Parisian Perspectives

This afternoon, my friends and I decided to head over to Lucrezia at UTC Westfield for a ‘see ya later’ brunch. It’s almost summer so most of my friends are traveling back home, these two particularly back home to Sacramento. Situated on the lower level of the mall, adjacent to La Jolla Village Drive, Lucrezia sits to the right of the renowned fine-dining Mexican restaurant, Javier’s. But that’s a review for another occasion. 

To save you guys the trouble of finding this Italian spot I’ll include a map where the restaurant is and some good things to know!

The restaurant boasts a menu featuring “a contemporary twist on 1980’s Italian cuisine,” a culinary era I admittedly don’t know much about. We arrived slightly behind schedule for our reservation, courtesy of our familiar misadventures navigating UTC. Getting lost at UTC is practically a tradition for me, but with hunger gnawing at us, it wasn’t a particularly amusing situation – “hangry” would be an understatement.

The interior exuded a sense of spaciousness and vitality, abundant with lush foliage and trees. While the entrance appeared unremarkable at first glance, stepping into the waiting area revealed a truly breathtaking sight. Earthy tones, complemented by a fusion of yellows and warm hues, defined the color scheme, creating a welcoming ambiance. The architectural style struck a harmonious balance between modern sophistication and rustic charm. The bar, enveloped in a ‘U’ shape, though slightly smaller than The Amalfi Llama, bore striking resemblances, prompting speculation about potential connections or mere coincidence.

We were seated within 15 minutes, which wasn’t too bad considering we were almost the same amount of time late for our reservation. The restaurant didn’t appear overly busy, but there were enough patrons to alleviate any concerns about our tardiness. It did take about 15 minutes for our waiter to approach our table, but we noticed he was flustered taking another table’s order, so we were understanding. 

We kicked off our meal with their calamari, oysters, and, of course, their caesar salad. The calamari was a sight to behold – golden, perfectly seasoned, and incredibly appetizing. Now, I’m typically not the biggest calamari fan, often hesitant to try it, but theirs looked irresistible. Served with spicy pomodoro and their house aioli, the dish was a tantalizing blend of textures and flavors. While the pomodoro sauce leaned towards the bland side, resembling marinara sauce, the house aioli stole the show with its divine taste. If given the chance, I would have gladly swapped the pomodoro for double the aioli. The calamari itself was wonderfully crunchy.

The oysters arrived nestled in a mini ice bath, accompanied by sides of cocktail sauce, mignonette (featuring shallots, cracked pepper, and vinegar), a half lemon, and a miniature bottle of Tabasco sauce. Toasting to the oysters, we were immediately greeted by a burst of freshness, followed by the subtle yet impactful seasoning that danced on our taste buds. These oysters stood out for their remarkable freshness, devoid of the typical salty or briny aftertaste often associated with such delicacies. Priced at $4 each, we found ourselves wishing for a bulk deal, given our newfound appreciation for them. While the mignonette sauce didn’t quite resonate with my palate, my vinegar-loving friend found it to be fresh and impeccably crafted.

Now, onto the Caesar salad. Served in a more traditional manner with unchopped leaves and accompanied by raw anchovies – a sight that tends to unnerve me, though the salad itself was quite delightful. Reflecting on my choice, and considering the immense satisfaction derived from the appetizers, I couldn’t help but entertain the thought of opting for a different salad to fully embrace the Lucrezia experience. Alas, my unwavering love for Caesar salads prevailed, nudging me to stick with tradition.

For our main course, we opted for a variety of delectable dishes. First up was the ‘Gamberoni Alla Griglia’, featuring tiger prawns seasoned with garlic, herbs, lemon, and extra virgin olive oil. Next, we indulged in the grilled baby lamb chops, accompanied by a Mediterranean cannellini puree and a heirloom tomato salad. However, given my aversion to tomatoes, we made a swap and opted for grilled asparagus instead. Last but certainly not least, we savored the Rigatoni spicy vodka pasta. This classic dish never fails to impress, with its rich and creamy sauce enlivened by a hint of spice and the unmistakable flavor of vodka.

We were pleasantly surprised by the generous portion of tiger prawns served to us. Expecting perhaps four, we were delighted to find more awaiting us on the plate. These prawns were impeccably prepared, split down the middle for effortless removal from the shell. The smoky flavor imparted by the grill was evident, though I found it slightly overpowering, leaving a hint of charcoal burnt taste lingering in my mouth from the shell. However, any minor qualms were quickly overshadowed by the sheer tenderness and juiciness of the prawn meat. The addition of lemon juice elevated the flavors even further, enhancing the  plate.

The lamb chops exceeded our expectations, boasting perfect tenderness and juiciness with each bite. Despite my preference for rare or medium-rare meat, the expert preparation rendered them so tender that the cooking level became inconsequential. The portion size was generous, comprising four succulent lamb chops, accompanied by four sizable asparagus spears and a generous serving of Mediterranean cannellini puree. The puree was a standout component, bursting with flavor and boasting a texture reminiscent of mashed potatoes, albeit with a tangy twist that brought to mind the eggplant hummus at The Amalfi Llama. The resemblance left me pondering whether it was merely a coincidence or did The Amalfi Llama pay a homage to Lucrezia. 

The spicy vodka pasta certainly held its own among our selection of dishes. While I enjoyed its creamy texture and vibrant color, I couldn’t help but feel that it lacked a protein element. Personally, I believe chicken would have been a perfect pairing with the sauce, adding depth to the dish. However, in comparison to the other entrées, it ranked third in terms of standout flavors and uniqueness. Nonetheless, it was a very satisfying pasta dish, particularly well-suited for those with children due to its comforting appeal and familiar flavors.

After concluding our meal, which likely marked the quietest moment of our trip with friends, we silently acknowledged the excellence of the food .After recovering from our food coma, we decided to skip dessert out of apprehension about the bill. To our surprise, when the check arrived, it totaled around $210, approximately $80 per person, which was less than we had anticipated.

“This was honestly one of the best meals I’ve had in San Diego,” said Niya Hall, a student at San Diego State University. The brunch, held in honor of her return home for the summer, made her comment the perfect conclusion to the meal.

In conclusion, my experience was fantastic, and I’m eager to return for a romantic date or perhaps a birthday celebration. I’m particularly intrigued to explore the bar experience next time. The food was delightful, with generous portion sizes perfect for sharing. The ambiance was charming and well-maintained, and while I didn’t get to try the side dining room, I thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor section. I can’t wait to revisit with a date!

See you later Lucrezia!