Editor’s pick – Di Lucca
Ever a fan of Italian cuisine (well, who isn’t?), I’m always on the lookout for some flavours that will transport me back to my time living in Turin, be it Piedmont’s own truffles and polenta, the Parmesan and Grana Padano cheeses of Emilia-Romagna, the Veneto region’s huge variety of risotto, pesto from Genoa, the South’s famed pizzas and seafood or a classic Florentine bistecca.
And while Bogotá is awash with Italian restaurants, I had yet to visit one that blew my mind, that had me reminiscing about sipping delicious house wine on the red and white checked tablecloth of a neighbourhood trattoria, perfectly-groomed families all speaking at once and expertly twizzling spaghetti on a fork, inexplicably managing not to leave a speck of sauce on their whiter-than-white shirts.
I’d heard people rave about Di Lucca for the last three years or so, yet I’d never set foot inside, wrongly assuming that a place of that supposed quality, which looked much to me like your typical upmarket eatery, would burn a hole through my pockets quicker than a flaming ferret.
Thankfully, however, I recently decided to take the plunge – although it turned out to be more of a wade through reasonably priced delicacies.
The food makes an immediate impression, with a variety of mouthwatering antipasti, including salmon, octopus and beef carpaccio. One could happily fill up on the platters and fried calamari, but that would be much more than a shame. For you’d be missing what follows.
To say that I have always been a fan of veal escalopes would be an understatement along the lines of “Italian food is OK”. For me, any visit to an Italian restaurant starts with a quick scan of the menu to see if it’s on there, followed by a swift slamming of said menu if so. This dish rarely disappoints and Di Lucca’s version is spectacular – bigger than my face (you may have noticed that I am a fan of hyperbole, but in this case that’s an actual measurement) and served with a generous helping of pasta, potatoes or salad, it really is a steal at COP$30,900.
Aside from the other veal and chicken dishes, the choice of six risottos and the seafood that do most Sicilian dining rooms proud, Di Lucca doesn’t slack on the pastas. Fresh and simple – hallmarks of quality Italian cuisine – they are good value, starting at COP$21,900. Vegetarians should try the Al telefono.
I have yet to try the pizzas, but judging from the plates I saw rushing past me but I have little doubt they’ll disappoint – if I can ever drag myself away from the Milanese.
The desserts will delight any sweet tooth, especially chocolate lovers, who have both brownie and oreo tartlets and a chocolate fondant to choose from. A vast selection of wines is available, starting at COP$28,900, with some much more pricey options for the connoisseurs.
Carrera 13 #85-32. Visit diluccatogo.com for delivery. |
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We can recommend another great new place to eat in Bogota - Brot Bakery & Cafe in Calle 97 #11a-52.
Excellent gourmet food and coffee with a friendly service - the reviews say it all!
To shake things up they also run pop up events from time to time. The next one coming is on May 11th and we´re the proud co-hosts.
Greetings for all foodies in Bogota!
Hi people of Brot! You should get in touch with theteam@thevogotapost.com and we can help you out with advertising and promoting your events!