Aqua di Luca Opens in Downtown

This post I'm catching up on from July (whoops), but we headed to the newly opened Aqua di Luca in Downtown Cleveland. Normally, we don't head right in when a new spot opens up. We like to give them time to settle in and fix any opening issues. But this was opened by the folks behind one of our very favorite restaurants in the city, Luca (and Luca West). So we made an exception. 

Plus, we wanted to celebrate a successful first month of my small business! That meant delicious cocktails from their bar. 

Sappy moment...this guy has been so supportive, encouraging, and involved in my starting my dream business. I feel pretty lucky to have him by my side, and there's no one else I'd rather celebrate with!

We started with the Sashimi Grade Tuna ($15) with honeycomb and spicy peppers. It's a simple dish, but one that I think is a not-miss if you're dining there. We were inspired to try making this at home.

We split the Cacio e Pepe ($10), but this dish needs some work before I'd recommend it. There was not enough dressing on the plate, and very little flavor to it. Iceberg lettuce needs assistance. 

Mr. H ordered the Salmone con Ravioli ($45) with Jumbo Lump Bluecrab and Lobster Ravioli. 

I had the Filet Mignon and Lobster Gnocchi ($55).

There were definitely some opening growing pains in food execution and service, but I have no doubt it will settle in to be a staple of Downtown Cleveland dining. The space used to be XO Prime Steaks, but you wouldn't recognize it from all of the gorgeous work they've done inside. Outdoor seating available, and a nice long bar for more casual dining.

I'll give it a little more time, but you bet that we'll be back!

Aqua di Luca
500 W St. Clair Avenue
Cleveland, OH

Weekend Bites

After traveling for work last weekend and being down for the count with a terrible upper respiratory infection for another, I was READY to be home and have some fun around town and enjoy being home with Mr. H and the pooches.

We kicked off Friday with a quick dinner and glass of wine at Opal on Pearl, just down the street from home. Tony had a Buffalo Chicken Dip on special, and it hit the spot!

As we wrapped up our meal, we were in the mood for a sweet treat and Lilly Chocolates and Confections was still open. Woo hoo!

Not only did the truffles do the trick to satisfy our sweet tooth, but I also snagged one of their Chocolate Advent Calendars. Now I'm all set to celebrate the next holiday once Thursday is over this week.

On Saturday, we bummed around town doing some errands. That included picking up some copper candle holders that I purchased from Helm Collective (seriously, following her adorable shop on Instagram is dangerous). That also gave me the opportunity to shoot next door to All Things for You, where I scooped up this brass and copper potpourri container. 

We had a fancy date night planned for that evening, to celebrate Mr. H losing 40.4 pounds in the recent Biggest Loser Competition at work. After a stop at The Spotted Owl...

...for a craft cocktail that is always the "Bee's Knees"...

...we headed to Luca, because he was seriously craving some carbs. Their Sacchetti is always celebration-worthy.

Sunday was spent at home with my goofballs.

We got to end the weekend on a very high note, with a new recipe really knocking our socks off. Mr. H made this Sea Bass San Sebastian, and it will be on regular rotation now.

Phew! We crammed a lot in this weekend, and my lingering cough didn't get in the way too much. Short week ahead, before the Thanksgiving festivities! 2019 was a hard year, and this holiday will be bittersweet without my dad for the first time on his favorite holiday. But I have so much to be thankful for, and you all are a part of that. So thank you.

What were you up to this weekend?

Event Recap: Silver Spoon Awards Party 2019

Mr. H and I had the chance to celebrate the 25th anniversary of one of the best food events in town recently, Cleveland Magazine's Silver Spoon Awards Party. Held at The Hilton, there were more than 50 restaurants and beverage purveyors to sample from. Many of my favorite things were in the room at the same time, like Luca's famous Sacchetti and Porco's tiki cocktails (both in VIP Room).

I may have had three(!) that night.

Of both!

Attendees got to sample food and drinks from award finalists and winners, like Michael Symon's Mabel's BBQ...

...Lakewood's Thai Thai...

...and one of my favorite bites of the night, a Galley Boy from Swenson's. This may or may not have led to a stop for dinner last week.

While the night brought us all kinds of good food, we were there to raise funds and awareness for a good cause. The Arthritis Foundation is leading the fight for the arthritis community. The Arthritis Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections.

This party may only come around once a year, but it's one you don't want to miss! They know how to throw one heck of a party.

Disclosure: I was provided with two VIP tickets in exchange for my assistance in promoting the event. All opinions stated are 100% my own.

Luca West Opening

I've been a fan of Luca since it opened in the Superior Viaduct. The views of downtown, the intimate setting tucked off of West 25th, and the sacchetti....ahhh. Now, Cleveland west-siders will get to enjoy Luca West as they open their doors in Westlake TODAY!

Mr. H and I got a sneak peek over the weekend.

I think you'll see a lot of familiar modern Italian and other European influences on the menu, including the pastas they've become known for. Seriously, isn't this the largest bowl of pasta you've ever seen?

This sight was drawing everyone in at the soft opening. I kind of wanted to crawl up in there and take a nap after the meal.

Some of the other dishes featured at the soft opening were lamb, lobster, squid, and the most heavenly gnocchi.

Topped off with tiramisu and a cannoli, and I was just rolling out of there. It made the quite hairy ride over during that storm on Sunday well worth it!

Welcome to Westlake, Luca! A great fine dining option for those of you looking on the west side.

Luca West
24600 Detroit Road
Westlake, OH

Disclosure: I was invited to attend the soft opening of the restaurant with a guest and all food was complimentary. All opinions stated are 100% my own. 

Dining at Luca

Right before we left for the holidays, Mr. H and I decided to splurge and celebrate our "one week of marriage" by having a romantic dinner out. One of the first places that comes to mind when we're looking for a special occasion spot is Luca Italian Cuisine. Nestled in the Superior Viaduct (just down West 25th from the main strip of restaurants), it has stunning views of Downtown Cleveland and our bridge system. It's a quiet area, and the restaurant's atmosphere and views just beg for a romantic outing.

We've had five good meals here now, and this one did not disappoint.

What do you think...I think marriage looks pretty darn good on Mr. H.

Overall, we had a really special meal and were treated very well by their staff. However, the only (minor) disappointment came from our Antipasti course. We'd had the Tartar de Filetto Manzo ($15) at our very first visit, and it had stuck in our memory as the best beef tartar that we've ever had. I've been comparing all others to this version ever since. However, this time, it was missing some of the bright citrus and caper flavors that I remember from the first time. It was still a good tartar, don't get me wrong, but it fell a little short of the high standard that I had held it to.

The Whole Grain Crostini served with it was also rock-hard, and way too crunchy for full enjoyment.

From the La Pasta section, diners can order a Half or Full portion, depending on whether or not you'll be enjoying it as an entree, or as a shared appetizer. We ordered a half portion of the Vitello Tortelli with veal stuffed tortellini, cream sauce, prosciutto, and asparagus. It was a solid version of a classic pasta combination. For something a little unusual, order their Sacchetti al Tartufo Bianco.

I decided to try their Costolleta di Agnello (grilled lamb chop with shallot, port glaze, and a sweet pea risotto) for $32.

This dish was exceptional. The flavor and tenderness of the meat was wonderful, and I loved the sweet pea risotto's flavor and texture. I took home over half of it, and it re-heated well.

Mr. H also decided to try something new, and he ordered the Milanese di Vitello (breaded veal chop with marinated grilled radicchio, goat cheese, and aged balsamic) for $47.

Again, this dish was very good. It was a tad dry in the areas where there wasn't any goat cheese, but the bites with all of the components combined were very good. Pounded out to a thin chop and lightly breaded, it was delicious. This dish was also huge, and we took home quite a bit of the veal chop. It was even enough for us to split the next day.

When our server heard that we had just gotten married the weekend before, he surprised us with a complimentary Tiramisu (with candle). That was so thoughtful, and a nice treat at the end of our very decadent meal.

It truly felt like a celebration. We were enjoying gorgeous views, delicious food, attentive service, and each other. A special night. That's what Luca can offer. It will continue to be a go-to spot for us when looking for something special in Cleveland.

Luca Italian Cuisine
2100 Superior Viaduct
Cleveland, OH 44113
216-862-2761

Luca- Impressive Views and Memorable Food

The restaurant space tucked away at 2100 Superior Viaduct has always been one of my favorite locations in the city. Since moving here in 2007, it has been Ponte Vecchio, Viaduct Lounge, and now...Luca Italian Cuisine. It has one of the most unique, and breathtaking, views of Downtown Cleveland and the river.

Gazing out at magnificent bridges, the east bank, and Terminal Tower doing its light dance every evening is just special. This restaurant location has always felt like a special occasion spot, and Luca is doing just that.

We've had dinner there twice now, just one week apart (it was that good). I selected this restaurant for my birthday dinner, and then immediately took my parents there the following weekend when they were visiting from out-of-town.

Our first visit was everything that you want a fine-dining experience to be. We had a window table with gorgeous views, our server was knowledgeable, attentive, thoughtful, and charismatic, and the food was memorable. Our server made several recommendations, and we started with the TARTAR DI FILETTO MANZO- chopped filet mignon with capers, red onion, parsley, egg yolk and whole grain crostini ($15). This dish was divine, and honestly better than the famous tartar at The Greenhouse across the river. It was so bright and flavorful. We also shared a half order of a pasta that is no longer on the menu. I love it when restaurants offer a half and full-sized portion of pasta. Great for sharing as a starter, or ordering as your entree. "R" then ordered the OSSOBUCO DI CINGHALE with slow roasted wild boar shank, dolcetto wine, julienned vegetables and linguini pasta ($34). The wild board just fell apart at the touch of a fork, and the dish became a great bolognese sauce. It wasn't complex in flavor, but just hearty and well-prepared. I ordered the fish special of the evening, and it was honestly one of the best pieces of fish that I've ever had. Worth the $43 price tag (that wasn't revealed until the check came)? No, maybe not, since several other entrees had sounded just as good. But, I really enjoyed it.

During my second visit, we shared the CARCIOFI AL ARAGOSTO- lobster meat and mascarpone stuffed artichoke breaded with a light tomato sauce ($14). The lobster and cheese were pretty lost in this dish, so it was mostly the fried breading. I'd pass on this dish again. The tomato sauce that accompanied it, however, was wonderful, and we enjoyed sopping it up with our bread. My mother and I both ordered the Beet Salad special that night, and it was the worst beet salad that I've ever had. The dressing was a pistachio oil, and it really lacked flavor. The whole dish just tasted too plain, and a little "dirty" from the earthy beets. Sad, because a beet salad is one of my favorites. The meal quickly redeemed itself though, when the half portion of pasta arrived that my parents shared. It is also a dish that is no longer featured on the menu, but it was a squid-ink ravioli with gorgeous shrimp and hunks of lobster topping it. The sauce on this dish was also fabulous, and I stole a bite or two.

My parents then split the MAIALE AL FUNGHI- Grilled berkshire pork chop with wild mushroom and dolce gorgonzola sauce ($28). The kitchen actually split the whole dish onto two plates, which was so accommodating (no split charge too). This dish was outstanding, and one of the best pork chops that I've tried. I went for something that had caught my eye during our first visit, the RISOTTO DEL GIOR. It changes daily, but that night (and the previous weekend) it was a lobster risotto.

This dish had the most lobster that I have ever witnessed on a plate, and I just kept uncovering large pieces of claw meat. This lobster-lover was in heaven. The risotto wasn't very interesting in flavor, but it was decent. The amount of lobster meat is what really stood out.

Phew, that was a lot to share with you. We had two great meals there, and I'm so glad that the space is being used again. They do have an outdoor seating area, and valet parking. It's just a hop, skip, and a jump from Downtown and the strip of restaurants on West 25th in Ohio City, so it's not to be overlooked if you're dining in the area. I also highly recommend it for a special night out, or if you're trying to impress people with the view.

Have you been to Luca? The chef/owner Luca Sema came from Michaelangelo's in Little Italy, and that restaurant has had quite a following. I am hopeful that this restaurant is here to stay.

Luca Italian Cuisine
2100 Superior Viaduct
Cleveland, OH 44113