by Bob McClain
(www.wordsmithbob.com)
11-29-05
Ristorante Luci

Italian Impact

The only thing better than eating classic home-style Italian cooking is eating it in a classic Italian restaurant. Where the tables are elbow to elbow and the waitstaff are bustling through the restaurant, breathless and chattering, full of smiles to warm your heart while the food warms your soul. To use an old but appropriate cliché, that’s Italian!

Ristorante Luci is what you might call old-style. And that’s a wonderful thing because so is the food. The recipes are simple, the ingredients are fresh, and the service is fun and fast. Their specialty, of course, is pasta, most of which is home-made. Along with their home-made mozzarella. The best way to experience Ristorante Luci is the four course “build your own” Taster’s Dinner. You can pick what interests you or work with your server to get the “best” selection. If you’re truly open to a real Italian experience, the four course dinner is the way to go.

The menu changes daily. And, like in Italy, it is based on what is available. You also want to check what seafood is available. Ristorante Luci has a wonderful habit of getting unusual seafood brought in from the coast. Another surprise is the wine list. Maria Gans, owner and General Manager, and her sister, who she says has an amazing palate, pick the extensive wine list together. Their father has spent the last 18 years picking the reserve list. I highly recommend exploring it.

Let’s sample the menu, even though it changes every day. It will give you a feel for what to expect. A sampling of their antipasti is Bruschetta at $8.95, Mozzarella Fresca at $9.95 or Scampi at $12.95. Looking at soups and salads, a small salad will run you $3.95 and a large salad is $6.75. Soup is $4.50. One of the fascinating primi selections is Fettuccini con Funghi at $12.95. It is housemade with fresh fettuccini tossed with wild mushrooms, sage and truffle oil. Another interesting item is the Penne con Salsiccia at $9.95. Penne served with pork and fennel sausage simmered with mild chili’s and tomato.

Ristorante Luci is also popular for private parties of 12 – 30 people. Call 651-699-8258 for hours and availability. Ristorante Luci is on Cleveland Avenue near Randolph Avenue and in St. Paul. Dinner is served Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday.

Italian Dining St. Paul. Southern Italian Fine Dining at Ristorante Luci is where eating classic home-style Italian cooking in a classic Italian restaurant doesn't get any better! This Italian restaurant has been a favorite of St. Paul and Minneapolis for years because the food, atmosphere and service just doesn't get any better.

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