Continuing my “That’s Italian” week, I headed over to Luce Cafe in Sweet Home, Powell, Ohio. Luce Cafe is on the Northeast corner of Seldom Seen Road and Sawmill Parkway. Luce is a shoot-off of La Scala, and I’ve always been fond of La Scala (the scale). While I’m translating Italian, Lucé just means “light” in Italian. According to Lucé’s website (ok, now I’ll use the accent), light has inspired Italians over time, and it apparently inspired the owners of Lucé just like the scale inspired the owners of La Scala. Actually, La Scala is a famous opera house in Milan, Italy.

I selected the roasted beet salad and the eggplant parmesan from the menu at Lucé. Ok, the king of roasted beet salads or just plain ol’ beet salads is still Basi Italia. Lucé’s entry was decent. The pistachio crusted goat cheese medallion really saved this beet salad. Otherwise, I’d have to write it off as ordinary.

The eggplant parmesan was competently done. My only complaint was that it was a bit over-cheesed. Lucé was probably trying to appeal to the American macaroni and cheese trained tastebuds.

We also tried the Lucé Burgers - a variety of four mini burgers topped with gorgonzola, forest mushroom, crispy pancetta and caramelized onion, served with a side of Lucé sauce. Don’t underestimate the combination of burgoos and wine. Get the right wine, and this can be a real hit. I enjoyed the Lucé burgers.

Does Lucé fill the void created by the departure of La Tavola from Powell. Probably not.

Does Lucé go toe to toe with Giuseppe’s? No. But for good food at nice prices, it holds its own well.

499 Market Street
Powell, Ohio 43065
740-881-4600
www.lucecafe.com
Kitchen Hours: 11 AM to close, Tue-Sat and 5-9 PM on Sun

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