Review: Lucca Wine Bar & Grill - New London, Conn. (23 out of 25)

On a recent trip to New London, Connecticut I stopped by Lucca Wine Bar & Grill on Bank Street in New London, Connecticut. Located on the west side of Bank Street a historic seaport street Lucca opened most recently in an old tax preparations company office.

Greeted by a Black awning with white lettering if one does not look they may miss it. Parking is relatively abundant in New London and if you did manage to drive by it just find a parking spot and wander down Bank Street until you come across Lucca.

I entered Lucca Wine Bar & Grill just after "rush hour" or lunch hour. Large bay windows, wood wainscotting, and a decor of soft warm colors and a small bar greet you as you walk in. A handful of tables and art work also wish you a welcome in.

I opted to sit at the bar aside two lawyers whom were discussing the days "computer" issues. Needless to say I was greeted by Lucky, the purveyor of Lucca and a well known local restauranteur. The kitchen, small and located directly behind the bar showed activity and not a lot of noise which was nice. With the rear delivery door open one could see the bustling farmer's market in the back lot with patrons purchasing local produce and one that gave the impression that Lucca also made their purchases here.

Sitting at the bar I enjoyed viewing the top shelf spirits and not of the ordinary Bacardi variety... Local wines from award winning Jonathan Edwards in Stonington (ca. 15 mins by car) were being recommended to another dining group. While enjoying a summer Sam Adams and a Diet Coke I opted to chat with the two lawyers on my side. Each had been to Lucca several times before (even though they had just opened in the past month) which was a great sign.

The menu is more cutting edge than SE CT residents are likely used to and the price tags relate to it. However for lunch I opted for the Lobster & Avacado Salad (15.00). Other bistro type lunches were available but to try something very new this salad caught my eye.

The owner named "Lucky" wearing trendy glasses and dressed very trendy like his menu offered a touch of class to the one time "down on hard times" Bank Street. He was friendly as was the other service personnel. My salad arrived as a nice sized portion of lobster, field greens, avacado slices (without discoloring) almonds and a mango chutney. On the side came a large basket of warm foccacia bread slightly warmed in olive oil.

The mixture in the salad was ultra fresh (farmers market perhaps?) and the chutney likely homemade. The lobster tender and tasting fresh was delightful! With each scrumptous bite "ummm" exuded from my mouth. As I attacked the plate I made little progress in eating away at the size! A perfect mix of ingredients make this a true hit. I would imagine that 1/2 a 1.5lbs lobster was used on this salad alone. Fantastic!!! The foccacia melted in my mouth and the whipped butter (on the side) melted in my mouth as well. All in all... Lucca with this first attempt brings dining in New London and Connecticut to a serious new level. I look forward to "eating again". Pizza and Pasta watch out... Lucca is going to become an institution!

RATINGS KEY:

SCALE:1-Poor/Check out other places, 3 "ok" to 5-Highly Recommended
Price: (1)up to 15.00 person, (2) 15.01 - 25.00 person, (3) 25.01-35.00 person, (4)- 35.01-50.00 person
(5) Over 50.00 person

Price: Includes Main Course, tax & tip. (drinks, appetizers, deserts not included).

DINING (23 out of 25)