Palette Bistro (Reported Closed)

Recommends

sheppac

Joined 3 years ago

Excellent Food and Service!. We just loved Palette. The first time we went we had the best steaks we have ever had in Chicago--perfectly cooked! The next time we went, we were on our honeymoon on Thanksgiving. They had such a nice meal for Turkey Day Dinner, but not so pretentious that my Iowa husband didn't get his good old meat and potatoes fix!

Very reasonable prices and awesome service too. Love it!!!

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Jennifer Olvera

Joined 10 years ago

Charming, casual Lakeview bistro kissed with global flavors.. Candlelight flickers upon wooden walls at this white-tablecloth neighborhood spot, where the vibe strikes a cozy balance between the fancy and the familiar. Surprising updates reinvigorate well-worn ingredients. Highlights include house-cured salmon served with avocado aioli, seared ahi with spiced red grapes and fennel confit and stuffed veal shoulder with butternut squash and grapefruit. A welcoming wooden bar invites multiple generations of couples to linger over the concise, affordable wine list.

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martinip

Joined 5 years ago

Hidden Treasure in Lakeview. I'm one of those people who frequents the same restaurant over and over because I'm confident of the quality and service once I've found a place that pleases for me. I'm not very adventurous. But stepping into Lucca's restaurant the other night, at the insistence of a group of friends, I am now determined to change my behavior.

The dinning room was the type of European bistro you would expect to find in a 1940's movie. Rich wood, subdued lighting, 8 foot French doors leading to leading to a patio that lacked only a view of Notre Dame on the Seine.

After seating, the server and back waiter immediately brought us crusty bread, fresh from the oven accompanied by our choice of traditional butter or olive oil for dipping, sprinkled with, Romano cheese. The pumpkin soup was velvety without over richness that cream soups can have leaving the pumpkin flavor to stay bright. Trusting the flavors of the main ingredient must be the chef's philosophy, no over spicing on anything I tasted but certainly not insipid, just fresh and prepared with obvious respect for the food. My pasta primavera was perfect, just a bit of crispness left in the vegetables. The Jack Daniels Lamb shank was a surprise in tenderness and flavor, not braised to death. The brisket was one of those melt in your mouth affairs.

I found the servers attentive, unobtrusive, and possessed of knowledge of their product.

This place is going on over and over list.

Recommends

johnonthego

Joined 5 years ago

What a hidden gem.... ...Lucca's is. Our group strolled in by chance after attending a performance at the Athenaeum and, wow, were immediately floored by the charm of its intimate setting. White table cloths and wood floors. Beautiful bar and gorgeous fireplace. And blessedly quiet. None of garroulessness that makes dining out at city bistros such a chore.

The wine, food and service were all first rate, beginning with warm, delicious bread , which I learned is baked from scratch on site each and every day. I then proceeded with the imported escargot -- generous-size pieces dipped in garlic butter sauce and served with toast points. Very good indeed.

Next came the pumpkin soup. Fabulousl Upon inquiring, I learned that it is a local award winner and one of the restaurant's chief calling cards. Taste it and you'll see why.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the Carbonara Fettucini, which was comprised of parmesan egg pancetta, Italian sausage and brocolli. I've been burned on variations of classic carbonara before, but not this time. Exquisite. And a very generous serving indeed.

My companions and I passed the plates, as it were, so I also was able sample some of the other menu items. I was particularly impressed with the Smoked Beef Brisket, among the most succultent , tasty and tender I've ever had. The Braised Lamb Shank with Shiitake Mushrooms was another favorite.

Great wine and mixed drinks from the bar, as well.

Needless to say, we took a pass on dessert. We were too full and contented.

I wonder why this place doesn't advertise. I don't live in the immediate neighborhood so don't get the neighborhood buzz on great dining establishments like this.

I'm just glad we happened upon it. We'll be back. And next time we'll save room for dessert.

Doesn't Recommend

whilliam

Joined 5 years ago

very uncomfortable -erie not sure of the word. its almost mindblowing that a staff could be so lost as to how to take care of guests,and its not that they dont care its that they are totttttallllly incompitent. I ate my luke warm dinner as i watched a one member of the staff glare at a TV??? what? really? a tv in a restaurant why? and it was on?? equippeed with no knowlege of food or wine i was pleased to know that the staff was up to date on american idol. The server seemed as if it were his first day. the staff interacted with each other as if no guests were in the restaurant. Akward freeky bunch made me feel like i just pulled into some hick town where i wasn't really welcome. odd place odd experiance overall.

Doesn't Recommend

WilliamL

Joined 5 years ago

Very disappointing.. I've walked by the restaurant several times and finally decided to try it. Big mistake.

The service was pleasant but very slow and disorganized. The telephone was ringing loudly throughout. The food was bad, really bad yet highly priced.

I normally wouldn't leave a comment but I truly feel cheated out of a decent amount of money and a nice evening.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Insightful service and seasonal fare are the hallmarks of this Lakeview eatery.. The Scene
Lucca's is a great first-date place. Decked with enormous, colorful paintings and fresh flowers, the elegant space is intimate without being crowded. Expect 30-something couples and business folks unwinding at the end of the day. Service is exemplary: knowledgeable, attentive and perfectly paced between courses.

The Food
Touted as Mediterranean/American, Lucca's cuisine is excellent. Start with whipped basil butter on fresh bread and delicate calamari--tender sautéed rings with herbs, preserved lemons and kalamata olives. Sliced pork tenderloin stuffed with thyme, sage, raisins and pine nuts and served with garlic-infused spaghetti squash melts in your mouth. Moretti-flavored filet mignon arrives perfectly cooked, flanked by delicate roasted potatoes and a green bean-tomato medley. Slightly spicy carrot cake with vanilla bean sauce ends the meal on a true high note.

Doesn't Recommend

kgoose

Joined 6 years ago

bad experience. odd b/c this place used to be nice. that is no longer the case. bad food, bad service, bad music, bad lighting. it's very easy to catch a cab on the way out. good luck

Recommends

troy6059

Joined 7 years ago

Great Date Place. Lucca's creates an exceptional ambiance for a date of any kind. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that my then-boyfriend, now husband and I had a wonderful dining experience. We celebrated our 1st year anniversary (from when we met) at Lucca's and from the food, to the staff, to absolutely everything else in between it was a perfect evening!

Pros: service, wine selection, ambiance

Overall user rating: Recommended

Doesn't Recommend

lrpire

Joined 7 years ago

terrible service. We were seated in an uncomfortable corner with no one asking us for a drink for 15 minutes. We had to finally ask the hostess for drinks. The food was so-so and when we asked for dessert they ran out of tiramisu! Bad service and a bad experience.