Showing posts with label Luca West. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Luca West. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

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

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

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.