Bogard Street getting new, not-so-formal Italian restaurant

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Original post: After gaining fame at the Woodlands Resort and Inn and opening the upscale Italian restaurant, Sienna, Ken Vedrinski plans to do something more mid-scale and open Trattoria Lucca in the Elliotborough neighborhood next month.

The restaurant opens in area of town undergoing much change. The area is on the verge of the massive Midtown development.

The Post and Courier reported in February that appetizers will run from $6 to $8 and entrees from $10 to $16.

Update June 1, 8:38 a.m.: Charleston Chow flushes out some details (as well as pointing out an opening late this month):
Situated in the heart of a well-seasoned, residential neighborhood just off the Crosstown at the corner of Ashe and Bogard, Vedrinski envisions it as a place where people can walk and wind their way through the streets of Charleston to find a secret, neighborhood surprise "with the best olive oil in town," just as you might in the town of Lucca, Italy that inspired the new restaurant's name.

Seating will be intimate, with all of 52 covers and a small bar and no-reservations-required community table. Tables and chairs will be movable to invite spontaneous seating innovations as needed. Like the tables, the menu will revolve to reflect the season, availability and inspiration, but will be categorized under three sections: Antipasti, Primi and Secondi courses, with prices (on the preview menu) ranging from just $6-$18. The initial menu includes the likes of Grilled Endive with Pecorino, Ruganso (Sicilian Sheep Cheese) with Tuscan Wild Flower Honey, and Grilled Painted Hills Hanger Steak with Warm Owls Nest Heirloom Tomato Salad, Gorgonzola, Arugula Salad, Vin Cotto.

Read more of her write up for more details.

Update June 4: And the updates about Trattoria Lucca continue to flow in. Charleston City Paper points out the owner hopes to offer food at later hours, hopefully serving bowls of pasta at 1:30 a.m. Being able to get decent food late in Charleston would be very welcome.

Update July 9: If you've been following things, you've no doubt noticed Trattoria Lucca did not open. Charleston Chow says the restaurant has been delayed because of permitting issues, and should open in 5 to 6 weeks. But there was also some talk about neighborhood folks not wanting a place open that late. Let's hope it doesn't affect pasta at 1 a.m.