UPDATED: Paellaphiles Take Note: Lucca's Going All Spanish This Sunday

​The cuisine of France may be dominating the culinary news this week, thanks to Julie & Julia, but those of us who love its neighboring country might want to make a beeline for Lucca in Irvine.

On Sunday, August 9, the Italian restaurant/deli will be dishing up a four-course Spanish dinner (served family-style on the patio), including paella and rare Spanish wines. The cost is $40 per person. Reservations are recommended.

Owner Cathy Elliott is planning more geographical showcases (always on the second Sunday of the month), such as Tuscany, Provence and Greece. Hey, Cathy, how 'bout England? In which case, forget the fish and chips: My vote would be on roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, followed by apple crumble with custard. Yum!

In the meantime, please enjoy what is possibly the most bonkers clip ever from YouTube--and that's saying something.

Updated, September 3:
Just got word of the menus for two upcoming Sundays.

Full details after the jump!
Sunday, September 13: Greece

Mezes:

Spanakopitas, dolmades, pita and spreads (taramosalata, hummus, tzatziki) and flaming saganaki cheese

Achaia Clauss Retsina Dry White, N.V., Peloponnese, Greece

Second course:

Traditional Greek salad

Domaine Gioulis Moschofilero, Roditis, 2008, Corinth, Greece

Third course:

Grilled skewers of marinated and spiced Colorado lamb and Certified Angus beef

Savory rice, corn-on-the-cob with mint-feta butter and green beans

Morras Saint George Agiorgitiko, 2007, Nemea, Greece

Sweets:

Baklava, handmade vanilla bean ice cream and fresh seasonal fruit

Lavazza coffee
 

Sunday, October 11: Tuscany

Antipasto:

Selection of charcuterie with grilled and herbed vegetables

Poggio San Polo Rubio, 2007, Tuscany

Second course:

Wild mushroom risotto with white truffle oil and fresh Parmesan

San Quirico di San Gimignano Vernaccia, 2008, Tuscany

Third course:

Certified Angus beef boneless osso bucco-style short ribs

Gremolata, mascarpone polenta and green beans

Valdipiatta Rosso di Montepulciano, 2007, Tuscany

Sweets:

Schiacciata alla Fiorentina (Florentine sponge cake)

Homemade whipped cream & fresh seasonal fruit

Lavazza coffee