Queens Tribune

Trattoria Lucia
247-63 Jericho Tpke., Bellerose
(718) 343-2185
Cuisine: Italian
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mon-Thur; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fri; noon to 11 p.m. Sat; noon to 10 p.m. Sun.
Credit Cards: All major
Parking: Street

New Year’s Eve came a bit early this year – or was it late?
Trattoria Lucia on Jericho Turnpike celebrated with hats, drinks and noisemakers at the time of the ball drop Monday night, but for those who were otherwise occupied at that time, they replayed the entire experience Tuesday night with a live band and a countdown to the New Year – at just past 6 p.m.

It is this kind of thinking that makes Trattoria Lucia such a hit. Karen Calle and the other owners and staff are always looking for a way to make the dining experience more enjoyable. Though the menu has not changed much since the restaurant opened a few years ago, the place is ever-evolving, with seasonal decorations and a spread of specials that are among some of the most creative in Queens.

That said, of course when we went Tuesday night we ordered off the menu – we were looking for a quick and simple night out. And that is exactly what we got.

We started with an order of what has become standard in just about any family dining place – the mozzarella sticks and Buffalo wings. The sticks were melt-in-your-mouth tasty and the wings, which we ordered mild, were dipped in some sort of barbecue concoction that made the bleu cheese serve don the side unnecessary (though we did enjoy it with the sticks of carrot and celery that accompanied the wings).

Between the appetizers, the house salads that came with our pasta dishes and the entrees we enjoyed the varieties of warmed bread that are served with a mild-spiced olive oil. From a crusty, seeded loaf to a whole wheat baguette and a hearty white bread, they all went well with the oil, and filled us up a bit before the salad arrived, which is a simple bed of mixed greens with tomato, red onion and an olive served with a balsamic vinaigrette.

For our entrees, the spaghetti carbonara was a light (believe it or not) way to start the New Year. The sauce was neither overwhelmingly thick nor too heavily spiced, and the onion, bacon and Romano cheese is just such a satisfying blend that it really warms the heart while it delights the taste buds.

My guest got the Pappardella Monte Bianco, which is a wide pasta served with grilled chicken and spinach in a Gorgonzola sauce. The sauce had a great kick, and imparted its bite into the chicken, which made for a thoroughly well-rounded dish.

We have been to Trattoria Lucia a handful of times and always find the service to be wonderful, the food a delight and the atmosphere such a joy to be in. Try it out for yourself, and enjoy.