Luca in Stony Brook reopens after fire
Burrata with spring vegetables and sesame seeds is on the spring menu at Luca in Stony Brook. Credit: Rory Van Nostrand
Seven weeks after a fire temporarily shuttered Luca in Stony Brook, the restaurant, one of Newsday’s top Italian eateries, is set to reopen tonight.
"We weathered the storm and have come back out on the other side," said partner David Tunney. "Now we are looking ahead to spring."
New menu items from chef Luke DeSanctis include burrata salad with asparagus, peas and mint; lamb duo (roasted rack and braised shoulder) with kumquats and ricotta salata and saffron paccheri (giant rigatoni) with rabbit cacciatore. (All pasta dishes at Luca are also available gluten free.)
The fire in the kitchen’s ceiling started early in the morning of Jan. 23 and was extinguished within a few hours; damage was minimal. Initially, Tunney thought that he’d be able to reopen in a week or so — at least in time for Valentine’s Day, which was fully booked. The universe had different plans. "The paperwork, the insurance — even though it was a small fire, everyone has to go through the procedure," Tunney said. Despite the delay, he said, the whole staff is returning.
Luca will be open for dinner from Thursday to Sunday and on Tuesday (the restaurant is closed on Mondays). Starting March 19, it will also resume lunch hours Wednesday through Sunday.
Luca, 93 Main St., Stony Brook, 631-675-0435, lucaitalian.com
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