Restaurant Roulette with Suzanne! April Issue!

It was a fun evening for our monthly dinner out. Rachael chose to try the new Lucatino in Carnegie, from the same owners as Slice on Broadway and clearly, word is out. The restaurant was packed. They don’t take reservations, and we were quoted a one‑hour wait.

So we wandered down the street to Duran’s, a smoky shot‑and‑beer spot complete with slot machines and a pool table. It’s a friendly neighborhood hangout filled with regulars who greeted us warmly as we walked in.

Chad, the bartender, was attentive and welcoming. While we enjoyed our drinks, my son called, and we had a lovely conversation: an unexpectedly perfect way to pass the time.

One hour and fifteen minutes later, we were back at Lucatino’s and ready to order, a lot. Rachael started with a Nebbiolo, which she really enjoyed. ($10.50)

We opted for the focaccia bread service, choosing two dipping sauces, and it was a great way to begin. ($12)

Our other starters did not disappoint: arancini stuffed with rice, beef, peas, and cheese ($13), along with provolone fritti—lightly battered, perfectly fried, and deliciously oozy. ($13) Yum.

For entrées, we shared a single portion of puttanesca ($18) and the chicken Parmesan with pasta ($24). Everything arrived hot, generous, and full of flavor.

Of course, we couldn’t resist dessert, all made by a local bakery. We ordered coffee, a rum cake, and a lemon torte. While the desserts weren’t the highlight of the meal, Lucatino’s truly shines with its excellent sauce and wonderfully friendly wait staff.

Be prepared for a bit of a wait and some noise, but you’ll be rewarded with a satisfying, moderately priced Italian meal. We’ll definitely be back and can’t wait to try some of the other dishes we watched pass by our table, especially the greens and beans.

Until next time, happy eating!