There are constantly new restaurants popping up in the downtown Raleigh area with fresh, new takes on traditional cuisine. The stakes are high when branching out to a new eatery, especially if it is an expensive gamble. Fortunately enough, located right in the heart of downtown Raleigh, there is an industrial-chic French cafe that has something for everyone. Meet Lucettegrace: home of the macaroon ice cream sandwich and everything you love about bakeries.
From the fresh flowers on every table to the welcoming demeanor of the staff, Lucettegrace is the epitome of a carefree, pleasant environment. There is a prominent juxtaposition of antique and modern elements, exhibited through original, exposed brick opposing clean, yellow walls, refinished wood tables with steel legs, and “Edison” exposed-bulb light fixtures. Substituting traditional “men” and “women” signs outside their bathrooms are vintage framed photographs from the Star Wars’ Harrison Ford-era. To top all of that off, customers will feel right at home with a self-serve coffee pot on the counter at their convenience. Lucettegrace is the seldom exception where a cafe’s decor is as instagram-worthy as their food.
Notwithstanding, Lucettegrace’s diverse menu is not to be discounted. Employee Sarah Newton revealed her favorite item off the bakery’s vast menu: “Currently, my favorite item off the menu is the chocolate croissant. It is piped full of hazelnut chocolate; similar to a fancy nutella. It is the chef’s favorite type of chocolate to use. You can’t go wrong with bread and chocolate.” But Lucettegrace refuses to stop at pastries. Their lunch menu is just as, if not more, delectable. A crowd favorite is their flavor-packed spin on a grilled cheese: house sourdough, hickory smoked cheese, and a specialty jam composed of maple bacon and onion. The fresh mixed green salad topped with a house vinaigrette is the quintessential companion for this entree.
Behind every successful restaurant is a hardworking chef with a passion for their products. Daniel Benjamin of Lucettegrace is that chef. “I love seeing all the thought, artistry and experimentation the chef puts into every dessert. He is extremely passionate about his work,” expressed Sarah Newton. It is no wonder what Lucettegrace has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Best Desserts in Wake County from The Independent Weekly’s Best of the Triangle.