The all-inclusive Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit recently completed a $750,000 renovation of its Italian restaurant, Lucca. One of the property’s three AAA Four Diamond-rated restaurants, Lucca has debuted a new menu to complement the redesign by Larissa Garcia of Cassal Diseño Designs. Garcia’s work on Piaf Restaurant at sister property Grand Velas Los Cabos was recently acknowledged with a gold medal during the exhibition of the IX Ibero-American Biennial CIDI of Interior Design, Design and Landscaping 2017-2018 in Mexico City.
Lucca’s new design embodies a contemporary wine cellar with elements that reflect the familial Italian spirit. Marble in the walls give the feeling of a cave while natural wood and leather are complemented by original wine barrels and standout light fixtures and chandeliers. Shades of teal, taupe, grey, and brown are accented with silver. Original artwork was made specifically for Lucca from Mexican artist Lulu Arce. Garcia also ties in some artisanal work from the Mexican state of Jalisco with the treatment used in the wall mirrors and molds made on pewter plaques.
Chef Adrián Aguayo of Lucca Restaurant has created a new menu to fit with the redesign of the restaurant, offering dishes that are both visually stunning and delectable at first sight. With a vast knowledge on product from Italy, Aguayo’s new menu features such highlights like Polpo a Genovesa, organic greens with an infusion of octopus potato and olive infusion, Parmesan cheese foam and pistachio pesto; Tortellini Ricotta e Prosciutto, tortellini stuffed with prosciutto and ricotta cheese with sage sauce and cherry tomatoes; and Tartufo di Cioccolato, chocolate tartufo and truffle croquant, white chocolate sauce and dried fruit and nuts. He’ll also be serving vegetarian and vegan options, a fresh pasta of the day with duck ragout and traditional pizzas. Aguayo’s focus when creating the food is to present the same harmonic touch found in the décor of the restaurant.
For more information, visit: vallarta.grandvelas.com