If you haven't made plans yet for New Year's Eve, don't worry, we've got you covered -- especially if you, like us, enjoy low-key affairs. Celebrate a simple and delicious New Year's Eve at Lucca Caffe in Irvine.

Chef Cathy Pavlos will serve small plates of great tasting dishes made from locally grown produce and fresh seafood. Lucca's fresh cheese plates and antipastos are legendary. And it boasts one of the only fresh antipasto table in Orange County!

Highlights from Lucca's menu include four tastes of pasta (tortellinis with pesto, butternut squash ravioli, linguini with shrimp and caviar, and canneloni with veal and ragu); two surf and turf plates, including Maryland crab cake, filet mignon, and jumbo shrimp; a whole baked fish in Branzino Greek style, in a rock salt crust.

For dessert try Lucca's mini Euro pastries including eclairs, profiteroles, cannolis, tarts, cheesecake, chocolate bites and truffles. All of these plates go perfectly with Lucca's wine, (more than 60 wines) by the glass and special Champagnes.

Open for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. And debuting this Sunday, a Champagne buffet brunch served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (The Saturday menu will remain for breakfast). Lucca will offer an egg and omelet station, a carving station with certified Angus beef tri tip, Diestel free range turkey breast, a salad and pasta station, a dessert buffet, phenomenal cheeses, charcuterie plates and more. The cost $21.95 without Champagne and $25.95 with two glasses of Champagne; children 12 and under $14.95.

Lucca Café at 6507 Quail Hill Parkway in Irvine 949.725.1773.

www.luccacafe.net

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