Trattoria Lucca executive chef and owner Ken Vedrinski told City Paper that his cozy downtown Italian eatery’s future remains uncertain and remains closed for now. Vedrinkski also owns Coda del Pesce and Binky’s Seaside Oyster and Liquor Bar, both located on the Isle of Palms.
The small, convivial space at Lucca makes it tough to social distance, Vedrinski said.
“I would have to take out about 26 seats of the 52, and even then it would be a little dicey,” said Vedrinski, who re-signed Lucca to a nine-year lease in February. The Bogard Street property is on the market, but Vedrinski is “not actively looking to sell it.”
Coda del Pesce and Binky’s are both open with outdoor dining available. Coda del Pesce has 20 outdoor seats and Binky’s has 64.
Binky’s recently added a Sunday brunch service ahead of its one year anniversary on Nov. 20.
“We thought we would try something different with the brunch thing, but not traditional,” Vedrinski said. “The menu changes every Sunday, and we do cool stuff like french fries with smoked salmon.” Other recent items on the seafood-forward menu have included dishes like yellowfin tuna hash with a poached egg and crispy flounder with grits and gravy.
As far as Lucca is concerned, Vedrinski remains optimistic, especially given the loyal following it has had since opening in 2008.
“That’s one reason I haven’t announced anything,” he said. “We haven’t chucked the towel in.”
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