Luce - Innovation Delivers!

This month we dined on the 2nd Friday of the month due to the July 4th holiday. A very small, but committed group of diners - Phu, Winnie, and me - carried on the tradition this month. We dined at Luce, located inside the 1 yr old Interncontinental Hotel in Soma. Phu led us here to experience the "perfect marriage of local flavors and global inspiration of the New American cuisine" of Dominique Crenn, Esquire's chef of the year in 2008. And, this chef's reputation did not disappoint.

The dishes were extremely original, while maintaining a certain simplicity that made for easy enjoyment. While the economy seems to be having a big impact (there were very few other diners in this beautiful, large open space) - it was to our benefit. . . we received helpful, attentive service and thoroughly enjoyed our whole experience! On to the ratings. . .

Food = 92
All 3 of us felt the food was fantastic. A large baby greens salad satisfied all. The one dish that failed was the raw surf and turf. Ordered for Phu only, it was an interesting idea - a roll cut into thin slices of beef and seafood, it was mushy with muddled flavors. The pasta dishes were excellent - very rich and perfectly cooked. The stand out of the night was the parpadelle with short ribs. The entrees were excellent as well. The flat iron steak was tasty and tender, especially the ox tail it came with. The dory fish was very good - especially the potatoes and mushrooms it came with. Finally, we were all full given the large portion sizes, but we managed to try the rhubarb napoleon highly recommended by our waiter. Again, a very unique dish, with very thin wafers with pieces of jellied like rhubarb and refreshing basil ice cream.

Service = 90
Very attentive and friendly. Nothing was missing (water always full, new place settings after each course), and they actually brought the entrees out with 3 portions on each plate for easy sharing. The waiter got a little overexcited with the water early on in the meal, but we think he was actually the maitre'd filling in given the low volume of clientele.

Ambiance = 90
A very comfortable, interesting space. A large room, modern decorations, easy to talk since we had a small table and there were very few other diners. Phu liked the comfy chairs with arms.

Overall - I would definitely recommend Luce. Very original, excellent food, a pleasing atmosphere for a sophisticated meal, and not too bad on the value scale!

Happy Dining,
Mollie