It’s a Wednesday evening in the Varina business district, and a warm, inviting new café is filled with guests sipping wine, munching on charcuterie, and conversing with one another in what has quickly become one of the town’s most vibrant communal hubs.
Lucci Blue’s Social Cafe & Deli represents the fulfillment of a vision by proprietor Kim Blue, who in 2019 traveled to Italy with her husband, Lyle Blue. Kim was inspired by an extended time spent relishing the country’s stunning natural beauty, beloved cuisine, and relaxed culture.
Raleigh-based iS design helped transform the former Blanchard Plumbing space into a classic European-style hangout with old-world flair.
“We’ve lived here in Fuquay for 25 years, and I felt like this space provided a great opportunity for us to provide something different for people to enjoy,” the softspoken Kim says with a smile. “I’m an artist, and I saw a clean slate that was something I could work with.”
Exposed brick walls and wooden ceiling beams provide character, while the cement floor and a cozy open kitchen add practical functionality. Tables were sourced from nearby Rescued Wood Rehab. Framed photographs on a primary wall feature Venice plus regions like Cinque Terre and Tuscany, all areas Kim visited during her travels to Italy.
Owner Kim Blue, right, and Kim Stegman toast the wine window on the patio at Lucci Blue’s Social Cafe & Deli.
“We want people to feel a true sense of community and welcomeness when they come in,” Kim says, adding that Lucci Blue’s serves as an ideal place to relax, unwind, and experience intimate conversations with others.
No matter what time of day you visit, the eatery offers plenty of enticing options to consider.
Start your day with a cup of robust espresso or a lavender honey latte paired with Premium Avocado Toast — creamy avocado topped with a savory mix of feta, ricotta, bruschetta, and prosciutto. Sweeter options include muffins, scones, and croissants.
Gourmet sandwiches in unique combinations satisfy at lunch or dinnertime. Tempting options include turkey with pesto, bacon, and roasted pepper aioli; The Big Cheese with gruyere, cheddar, muenster, and caramelized onions; and muffaletta, which involves layers of cured Italian meats with smoked gouda. We also highly recommend the Figgy Piggy featuring brie, pears, figs, and bacon.
Prefer lighter fare? Order the panzanella (Italian bread salad) with heirloom tomatoes, chickpeas, and red onions topped with fresh basil. Salads are conveniently offered in two sizes.
One thing that quickly becomes apparent at Lucci Blue’s is the communal aspect to dining.
“A lot of our food items like bruschetta, flatbreads, and charcuterie are designed to be shareable and enjoyed family style,” Kim explains.
The showstopper Hot Honey and Crispy Prosciutto flatbread stands apart as this foodie’s favorite item on the menu. Don’t even get me started on the delectable caramelized onions, chunks of fresh garlic, or the drizzle of house-made hot honey.
When it comes to charcuterie, you can select from a variety of quality meats like chorizo, salami, soppressata, and capicola; cheeses such as Havarti, Manchego, and brie; and condiments ranging from olives and Peppadew peppers to cornichons (small pickles) and protein-rich lupini beans. Prefer charcuterie to go? The restaurant offers regular and deluxe boxes for carryout.
“Our food is made to order, so guests should be advised that it’s going to take a while to come through our small kitchen, but everything is made with love,” Kim says. “We
encourage people to be patient and have some wine while they wait.”
Speaking of libations, Lucci Blue’s offers an impressive assortment of red and white wine by the glass or bottle.
Wine Wednesday occurs each week from 6–8 p.m., with in-house sommeliers Kelly Rios and Clay Battin guiding guests through a curated selection of wines (book directly online from the “events” section of the restaurant’s website). Food pairing encompasses small bites prepared by chef Josh Trejo.
“We currently have about 110 bottles of wine, about 60 of which are from Italy and are supplied by Etruscan Imports in Greensboro,” says Lyle, who helps manage the café.
Lucci Blue’s also serves beer, bourbon, and craft cocktails. Plus, you can receive a free limoncello shot on your birthday.
Indulge your sweet tooth with dessert offerings like the distinctive pistachio cheesecake and the refreshingly tart mini lemon bites.
An upstairs gathering space accommodates up to 40 people and is available for private occasions like dinner parties, bridal and baby showers, book clubs, and corporate meetings.
The upper-level area also serves as a regular spot for Saturday morning yoga classes, paint-and-sip events, and dance instruction.
Lucci Blue’s is open Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations are not accepted, so consider calling ahead if you plan to bring a group. An outdoor patio features a nifty wine window as well as hanging lights and plenty of seating.
lucciblues.com
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Elevate Holiday Gatherings at Home
To create warm, family-style vibes and level up your get-togethers this season, follow these resourceful tips from Lucci Blue’s owner Kim Blue.
Start with shareables.
Set the tone with communal appetizers that invite conversating and nibbling. Consider creamy, tangy burrata caprese paired with a crisp Whitehaven sauvignon blanc or a rich baked brie with figs and grapes and a French 75 cocktail.
Add rustic flatbreads.
A sweet-and-savory honey pear flatbread with prosciutto, brie, and walnuts goes perfectly with a classic Italian Collazzi Chianti Classico red wine. Or try a blueberry and ricotta flatbread with hot honey drizzle together with an aromatic, conversation-starting orange Saambero K’dela.
Build a charcuterie and cheese board.
Mix high-quality meats, cheeses, and condiments like raspberry honey mustard from Terrapin Ridge Farms (available for purchase at Lucci Blue’s). Go bold with soppressata and gorgonzola alongside fig jam and pistachios. Pair with a Super Tuscan wine, and keep it flowing.
Serve signature cocktails for festive cheer.
Prepare several cocktails as house holiday drinks for easy batching. Consider the warmth of a smoked old fashioned; a citrusy, colorful Aperol spritz; and a crowd-pleasing espresso martini.
Finish with something sweet.
An affogato (a hot shot of espresso poured over vanilla gelato or ice cream) or decadent chocolate lava cake is a great way to wrap up the festivities.
