Summer has arrived at Lucca Café and the Irvine eatery has a few new offerings to share. Following are available through August 31, 2009:

Summer Dinner Menu – available seven nights a week – features herb-crusted New Zealand free-range baby lamb chops with clove-infused grilled figs, feta polenta and an ouzo-orange sauce; Lucca’s famous hanger steak with a bourbon and four-peppercorn sauce; and Loch Duart salmon with a crispy potato, asparagus, lemon beurre blanc and apple-horseradish-thyme chutney. The Dessert Menu features a decadent dark chocolate and cherry bread pudding with homemade whipped cream and caramel, among other seasonal delights.

Summer Alfresco Dining (Lucca's version of Happy Hour) – on the patio every Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. – features three different wine flights, American Microbrew beers or European imports at a 20% savings if you bundle a cheese plate, charcuterie plate or Kobe sliders with any wine flight or beer.
Antipasto Table – available Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. – features the freshest veggies available this time of year from local farmer's markets. Among the most popular are zucchini blossoms stuffed with herbed ricotta cheese and locally grown tomatoes stuffed with a goat cheese soufflé. Guests can enjoy three tastes for $12, seven tastes for $21, or a Grande Platter with salami and cheese for $42.50.

Spanish Sunday Suppers – offered the second Sunday of the month (Sunday, July 12th and Sunday, August 9th) – features a Spanish-style four-course dinner, complete with Paella and rare Spanish wines. Served family-style on the patio for $40 per person (plus tax & tip). Future months will offer cuisines from other regions, including Tuscany, Provence and Greece.
Reservations strongly encouraged and can be made by calling (949) 725-1773. Free parking available to all guests.

Lucca Café is definitely more than its name implies – it is an inviting space where casual friendliness quickly meets a few chic big-city elements, including cozy tables on a large banquette, a gas-burning fireplace and sensual curved features. Lucca Café, which has been referred to as “an urban concept in a suburban center,” has many facets. Having joined the Orange County dining landscape in 2005, Lucca Café in Irvine has become known for its one-of-a-kind dining, off-site catering and wine bar. The eatery offers sandwiches, salads and pastas on its lunch menu, but come dinnertime the café changes to a European-type bistro that serves small plates, cheese and charcuterie. The whole menu is based on the use of healthy and high quality ingredients, such as certified Angus beef, free-range turkey, hormone-free chicken, wild salmon and locally grown organic produce. The bar features more than 30 wines by the glass, with a choice of 2.5-ounce or 6-ounce pour of wine for $5 to $14.

LUCCA CAFÉ is located in the Quail Hill Village Center in Irvine (6507 Quail Hill Parkway) in Irvine. For more information, make reservations or order Lucca2Go, please call (949) 725-1773 or visit www.LuccaCafe.com.