In the News: Cary Living
In the News Index

Restaurant Review
July 2004
Written By Kate Turgeon

The secret to Lucky 32’s American fare is it’s American flair. The Sinatra music is fun, the staff sharp, the bread warm, the entrees savory, and the desserts truly sinful. The restaurant is a Cary favorite, but luck has nothing to do with it. The stylish atmosphere is one reason it’s so popular. Great food is the other.

In addition to its regular menu, Lucky 32 has a rotating, seasonal menu. It delightfully surprises first timers and offers something new for regulars. Look for 20 new menu items every four to five weeks. Taste the South Beach menu (June 23 and July 20) for foods influenced by cuba, Key west and the Caribbean islands. The farmer’s Market menu ( July 21-August 24) Promises BLTs and Gazpacho and revolves around a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Have one mangos, hoisin sauce, rice wine vinegar and macadamia nut flavor.

Lucky 32 shows off its kitchen creativity with appetizers, such as creamy grit cakes with country ham sauce and Creole crab cakes with spicy mustard sauce and corn relish. The soup, salad and vegetarian portion of the menu has more than fifteen choices, such as the poached salmon salad and spicy eggplant Creole. Salads are served with fresh dressings that are prepared in house, such as balsamic vinegar & virgin olive oil, buttermilk herb and lemon mustard.

The entrée choices are numerous. There are dishes for every mood, whether yours is pasta, seafood, beef, pork or chicken. And if your mood leads you to dessert, then good for you. Share with someone at your table, or order one that’s just for you. The cappuccino cheesecake and Maker’s Mark bourbon chocolate pecan pie are recommended. The prices are reasonable enough that you’ll feel guilt free about the expense.

Actually, you’ll probably feel that the cost of the entire meal was reasonable. Lucky 32 has an uncommon brand of magic. The unexpected extras, such as the knowledgeable and courteous staff, chilled dessert plates and pleasing atmosphere will give you dined in a much more expensive restaurant.

However, the surprises do not end there. Lucky 32 is genuine North Carolina Restaurant with an additional location in Greensboro. The owners, Mike Weaver and Dennis Quaintance, opened the first restaurant in Greensboro in 1989. The wine list includes many North Carolina wines such as Biltmore Estate Riesling and Yadkin Valley Merlot. The restaurant is proud of its fresh produce from Tar Heel state farms such as Unwharrie Farm in Asheboro and the Handance Farm in Reidsville.

At the Cary location, you can taste these fresh, local flavors in the sophisticated dining room with its large windows and high ceilings. Of course, the bar and outside patio are great spots to enjoy a meal as well. Getting it “to go” is another option.

Lucky 32 puts a great spin on take out. Get Lucky& Go comes complete with reserved parking that’s perfect for making a quick get away. Try a box lunch, such as turkey and havarti on wheatberry Toast with chips and a brownie or a family dinner for four.