A decade in Little Italy
TIME PASSES BY IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE
As we look back over the past 10 years, we count our blessings and reflect on a job well done. Along the way we have collected a whole host of invaluable experiences, lifelong friendships, a treasure chest of cherished memories, and to top it all off, a Michelin Star.
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So, to mark a decade in Little Italy, we have planned a series of celebratory moments that honour the spirits of craft, community and collaboration. Herewith you will find a visual journal that both documents these moments and sets the path ahead (for what we hope will be) many more joyful years at 88 St. John St.
Johnny & Daniel
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CRAFTING CULTURE WITH HANNAH MARTIN
If you spend a long evening or a slow afternoon in the comforting surroundings of the restaurant, you’ll quickly notice that we’re fond of things that are thoughtfully designed and beautifully made. With this in mind, we wanted to create a keepsake to share with our nearest and dearest - those who have been there from the beginning and have supported us closely over the past 10 years.
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One of those people is our friend, neighbour and LUCA regular - Hannah Martin. Hannah is a world renowned jewellery designer who has created indulgent and inspiring bespoke pieces for the likes of Patti Smith, Helen Mirren and Keith Richards. Working out of her Clerkenwell studio, she is known for her appreciation of materiality and creativity - mirroring our approach to hospitality.
Together with Hannah we have designed a playful interpretation of our beloved Rigatoni pasta. Set in solid brass, one of our favourite materials, chosen for its tactile quality and characteristic patina, - this will be a piece to cherish for many years to come. The keyring was handcrafted in Clerkenwell in a limited edition run, with a very small number available for purchase below.
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Hand made in London
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COOL CLASSICS and A warm SUMMER BREEZE
In the height of summer, - with a heat wave in our midst - we cooly introduced a special three-course menu that celebrated our favourite dishes from the last decade. The menu revisited favourites including Parmesan Fries and Taglierini of Cornish Lobster, alongside newer dishes - with a salad of ligurian bulls heart tomatoes, grilled yellow peaches, stracciatella and black olive representing LUCA’s current culinary direction.
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Friends and guests helped us celebrate the crafts of the kitchen over a long, languorous dinner on The Terrace on the hottest day of the year. Guests were greeted with Lemon Sorbet and LUCAcello, and bid farewell following servings of our Caramelised Lemon Tart with Roast Fennel Ice Cream.
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Italian modernity meets British heritage
As summer began to show its face, we boarded the British Pullman to begin our 10 year celebrations. Along with 200 guests - friends, family, peers and patrons - Chef Robert Chambers led a culinary masterclass as attendees whiled away the hours to the sound of a live band. A sophisticated affair in collaboration with our friends at Belmond.
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Table-mates made friends, big bottles popped and the sound of abundant laughter rattled through the iconic carriages - marking a very special day that will live long in the memory of all who attended.
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tales FROM LITTLE ITALY
Below you will find a series of stories (a journal of sorts) that celebrate everything we love at LUCA. Exploring culture and heritage through a collection of short films, written word and photo essays.
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