Lucques

I've been looking forward to my company's Christmas party for weeks. It took place today at the esteemed Lucques (8472 Melrose Avenue). Suzanne Goin is a James Beard Award-winning chef who recently appeared on Bravo's Top Chef. Her dishes are quite remarkable--fresh ingredients and excellent execution.



Lucques' famous housemade olives and almonds. The olives are mild and not overly salty; the almonds are roasted perfectly and have a nice crunch.



Arugula and heirloom apple salad with romao, pomegranate and almonds.



Braised beef short ribs with sautéed greens, pearl onions and horseradish cream. The meat was fall-off-the-bone tender. It was amazing.



Grilled market fish with roasted baby carrots, house made yogurt and charmoula.

When it comes to hype restaurants, expectations tend to build up and, more often than not, it's easy to be disappointed. I'm pleased that Goin is a working chef (as opposed to the typical "celebrity" chef who hasn't been in the kitchen for years) and her reputation is well-deserved.

-Ray