For VIP experiences during special Valentine's Day meals, head to Ristorante LUCCA & Piano Lounge, nearby at 144 US-130, Bordentown, New Jersey. Guests indicate stepping into the Piano Lounge’s cabaret dining ambiance means leaving the ordinary world behind. When guests aren't at the ristorante, LUCCA executive chef Andrea Esposito, recommends these two recipes to make an exceptional, comforting at-home meal. Enjoy!
Ravioli di Cuore (Heart-Shaped Ricotta Ravioli)
Feeds 2 persons
INGREDIENTS:
Pasta dough:
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- Salt to taste
Filling:
- 1 1/3 cups well-drained sheep's milk ricotta cheese (Ricotta di Pecora)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Black pepper
- Salt
- 1 3/4 ounces Parmesan cheese
Sauce:
- Butter, about 6 tablespoons
- Fresh sage, chopped
- Crushed pink peppercorns
DIRECTIONS:
1. Knead flour and eggs; let rest for 30 minutes.
2. Roll out dough thinly, cut out heart shapes with a cookie cutter.
3. Mix ricotta with lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
4. Fill pasta shapes, seal well.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes in salted water.
6. Dress with browned butter, sage and pink peppercorns. [How to Brown Butter: Heat butter in 10- or 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until melted, about 2 minutes. Continue to cook, swirling skillet and stirring constantly with heatproof rubber spatula, until butter is dark golden brown and has nutty aroma, 1 to 3 minutes longer. Remove skillet from heat and transfer browned butter to large heatproof bowl.]
Mousse al Cioccolato e Lampone in Coppa
(Chocolate and Raspberry Mousse in a Glass)
INGREDIENTS:
- 150 grams or about 20 squares of baking, unsweetened dark chocolate, depending on the bar's weight per square
- 1 cup cream
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Fresh raspberries
- A pinch of salt
DIRECTIONS:
1. Melt chocolate in a bain-marie (culinary setup using indirect, gentle heat, as a stovetop double boiler for melting).
2. Lightly whip the cream.
3. Beat egg yolks and sugar together, then add to lukewarm chocolate.
4. Gently fold in cream.
5. Pour into individual serving glasses and refrigerate for 2 hours.
6. Garnish with raspberries and micro-zest of lime.
Chef's tip: Serve with cocoa crumble or a salty biscuit for contrast.
Ristorante LUCCA serves elevated Italian fare that marries regional delicacies with the exacting standards of global culinary excellence. The menu showcases premier dishes from across the Italian peninsula, in a modern, forward-thinking fashion.
During February, Chef Andrea assures they will offer Valentine-themed menu options using the finest in winter ingredients.
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 known to be among the most enviable, robust wine cellar of any of the region's restaurants. At Ristorante LUCCA, every bottle of wine is ultimately hand-selected by Daniel as the wine director.
Live, elite music sets the scene for dazzling evenings within the Piano Lounge, along with dim lighting, rich accents and luxe design.
Additionally, for special occasion gatherings, wedding receptions or corporate events, the ristorante's professional team of catering specialists and service staff can cater private events on-site. They offer sample lunch and dinner packages, or they can create customized menus that reflect preferences and themed events.
This staff likes to convey "service to excess is standard at Ristorante LUCCA." The group's typical dress code is considered to be smart casual. Reservations can be made via the online platform OpenTable or by calling the team directly at 609.262.0110 for availability.
609.262.0110
RistoranteLucca.com
Hailing from the charming coastal town of Monte di Procida in the province of Naples, Andrea Esposito serves as executive chef at Ristorante LUCCA in Bordentown, New Jersey. There, he blends authentic Neapolitan flavors with refined technique, offering guests a true taste of Italy. Here, he kindly shares personal recipes to enhance any February at-home meals, especially for Valentine's Day.