
ABOUT LUCCA
Lucca is definitely more than its name implies – it is an inviting space where casual friendliness quickly meets a few chic big-city elements, including cozy tables on a large banquette, a gas-burning fireplace and sensual curved features. Lucca, which has been referred to as “an urban concept in a suburban center,” has many facets. Having joined the Orange County dining landscape in 2005, Lucca in Irvine has become known for its one-of-a-kind dining, off-site catering and wine bar. The eatery offers sandwiches, salads and pastas on its lunch menu, but come dinnertime the cafe changes to a European-type bistro that serves small plates, cheese and charcuterie. The whole menu is based on the use of healthy and high quality ingredients, such as certified Angus beef, free-range turkey, hormone-free chicken, wild salmon and locally grown organic produce. The bar features more than 30 wines by the glass, with a choice of 2.5-ounce or 6-ounce pour of wine for $5 to $14.
LUCCA is located in the Quail Hill Village Center in Irvine (6507 Quail Hill Parkway) in Irvine. For more information, make reservations or order Lucca2Go, please call (949) 725-1773 or visit www.LuccaCafe.com.
Posted 9/16/10.
