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Eat This Now
Anne Marie Panoringan
Tapas On Steroids
Crispy Pork Belly at Lucca Cafe
EATTHISNOW
When one thinks about the phrases “small plates” and “bar snacks,” one visualizes some simplistic dishes, such as mixed nuts or maybe yakitori skewers. But Lucca Cafe ain’t your normal tapas.
Located in a strip mall just off the 405, Lucca elevates the utilitarian Quail Hill plaza with an arsenal of cooks led by Cathy Pavlos. Her new happy hour-esque selections may include a slew of rich options, but none is quite as mesmerizing as the cured, braised crispy pork belly.
Coddled more than any egg, its juicy layers cause one to temporarily forget about any and all other pork products. One is teased by its modest portion, gently resting on a dollop of kernelmascarpone polenta. Finished with dried-apricot chutney and a garnish of micro greens, the compounding fl avors transform any rowdy table into one at which chewing and silent worship rule.
Does one move on and request a few baby lamb chops? No way. From a Feb. 1 Stick a Fork In It post.
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