THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Lucques

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Lucques Restaurant Review:

Editor’s Note: Lucques has closed, but you can still enjoy the cuisine through Lucques Catering (345 N. Maple Dr., Ste. 100, Beverly Hills).

About the restaurant: Named after a coveted variety of French olive, Lucques offers inspired rustic Mediterranean cuisine with strong California influences. And it's served in an idyllic setting: the former carriage house --- transformed by designer Barbara Barry --- of silent film star Harold Lloyd. Dine inside in one of the booths near the fireplace, or outside, on a lovely patio where the walls are covered with climbing vines.

Food & Drinks: Chef Suzanne Goin, who clearly picked up some valuable knowledge working at places like Campanile and Chez Panisse, consistently offers interesting, comforting dishes made with fresh ingredients. Some representative starters from Goin's regularly-changing menu include cauliflower soup or citrus salad with montealva cheese, arugula, black olives and almonds. Among the dinner entrées, you may find braised beef short ribs with sautéed greens, roasted cippolinis and horseradish cream, while the bar menu may offer steak frites with béarnaise. Conclude your meal with a fine finale like a chocolate cremeaux tart with espresso hazelnut and cardamom ice cream. House-made liqueurs and bitters are featured in classic cocktails. Goin's business partner Caroline Styne is a wine aficionado, who consistently impresses with intriguing vino options. Their Los Angeles restaurant portfolio also includes a.o.c., The Larder and Tavern.