Staying Lucrative at Lucca

Sacramento has several restaurants that cater to the Capitol and its nearby components, but one popular lunchtime destination has expanded its repertoire to reach wider costumer base.  The destination is the Lucca, a bistro located on the corner of 16th and J Streets, and their secret formula is an old fallback: Happy Hour.

Like many business casual eateries, Lucca's layout is open and inviting.  The decor is full of rich browns with rod-iron accents, and a few eccentric art pieces to bring color to the space.  Deep maroon and electric blue glass blown light fixtures hang from the ceiling providing an intimate atmosphere even in the middle of the day.  But the ambiance is far from overdone.  Costumers can enjoy themselves without being distracted by the adornments.

I arrived on a Friday afternoon to meet with classmates and test their happy hour menu.  After being greeted by a pleasant server dressed in all black, I met with another classmate at the bar and we preceded to seat ourselves at one of the bar side tables.  As we waited for the rest of our group to arrive, the mood was calm and tranquil as soft music played throughout the space.

When the group was united, we scanned the small plates on the menu and noted the most expensive item was a five dollar burger.  All other plates ranged from one to three dollars, so instead of picking and choosing, we decided to order one of everything.

Within seven minutes the plates began to arrive one at a time.  Within fifteen minutes, our table became a jigsaw puzzle as we scrambled to make space for everything.  After much shuffling, we finally settled and began the taste tests.

My first sample was the zucchini chips: tiny deep-fried slices of zucchini.  Salty and unique, they were definitely not what I had expected and surprisingly addicting.  Not too flavorful, but a suitable snack.

Lucca's french fries were performed perfectly.  The potatoes had been fried, but just enough to form a thin crisp, and then tossed in grated Parmesan cheese.  The best part of the fries however, was the truffle dip that was served along with ketchup.  It takes a particular set of taste buds to appreciate truffles, but the sauce was concocted so elegantly that even the most picky eater would be pleased.  And costing $2.50 a serving, even the most frugal diner would be pleased.

The most tantalizing taste bud experience of the happy hour was the soft seduction of the polenta.  Polenta?  Yes.  For those who have been turned off by polenta in the past, please visit Lucca for Chef Ian McBride's perfectly crafted corn.  I promise you will never think of it the same.

As a vegetarian, I was not able to sample the meat plates, though my classmates all approved of both the burger and the beef skewers.  After I had left the restaurant, I learned that Lucca owners also run their own ranch in Redwood City, CA.  Lucky Dog Ranch provides all the grass fed, hormone-free meat offered at Lucca, its sister restaurant Roxy, and at local farmer's markets.

After the meal was finished, stacks of plates wobbled on the table and stuffed stomachs gurgled.  The bill for 11 small plates, one burger, four beers and one Margarita totaled around $45, including a tip.  Divided into four, the experience was affordable and filling.

While Lucca offers a lunch Monday through Saturday and dinner seven days a week, I highly recommend taking advantage of their happy hour.  The special runs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 3 p.m. until close and Saturday from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m.  You will be satisfied and full without breaking the bank.