Friday, April 13, 2012

Today Special

I have no idea if the food is good at Luciano's. I've never eaten there, but I've got to try it. It's not just the menu that tempts me, though I do like the hand-written chalk board. It's not the setting--shopping mall across the from the hospital--that could be good and bad.

It's the tablecloths.

The red checkered cloth says "quaint" to me. It says "charming." It says "authentic." They knew that when they put them there.

I am such a sucker.

24 comments:

Latino Heritage said...

Over the holidays we ate there with some friends. It was home made, yummy Italian food. Price was really reasonable.

Shanna said...

Luciano's is one of our favorite eateries. In fact, we were there last evening! We would go more often if our waistlines would allow it.

Luciano is from Rome and was the only chef when we first went there. He now has some help, but is usually there himself - soooo friendly. He gave us a free pour of some $400. per bottle wine! His very young daughter brought Jim his dinner salad.

He always remembers that I am allergic to garlic. The first time we went there, he made me some amazing fettucini seasoned with fresh herbs. Who needs garlic?

He closes early - 8:oo - I think. Has to go home. Family waiting, you know.

Dina said...

Red checkered tablecloths shout "Italian" to me.
And the menu, after this whole week of having such foods forbidden for Passover, looks delicious.

Shell Sherree said...

Looks very cheerful and mighty fine to me, Petrea. I'd happily order from the specials board, and Shanna has me thinking of herby pasta for dinner. Off to the kitchen, I go.

Kalei's Best Friend said...

Not only the tablecloths, its the flowers that get me....
The food sounds good, and a few years ago I'd go jump at pasta, nowadays my tastes have changed.. Carbs are minimalized...

Petrea Burchard said...

I was hoping for recommendations! Yay! I'm glad to hear such good things about the place.

I keep missing my chance because it's near where Boz goes for his bath, and although he's well-mannered, he's not crazy about restaurant dining. Next time I go I'll take John instead. He'll be the better dining companion.

Kalei's Best Friend said...

here's a yelp review:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lucianos-ristorante-pasadena

Kalei's Best Friend said...

http://www.pasadenaviews.com/lucianos-ristorante/

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, Kalei. I love Irina's Pasadena Views!

Steven said...

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm. I love good Italian food. I'm there.

Anonymous said...

Luciano's is very good. And the prices are fair. Our Monday night dining group has had it on its roster for years.

They don't get grumpy if you share - both the side salad and the entrees are large enough for two.

The flowers are artificial, but so what? The food is real.

Betsy

Anonymous said...

PS. If cholesterol or calories are a problem, forget about it! Lots of mozzarella on everything.

Faves are the lasagna, chicken parmesan and the meatball sandwich.

Betsy

dive said...

Yesterday you made me thirsty; today you make me hungry. I dread to think what you'll post next!

This place does look wonderfully inviting.

TheChieftess said...

Looks like a fun place!!! I can almost smell the Italian food from here...(I'm a sucker for garlic!)

Petrea Burchard said...

I sense a pasta mob.

Bellis said...

It's great to have these good reviews. I've often walked past, but never eaten there. Must try it now. There are two other restaurants in the same mall that we like, one doing Thai food and the other - our favorite - doing wonderful baked sushi rolls and tempura. I'll be back in Pasadena tomorrow. Has there been rain?

Petrea Burchard said...

It's pouring right now, Bellis, with lighting and thunder! I miss lightning and thunder from my Illinois days, so this is a treat.

Boz is hunkered down by the heater.

Susan Campisi said...

Anything I was about to say was shaken out of me by that deafening clap of thunder. Yikes!

Today Special indeed.

Petrea Burchard said...

That was a house-shaker, wasn't it? I was going to tweet about it but it frightened the birds.

Shanna said...

The Thai place that Bellis mentioned is another favotite. Suriya is the name of it.

Ms M said...

Mmmmmmm! Looks like a delightful place -- authentic. We only have "chain" Italian restaurants around here.

Petrea Burchard said...

I walked by that one, too, Shanna. I'll get a picture of it next time Boz has a bath or when I go to dinner at Luciano's, whichever comes first.

We're pretty lucky in the restaurant department, Ms. M. World cuisines right in Pasadena, or very nearby in Los Angeles. Can't complain around here when it comes to food.

Anonymous said...

I forgot to mention that Luciano's is very popular for takeout. When we dine there, which is frequently and early (6 PM), we often see people drop in to pick up previously ordered pizzas and dinner items.

Employees at the Huntington Hospital across the street are regulars here.

Betsy

Petrea Burchard said...

That makes sense, Betsy. With the hospital there, I hope they do a good business.