Rustica International, an organic/natural food grocery store on the South Side, has expanded and added a deli section with a sit-down table area (with an outdoor patio out back). I didn't stay to eat, but for those looking for veggie fare as well as those who like something a bit out of the ordinary, you'll probably find this place worth a visit. Let's see, some of the items on the menu include: grilled veggie kabob sandwich (grilled veggies on focaccia with balsamic vinaigrette), smoked salmon and cucumber bagel, orzo salad (with capers, pecans, currants, and basil vinaigrette, vegan cole slaw (cabbage with red onions, carrots, herbs, mustard, and cider vinegar), rosemary chicken, vegetable lasagna, mediterranean stuffed peppers, and a lot of other sandwiches, salads, entrees, and sides. They are open 10-7 Monday through Saturday with lunch specials during the week. Cucina Rustica is located at 1105 E. Carson and their number is 381-0406. Beth Mazur ------------------------ http://www.maya.com/Local/mazur "Jobs ... will go to people who can get along with others. Now, how do you avoid developing those skills? By standing at a keyboard and staring off into cyberspace for hours." -- Clifford Stoll
Pittsburgh, PA
Cucina Rustica
The restaurant that replaced Cafe Azure is named Luca's (sp.) We went there for lunch last week. The food was actually pretty good. The service (it took us a while to get our food, from the time our order was placed) was kinda slow, but apparently they are working to improve that. I have never been to Cafe Azure, so cannot really make a comparison. > Does anyone have experience--good, bad or indifferent--with the new > restaurant on Craig, whose name, if I remember correctly is as above? > > It's where Cafe Azure used to be. Siouxsie
The Cafe Azure location is now called "Lucca". They bill their fare as "european". The lunch menu seems to contain mainly sandwiches on foccaccia (sp) with fancy small relish-type side dishes and salads. It is very different from any other cuisine on Craig St. I'd go back. I sat on the porch and it was pleasant. Prices ranged from $6-and up for lunch.