Chef Cathy Pavlos is one of a new breed of independent restauranteurs in The OC who are quietly leading a revolution in high quality, profoundly simple cuisine. With her smiling husband Elliott, they head up this well-to-do breakfast, lunch and dinner spot. Located near exclusive enclave Shady Canyon (where many of the region’s super sports stars reside), Lucca Cafe caters to sophisticated palates and wine enthusiasts, but remains as down-to-earth as its sheep’s milk cheese from Corsican ewes. While its daytime menus include mostly American standards (albeit with organic international ingredients), dinner is a fine dining affair. The a la carte, small plates menu allows for tastings of Chef Pavlos’ cheese and fruit plates, super fresh salads, soup shots and side dishes, like organic fairytale squash with chipotle aioli in a brown sugar and nutmeg glaze. Entree standouts include pan-seared sea scallops atop a spinach canellini bean ragout and the Angus beef hangar steak with wild mushroom trifolata, fingerling potatoes and creamy gorgonzola. Because of the million-dollar wine cellars in nearby Shady Canyon mansions, Lucca has a well-stocked wine list full of choices in full bottle, 2.5 oz. taste or 6 oz. glass. -- Sheryll Alexander AOL - Cityguide - Orange County