With gentle piano melodies, decadent dinners, delectable drink options and a goal of VIP treatment, Ristorante LUCCA & Piano Lounge has the makings of romantic Valentine’s Day meals.
At the best restaurants, VIP treatment begins long before food lands at the table. According to managing partner William Burris, the Valentine’s Day dining experience at Ristorante LUCCA is all about setting the scene for a perfect night.
“Each couple will be greeted with a rose to begin their special evening with us,” William says. “World-class musicians capture the room with awe-inspiring talent and ambiance that is evocative of a more luxurious era.”
The restaurant, named in honor of the Tuscan region's medieval, jewel city along the Serchio River, hosts musical talent every night, not just for romantic holidays. Typical performers include local musicians, such as Dean Schneider and Steve Kramer on piano, as well as a weekly jazz group on Thursdays.
In addition to the regular à la carte menu, which features signature items, such as the Pollo alla Lucca served in a white wine sauce with olives, capers and cherry tomatoes, Valentine's Day at Ristorante LUCCA will include a prix fixe menu curated by executive chef Maurizio Peccolo.
Maurizio, who learned to cook in Venice kitchens, has been named one of the best Italian chefs in the world by the Italian embassy, and has earned the honor of serving as a judge for the Tiramisu World Cup.
Wines available to accompany meals are curated by the restaurant's sommelier Daniel Bossi. The staff's collection of more than 300 bottles, nearly two dozen of which are exclusive to LUCCA, is “the most enviable, robust wine cellar of any restaurant in all of New Jersey,” confirms William.
It’s not just wine, either: LUCCA boasts a wide menu of cocktails created by a staff of talented mixologists, including seasonal specials, variations on the classic espresso martini and non-alcoholic offerings.
For a glimpse behind the curtain, a few dishes are prepared tableside, including a classic Caesar salad for two, a pan-seared and filleted dover sole and cacio e pepe, a traditional pasta dish made with pecorino Romano cheese and freshly grated black pepper.
With a separate vegan menu and gluten-free options available, LUCCA strives to have the perfect dish for guests of all dietary restrictions.
“Service to excess is standard at Ristorante LUCCA,” William says. “From table-side preparation, to expertly guided wine pairings, to our emphasis on remembering the subtle details about our valued VIP guests, we make every experience at Ristorante LUCCA unforgettable.”
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RistoranteLucca.com
Sharing Tuscany locally: Fine Italian cuisine and elegant, exceptional dining is promised at nearby Ristorante LUCCA & Piano Lounge, 144 US-130, Bordentown, New Jersey. Guests indicate stepping into the Piano Lounge’s cabaret dining experiences means leaving the ordinary world behind.