Luca's Pasta - Quick and Fresh

Michael Spaulding
Gainesville Healthy Restaurants Examiner
December 21st, 2010 10:51 am ET

Luca’s Pasta is a restaurant that puts you in control of your meal. You build your pasta dish in three steps using a comprehensive, attractive menu: step (1) “Pick a Pasta”; step (2) “Pick a Sauce”; and finally step (3), “Pick a Topping.”

This process allows the customer to build a healthy, happy meal that is both filling and nutritious. With eight different pasta choices on the menu, it is easy to find one that is good for you and tastes great. The “Whole Wheat Penne” and “Organic Penne” are two of the healthiest choices offered.

During Step (2), “Pick a Sauce,” you are confronted with ten tasty choices. In order to pick the healthiest sauces, remember to avoid cream bases and instead aim for olive oil and tomato bases. Based on the logic of avoiding creams, cheeses, and meats, Luca’s offers four healthy sauce options: “Olive Oil & Herbs,” “Marinara,” “Spicy Tomato,” and “Mediterranean.” The Mediterranean sauce is both hearty and packed full of flavor; it is made of calamata olives, pine nuts, sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and parsley in extra virgin olive oil.

Finally you pick your topping. With healthy choices such as broccoli, spinach, zucchini, mushroom, and grilled chicken breast, there are a lot of healthy flavor combinations. If you want to pay an extra dollar or so you can add multiple toppings to create a pasta feast!

The owner insists on quality and you can see that in the food and the service. All of the sauces and soups are hand-made which is apparent when you put that first forkful of pasta or spoonful of soup in your mouth. Because the soup is made-in-store, it changes every week so you can always count on an original, delicious recipe each time you go. Combined with the fact that everything is steamed to perfection, you can count on fresh tasting food that is cooked just right. By steaming the food, you ensure maximum nutrition and no extra added fats or calories.

The restaurant even caters to those that are Gluten-Free, offering a “Gluten Free Pasta,” made from brown rice, and all of the sauces are Gluten-Free as well.

At Luca’s, everything is not only a great deal, but most of it is healthy. Luca’s offers delicious salads, homemade teas, and organic coffee. You won’t just like Luca’s, you’ll love it. The East wall of the store is a huge collage of love—everyone writes what they love on the wall; it’s like a guestbook of the heart.

When you eat at Luca’s you can always expect one thing—good food. To see Luca’s Pasta on Google Maps, click here.

Luca's Pasta gets 4 out of 5 Healthy Stars!

The simplest rich food alternative - pasta

Monday, September 6, 2010
Güzin Yalın
guzin.yalin@hurriyet.com.tr
Delicious and nutritious pasta is very rich in variety. It can be a whole meal on its, as well it can be a very harmonious side dish
Of all the food alternatives available in the world, the one that somehow always pleases me is pasta. Not only is pasta simple delicious and nutritious, it is also very much open to creativity and is very rich in variety. It can be a whole meal on its own at times, while it is a very harmonious side dish at others.

There are different theories as to where the actual homeland of pasta is. According to one belief, Chinese were the first to produce it. Allegedly, the famous traveler Marco Polo brought it back to Europe from his voyage to China around 1290 A.D. Looking at the general lines of the Chinese cuisine today, one can easily see that this is a strong possibility. However, some other sources state the assumption that as most other aspects of civilization, pasta came into life in the Jordan Valley in Mesopotamia for the first time. Taking into account the fact that this area is the homeland of wheat, this assumption also seems rather close to reality.

On the other hand, it is the Etruscans whose civilization has first yielded equipment for making pasta in archaeological excavations. It is even claimed that the word “lagana,” which scientists have come across in writings found among the Etruscan remains, is most probably the Roman name for one of the most popular dishes of today’s Italian cuisine, the lasagna. In other words, it is very probable that at the time that Marco Polo was making his first introductions in China, the Italians were already very well acquainted with pasta; which brings me to believe that pasta came into being independently at different parts of the world at around the same time.

The pasta I have been talking about until this point is what we call “fresh pasta” today. That is, pasta cooked while it is still wet dough. However, the major part of pasta consumption in the world today is the consumption of “dried pasta,” like the packaged pasta we buy at the grocer’s. History tells us definitely that the people to first produce this type of pasta were the Arabs. However, even though we know that it was the Arabs who first thought of drying the pasta before cooking it, we don’t exactly know how that pasta dough was made. The ingredients of fresh pasta and dried pasta are quite different today. Fresh pasta is made of flour and eggs, while dried pasta is a product of semolina, water and salt. This is actually where the name “fresh pasta” comes from because this type of pasta is supposed to be consumed immediately since it cannot last long due to its egg content. This type of pasta is also known as “home-style pasta” because is does not require any special processing; it can easily be produced at home. The “erişte” of the Turkish cuisine is one of the best examples of homemade fresh pasta.

All the pasta mentioned up to here is plain boiled pasta without any sauce. Pasta sauce apparently didn’t occur to people until the 1800s! Until then, it was only salt and maybe sometimes some butter or olive oil with which they tried to add flavor to their pasta dishes. The variety of sauces was increased eventually from this humble point to much more exciting flavors with the addition of new ingredients. The recipe for most of these sauces such as the Neapolitan (tomato sauce), the Bolognese (ragu sauce), the Alfredo (cream sauce), the Al Tonno (tuna fish sauce), or the Primavera (vegetable sauce) came from Italian cuisine.

The most widely used technique for cooking pasta is the classic Italian technique where the pasta is drained after being boiled. With this method, Italians usually prefer to leave the pasta “al dente.” In a second method, which we can call the “Turkish method,” the pasta is not drained but left to cook until all its water has evaporated. The best example to pasta thus cooked is the Turkish “mantı.”

I feel I have to answer a question that definitely must have come to your mind after such a long discussion of pasta: No, pasta is not as fattening as it is accused of being! What makes you gain weight for eating pasta is the oil and butter in the sauce.

Luca’s Pasta Launches New Nenu Items offering more Customization and Value

Luca’s Pasta has added new items to its menu ranging from classic to original dishes to suit every palate and pocket. With a customizable menu of over 100 different pasta combinations, vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free diets, every Pasta Lover can twirl the fork.

Luca’s Pasta introduces new flavors to the menu like the classic American “Mac & Cheese Sauce” made from generous well selected cheddar cheese, and the traditional “Meat Sauce”, not without the chef's touch leaving you wanting to come back.

In addition, an original sauce like the Mediterranean brings together the flavours of a European trip. Calamata Olives, Pines Nuts, Sundried Tomatoes, fresh garlic and parsley in an Extra Virgin Olive Oil coat the Al Dente pasta.

Luca’s Pasta takes the needs and tastes of individuals very seriously, and toppings are selected scrupulously to offer everybody choices. Vegetarian or vegan can delect a cup of Pasta with the new protein topping, “Nuts and Raisins”. A selection of toasted walnuts, hazelnuts, pinenuts and almonds with three varieties of raisins make a tasty as well as well balanced dish. Two green toppings, steamed spinach and zucchini, henceforth take their place next to other toppings like broccoli and mushroom.

The delicious new additions mesh perfectly with the already established Luca’s Pasta signature sauces, like the Creamy Ginger Sauce made with fresh ground ginger, or the Curry and Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, spiced but not hot.

More sauces, more toppings and more pasta. Now we can find Potato Gnocchi in the fresh pasta section beside the Cheese Tortellini. And to please all customers, even customers living with celiac disease or wheat allergies, Luca’s Pasta took a necessary time to find and add a Gluten-Free Pasta. Made from brown rice, this pasta is tasty, not mushy with a good consistent texture.

One salad was added to the menu. The Zucchini salad includes feta and roasted hazelnuts on shredded zucchini with a raspberry jam dressing.

Guest can now delight on strawberry Tiramisu, light in sugar and cream with fresh fruits and a little taste of coffee.

The new menu also includes a “Build Your Own Combo” section, within which guests can customize their own Cup of Pasta with a Side Salad and a drink.

Even the drink menu is enticing and includes new Homemade Iced Teas, Apple and Raspberry Tea, Almond and Vanilla Tea and also Decaf Jasmine Green Tea.

Owners offer a menu with flavors that are familiar and appealing. All is made fresh in-store to offer guests a gourmet pasta experience. A Special every week offers customers the opportunity to try something new. Guest feedback so far has been very positive.

Situated on the corner of 6th Street and University Avenue, Luca’s Pasta is centrally located between the University of Florida and the heart of Gainesville. This is the perfect spot for a quick and trendy lunch or dinner. Open 11 am to 9 pm, Monday to Saturday.

To view the new menu or for more information, please visit www.lucaspasta.com


ABOUT LUCA’S PASTA
The recently opened Luca’s Pasta quick service restaurant offers European style cuisine with a refined and modern approach. The pasta is served in two sizes to-go-containers that satisfy any craving and budget.
The place is both unpretentious and fashionable. The stylish décor is a combination of earth tones, white and clear chairs, with a touch of red and orange, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere.

ABOUT LUCA’S PASTA’S ECO-FRIENDLY PRACTICES
Luca’s Pasta is an eco-friendly restaurant and uses biodegradable made-from-corn cups, bowls, cutlery or straws. The napkins are from recycled paper, and the menu printed with soy ink. The restaurant also features low-voltage.

ABC's of Gainesville - 26 letters' worth of landmarks, legends and facts of life in Gainesville.

A--Albert & Alberta:This furry duo rocks the Gator sports games and you're likely to get a high-five or a hug from one of them before you graduate. Albert and Alberta appear at Gator sports games and love to work the crowd.

B--Bikes: Don't be alarmed your first day on campus--Tour de France hasn't relocated. Those two-wheeled blurs you see weaving through traffic and pedestrians are just Gainesvillites, and they really, really like biking. With the UF campus nestled comfortably amid all the shops and restaurants you could ask for, Gainesville is the perfect place to get in touch with your inner machine. Besides, it saves the planet and gives you a killer ass. What's not to love?


C--Century Tower: If you happen to hear bells chiming over the music on your iPod, they are coming from this Gainesville landmark, which was built in 1953 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of UF. Originally intended to house a historic museum and an art gallery, Century Tower was dedicated to UF students who were killed in World Wars I and II. In 1976, a cast-bells carillon was installed and now plays every quarter hour with longer concerts on weekends and during special university events

D--Drama: There is never a dull moment in Gainesville with multiple venues for the performing arts. Located on campus, The Philips Center for the Performing Arts will hold popular musicals like "Hairspray," "Cats" and "Avenue Q" this coming season. Tickets can be purchased on line at ticketmaster.com

E--Eats: Gainesville is a great for getting your grub on. From a walkup pizza window on University Ave. to vegan-friendly ice cream shop Karma Cream down the same street, you won't suffer from Monotonous Munchie Syndrome. Some local favorites are Satchel's Pizza, which admits to taking a while to serve your mind-blowing pie, Luca's Pasta, where you can build your own noodle dish Subway-style, Chopstix Cafe, a sit-down pan-Asian restaurant, and El Indio, a tiny standalone drive-through that offers cheap authentic Mexican cuisine and the best Guacamole this side of Tijuana. Whatever your tastes, Gainesville can offer some serious chow.

F--Florida/Georgia: Some Gators would argue that the annual Florida vs. Georgia football game in Jacksonville. Thousands upon thousands of Gator fans Many call it the world's largest cocktail party, too, because of the tailgating extravaganza that surrounds the game, but UF President Bernie Machen is trying to change all that with a slew of proposed changes to alcohol regulations in Jacksonville.

G--Gator Growl: As the largest student-run pep rally in the world, with over 500 student volunteers, Gator Growl is in its 86th year at UF. Held on the Friday night of Homecoming Weekend, Gator Growl invites fans of all ages to The Swamp for live music, comedy and Gator spirit. This year, Dana Carvey will tickle our collective funny bone.

H--Hippodrome: This downtown Gainesville landmark sticks out like a sore thumb because of its Roman-like architectural beauty. The Hipp was built in 1911 as a federal building which included a post office and a courtroom. Since 1981, the Hipp has housed performing arts productions year round including two Christmas plays: A Tuna Christmas and A Christmas Carol.

I--Independent Florida Alligator: That's right--the little gem you have in your paws right now. With more than 300 boxes peppering UF and the surrounding areas, it's no challenge to find yourself a copy. The Alligator keeps students and Gainesville residents informed about UF and local news. It also provides a great diversion when you should be listening to a lecture in Microeconomics.

J--Java: Fear not, coffee fiends--living in Gainesville, you will probably never be more than 100 yards away from a java joint. It's not just the dozen or so Starbucks, either. Gainesville is home to plenty of funky shops for you to get your study on. And if your preference is tea, Gainesville's got you covered there, too.

K--Krishna Lunch: every day, rain or shine, you can get a heaping plateful of vegetarian or vegan food in the Plaza of the Americas for a $4 donation. Bring your own plate and get a discount. Don't worry, it's not a trap--the Krishnas don't push their religious beliefs on their customers. They say the food includes the perfect dose of spirituality without them saying a word.

L--Lake Alice Bathouse: Chiroptophobes, stay away from the western part of campus. Every night at sundown, more than 100,000 bats fly out of the largest bathouse in North America and eat their body weight in insects. Most nights, a crowd of about 30 watches--more on cool nights--and some say the bats poop on heads if you're not careful. But hey, you can thank the bats for the lack of creepy-crawlies in your dorm.

M--Machen: The big man. The head honcho. El numero uno. Bernie Machen is UF's Harley-driving president, and he rakes in nearly half a million a year--excluding his hefty annual bonuses. But to his credit, el presidente did promise to donate nearly $300,000 in bonuses last year to the UF Foundation to help soften the blow of budget cuts. In recent years, Machen has cracked down on alcohol, and it seems to be paying off--UF was just recognized as a model school for alcohol prevention.

N--Nightlife: While Gainesville has over 50 bars, clubs and places that serve alcohol Midtown is the hot spot for those who live on or near campus because its just a quick walk away. Be careful though, the City of Gainesville has recently instituted a bar ordinance which will fine bars and clubs that are caught with underage drinkers so officers will be on the prowl.

O--Orange & Blue: Although you have now made a commitment to give your life, and your money, to UF over the next four years, we would gather to think that you don't know why orange and blue were chosen to represent your future alma mater (because we didn't). In 1910, there were two college institutions that merged to form the UF that we all know and love today. Blue was picked from The University of Florida at Lake City, which had school colors of blue and white and orange came from East Florida Seminary in Gainesville, which had orange and black.

P--Parking Enforcement: They come bearing yellow envelopes that can take your day from bad to worse with just a glimpse. They drive around in white vans. They're parking enforcement officers, and you can't escape them. Parking on campus in a restricted zone or without a decal will run you $30. A similar offense off campus costs $15, and the envelopes are a far less-terrifying white.

Q--Quarterback: If you say you haven't heard of him, you're lying. Tim Tebow--hands down the most famous face in Gainesville--has two national football championships and a Heisman trophy under his belt. Spotting him around campus is easy--just look for the gaggle of giggling girls trailing him at about 5 feet.

R--Renewable Energy: After many years of planning, the U.S. has finally been put on the map when it comes to renewable energy, and Gainesville was the city that put it there. Feed-in tariff's have allowed Gainesville Regional Utilities, GRU, to buy 100 percent of the solar energy produced by solar panels owned by houses and businesses. GRU buys all of the solar energy produced at $0.32 a kilowatt–hour and sells the energy back to the private vendor for $0.12 a kilowatt–hour.

S--Student Government: UF's governing body controls more than $13 million of your money, so paying close attention to their dealings might be wise. You'll get to know the parties well leading up to the SG election because you'll be bombarded with campaign materials wherever you go.

T--Traffic: If you have a class that ends at 4:55, you may want to grab a latte and park it on the Plaza of the Americas because you're not going anywhere. Most afternoons, Archer Road and 13th street become a gridlocked nightmare for about an hour as students and city residents flood the streets trying to get home. If you choose to brave it, make sure you have a full tank of gas and the patience of a mother trying to get a Furby before Christmas in 1998.

U--Underwear Dash: For eight years, UF students have been striping down to their skivvies and run along University Avenue--but it's for a good cause. The clothes that students take off are donated to the Salvation army. Screaming and chanting UF songs like "it's great to be a Florida Gator," students began participating in the dash during September of 2005

V--Veggies: If you're a vegetarian or vegan, you have arrived in Mecca. Whether you want to eat on campus, off campus or at home, G-ville's got you covered. If Krishna lunch isn't doing it for you, vegetarians can find a good meatless selection at the dining halls' Vegetarian Corners and salad bars. Places like the Top, Maude's, Gator Dogs, Luca's Pasta, Café Gardens and Leo's make Gainesville, in all it's veggie-friendly glory, the perfect place to be cruelty free.

W--Wauberg: Eight miles south of the UF campus lies Lake Wauberg, the closest spot to paddle off your stress in a natural body of water. Buses run to the lake every Saturday when weather is nice, and the private park boasts equipment rental, a climbing wall and biking trails. Your Gator1 gets you and four friends in free. But those friends can't include your yellow lab or a bottle of Jack Daniels--sorry, no pets or alcohol allowed.

X--Xmart: Nestled cozily between two Asian restaurants, X-Mart is your one-stop shop for pleasures of the flesh. Granted, pasties and porn aren't the first things on most students' shopping lists, but if the occasion should ever, uh, pop up, X-Mart has you covered. Or uncovered.

Y--Yodeling Ghost of Flavet Field: OK, we made that one up. Seriously, just try to think of something in Gainesville that starts with a Y.

Z--Zoo: Home to two painfully adorable baby Asian small-clawed otters, the Santa Fe Teaching Zoo is open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. everyday. Tours are given seven days a week but appointments must be made on weekdays. Tickets are $4 and free for SFC students with ID. And no, they won't take your little brother.

By EMILY FUGGETTA and KATIE EMMETS, Alligator Staff Writers
http://alligator.org/articles/2009/08/17/news/local/090814_abc.txt