Mama Lucia's is to chain restaraunts as oranges are to baseballs. In other words, the two have nothing in common.
First of all the experience is more like going over to your friends' house that happen to be italian and eating some of their home cooking. Oh and they were taught to cook by their mother who moved to the US from Italy as an adult. Oh and they happen to have a big wine cellar and full bar. Man, what great friends to have.
The food is wonderful and fresh and authentic. The service is familar or formal or pleasant - whatever you are looking for. Expect the people at the table next to you to be regulars, because once you have eaten there, you will be too.
I heard a rumor that they will opening for lunch in April of 2005.
Pros: Food Quality, Unparalled Service, 30+ year history
Cons: No One knows about it, Not open for lunch
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