I just bought a $50.00 gift card there for a present for a family member, what am I supposed to do with that now???

Anyway we can see if they will offer refunds for that type of stuff.

It's also Obama's fault that I decided to unknowingly apply waterproof mascara yesterday and it still won't fully come off.

Good lord. I felt bad about the place closing until I read the owner's comment. I've never been there and I doubt I'll go if they reopen at this point.

Blech.

Maybe part of the reason for the restaurant's closure is due to the owner's prejudice and his lack of respect for his customers' beliefs. For instance, blaming the President for one's own poor business sense isn't such a great idea.

Maybe part of the reason for the restaurant's closure is due to the owner's prejudice and his lack of respect for his customers' beliefs. For instance, blaming the President for one's own poor business sense isn't such a great idea.

LOL I think Lando is probably going to regret letting his father speak for him...gotta love the older generations and their lack of verbal filter! That said, I thought it was a really cute place with a nice staff, just a tad too pricey for that neighborhood. Sad news though, hopefully they'll be back, their crab dip was amazing!!!

Oh, wait, mis-read. He's not the owner.

So they're both named Orlando, but the younger goes by Lando? The articles of incorporation lists Orlando Orsino and Gina Orsino as the incorporators, but it is signed as Lando Orsino, then printed Orlando Orsino. Jr, I guess.

I'm not a fan of Obama, but seriously blaming him for the closing of your restaurant? I think those businesses that closed in this economy were already having financial difficulties. The down economy just sped up the closing of many troubled restaurants and businesses.

It is a shame to read Lando's father's comments. He has truly hurt the restaurant. The rumor in Locust Point is that Lando and his partners have had words and that the partners insisted he close the restaurant. Either way once he re-opens, his father's comments may have burned him!

I had dinner at Luca's Friday night.

I was a quasi-regular - I had dinner and drinks there about once a month. "The Dip" was fantastic. The drink menu was excellent. The food was good. The service, unfortunately, was mediocre, and prices were a higher than other places I normally go for a casual night out. Luca's was too expensive to be a regular neighborhood joint, and the service wasn't good enough to make it a destination for a high end dinner.

After the quip about blaming Obama for the restaurant's failure, I won't be heading back if they re-open.

EL had this to say about Luca's on May 4, 2008:

"Luca's has found its audience on the weekend, apparently, but weeknights can be slow. That's too bad, because this is a likable spot that brings something different to the neighborhood: Moderately priced bistro fare and American comfort food (even the Hungarian goulash with gnocchi falls in that category, to my mind) along with some upscale pub grub."

Note in the comments below: "The place was half empty save for 2 tables anyway."

Hmmm... 2008, huh? I guess we should blame Senator Obama, not President Obama. Or whoever president in 2008. Who was that, again?

Lando has always been very friendly, and knowledgable to me when I have been in there with friends...I would caution people to read clearly that the comments are from his father not from the actual owner and guy whom ran the place. Don't be harsh on lando, he provided a nice palce for the neighborhood.

Correction: "whoever was president in 2008."

Correct, Tony - see my note above.

It was the Bush Administration that forgot to police the credit markets and allowed questionable loans to poorly vetted borrowers when these guys took a gamble, and it was during BushWatch that the quality and service started to slide not long after opening when they lost their chef.

I hope they open back up again.

let's not let this crumble into a political conversation he said she said that is so cliche, boring, and pretictable lets talk at least about your experiences at luca's

I was a big fan of the Luca's experience, but after this comment about the President, I regret spending a single minute there. Luca's did a terrible job marketing itself, and now it blames the president? Ridiculous. Try some personal responsiblity. If Luca's ever opens it's doors again, they've lost a customer with these idiotic remarks.

I point this out delicately, ed, but...

HE STARTED IT!!!

Still, worth reiterating that it was the owner's father (and partner?), who just happens to have the same name, not the owner, who made the comment. Yes, it was an ill-advised comment, yes it ignores the reality of the origins and duration of the recession, yes it blames the Leader of the Free World for the apparent failure of a relatively small restaurant to market itself effectively. But it wasn't the owner.

i'm just saying with the comments we can probably find the same old tired political arguements in 500 other comment sections on this site, all I'm saying is or was hoping we could discuss the lost of a local establishment instead of it resorting to nonsense.

The neighborhood needs places like this, perhaps they could re shape the menu

Once again, ed, I agree with the sentiment. Unfortunately, the original post contains the old tired political arguments, made by someone very closely affiliated with the establishment in question. So it only follows that the commentary below would, at least in part, relate to the political aspect of the post, especially as the quoted material related more to Obama than Luca's.

Three of the four comments on EL's Monday Morning Quarterbacking re: Luca's mention the poorly designed (and apparently uninformative) website as well.

so we agree to agree?

Agreed.

I was a huge fan of their san gria

Thank god someone stated the obvious. Obama hasn't done a single thing to get this economy back on track and people working again, so they can afford to eat out. Small business are hurting. So called healthcare reform will only hurt EVERYONE more... 2012 can't come soon enough.

Brandt: Please explain to me how the owner's father's displeasure with the President's policies makes him prejudiced.

How unfortunate that even today, some folks still have the knee-jerk reaction that if you disagree with Obama, it must be because of his race. So sad.

What an idiot.

@BDev - What's sad is that you think prejudice means race. It doesn't. Look it up.

To NotableM....
I am cracking up!!!!!!!!! Do you think cause I spilled wine on my dress it's Obama's fault!! Now I know the meaning of life...finally!!

To NotableM....
I am cracking up!!!!!!!!! Do you think cause I spilled wine on my dress it's Obama's fault!! Now I know the meaning of life...finally!!

To NotableM....
I am cracking up!!!!!!!!! Do you think cause I spilled wine on my dress it's Obama's fault!! Now I know the meaning of life...finally!!

To NotableM....
I am cracking up!! Do you think cause I spilled wine on my dress it's Obama's fault!! Now I know the meaning of life...finally!!

To NotableM....
I am cracking up!! Do you think cause I spilled wine on my dress it's Obama's fault!! Now I know the meaning of life...finally!!

>Thank god someone stated the obvious. Obama hasn't done a single thing to get this economy back on track and people working again, so they can afford to eat out. Small business are hurting. So called healthcare reform will only hurt EVERYONE more... 2012 can't come soon enough.

Gee Roy, I guess I missed the Republican plan to clean up the mess President Obama inherited. Do you care to refresh my memory?

To loriann....
Of forget it...I guess my post went over your head.

Booooooring.

Why is it that the free-marketers always want the Prez to "fix" the economy? They want less govt except where their self-interest is concerned. The government broke the economy, it can't fix it. It can only stop breaking it.

The orgy is over. The economy will fix itself, quite painfully. Suck it up.

Best comment, NotableM

I find his comment about Obama silly, but I liked Luca's. The prices were a bit on the high side, but it was a nice, comfortable neighborhood place with good food. And Orlando's first comment was dead on -- I liked it, but I just didn't make it in there often enough. I feel bad about that.

I'll also add that they could be inconsistent. We went for brunch a couple of times recently, and Courtney;s beet salad was great, as was the duck confit appetizer. But on one visit my sausage was overcooked, and on another my burger, while good, wasn't worth $12.

Owl Meat Gravy - great post, what you say is very true.

Well, I do understand the frustration of some who think the President has allowed health care to dominate his time/energy/political capital to the expense of other issues.

That said, we are in world wide problem (not simply Bush or Obama) caused by everyone from individuals to corporations to governments taking on more debt than they should have. Some of this is greed and some of this is because there was so much money sloshing around (a result of central banks and lots of savings from the developing world) that it was inevitable that stupid things were going to be matched up with money. The only way out of it, as Owlie pointed out, is time and a painful deleveraging.

Now, on Luca's, I went there once. I wasn't too impressed for what I spent. I can't remember what I had, but I remember thinking it wasn't worth the cost.

This is the owner, Lando Orsino, and not his father who just happen to be there on the answering end when Mrs.Large's call on the phone earlier today because he happened to be in town because his wife, my mom, just had a funeral this past Saurday. Thanks Mrs. Large for asking me, the owner of Luca's Cafe, about the restaurant that I opened two years and have worked at every day and night since we closed, yesterday, what I had to say. I thought you were a food critic and not a political analyst. And to reveal my politcal toughts in a very broad since, I blame our goverment as a whole for letting down its people, but thats just my own pesonal fellings when pondering our current economic situation. This especailly Me. I work hard and have always tried to do the best job I can and in addition, I am definately not prejudice against anyone. Anyone who knows me will speak the same. I actaually stood on our sidewalk for hours in the cold on Woodall St. waiting for the President to drive by this past winter with my 3 year old son, Luca. The President took Key Highway and we missed him all together. And, as for any gift cards that were purchased, I will gladly refund anyones money if they mail the un-used gift card to Luca's Cafe at 1230 E.Fort Ave., Baltimore, Md 21230 along with a return address. Finally, I have always really tried to provide a truly special dininng experience with the spectacular talents of Chef Damon Morrson and want to thank eveyone from the bottom of my heart for allowing me the oportunity to serve you. Mrs. Elizabeth Large, I hope that you will make mention of my response to the experiene of opening and and having to close a restaurant in Locust Point in this day and age.

All My Best,

Lando Orsno

"Thank Obama for closing this place"

Maybe the President could do the same to Milan?

This is the owner, Lando Orsino, and not his father who just happen to be there on the answering end when Mrs.Large's call on the phone earlier today because he happened to be in town because his wife, my mom, just had a funeral this past Saurday. Thanks Mrs. Large for asking me, the owner of Luca's Cafe, about the restaurant that I opened two years and have worked at every day and night since we closed, yesterday, what I had to say. I thought you were a food critic and not a political analyst. And to reveal my politcal toughts in a very broad since, I blame our goverment as a whole for letting down its people, but thats just my own pesonal fellings when pondering our current economic situation. This especailly Me. I work hard and have always tried to do the best job I can and in addition, I am definately not prejudice against anyone. Anyone who knows me will speak the same. I actaually stood on our sidewalk for hours in the cold on Woodall St. waiting for the President to drive by this past winter with my 3 year old son, Luca. The President took Key Highway and we missed him all together. And, as for any gift cards that were purchased, I will gladly refund anyones money if they mail the un-used gift card to Luca's Cafe at 1230 E.Fort Ave., Baltimore, Md 21230 along with a return address. Finally, I have always really tried to provide a truly special dininng experience with the spectacular talents of Chef Damon Morrson and want to thank eveyone from the bottom of my heart for allowing me the oportunity to serve you. Mrs. Elizabeth Large, I hope that you will make mention of my response to the experiene of opening and and having to close a restaurant in Locust Point in this day and age.

All My Best,

Lando Orsno

This is the owner, Lando Orsino, and not his father who just happen to be there on the answering end when Mrs.Large's call on the phone earlier today because he happened to be in town because his wife, my mom, just had a funeral this past Saurday. Thanks Mrs. Large for asking me, the owner of Luca's Cafe, about the restaurant that I opened two years and have worked at every day and night since we closed, yesterday, what I had to say. I thought you were a food critic and not a political analyst. And to reveal my politcal toughts in a very broad since, I blame our goverment as a whole for letting down its people, but thats just my own pesonal fellings when pondering our current economic situation. This especailly Me. I work hard and have always tried to do the best job I can and in addition, I am definately not prejudice against anyone. Anyone who knows me will speak the same. I actaually stood on our sidewalk for hours in the cold on Woodall St. waiting for the President to drive by this past winter with my 3 year old son, Luca. The President took Key Highway and we missed him all together. And, as for any gift cards that were purchased, I will gladly refund anyones money if they mail the un-used gift card to Luca's Cafe at 1230 E.Fort Ave., Baltimore, Md 21230 along with a return address. Finally, I have always really tried to provide a truly special dininng experience with the spectacular talents of Chef Damon Morrson and want to thank eveyone from the bottom of my heart for allowing me the oportunity to serve you. Mrs. Elizabeth Large, I hope that you will make mention of my response to the experiene of opening and and having to close a restaurant in Locust Point in this day and age.

All My Best,

Lando Orsno

@ Roy - Prejudice doesn't always mean racial prejudice. It's too bad when one's own prejudice disallows one from getting past that notion. In this case, prejudice was meant to indicate an unwillingness to look past one's own political bias against 'liberal' policies and to publicly blame such policies for one business's failure. That actually does meet the definition of prejudice. And it actually is offensive as a customer to hear a business owner so publicly and equivocally blame and criticize an entire political viewpoint. I believe that is why a lot of people reading this blog don't want to return to such a restaurant.

I guess I kind of agree with RoCK. The problems of today mirror those of the Great Depression. Money over-leveraged. This time in real estate, that time in stocks. And a bit of both in each. The fault is in ourselves, greed greed and greed, not in our stars.

The President also seems to have shutdown Nasu Blanca and Aloha Tokyo. What does Obama have against that section of Fort Ave, any way?

I went to Luca's once, and had some kind of seafood pizza. It was okay, not great, and I felt a little sick afterward. My girlfriend got some kind of undercooked fish. The experience really didn't encourage us to hurry back for a second try. I don't remember who was President at the time.

I'm gonna miss Lucas, used to walk down there from time to time, Lando was always extremely friendly too all his guest, and on a side note he played some good music at the bar after the kitchen was closed....I hope something works out for him and his family

Thanks for that Lando. I'll attest to the fact that you were always in there working when we went in -- you weren't an owner who stands around schmoozing while his staff busts their asses.

And to the "oh my god even if they reopen I'll never eat there again" people, you should be ashamed of yourselves. I'm a very liberal Democrat (much to Courtney's chagrin), but there's no need to go hating on people for their politics. It was a pretty ill-advised comment, but it's not like Lando Sr. called your mom names.

Wake me when the war is over.

Mr. Orsino, Elizabeth Large retired from The Sun several weeks ago. It was Laura Vozzella who called your restaurant about its closure. Ms. Vozzella's name clearly appears under her blog post above, and Ms. Large's retirement also clearly appears at the top right of this page. Your inattentiveness to these details might be excused due to the closures, but, given the comments of some of the bloggers about their dining experiences at Luca's, this may have been a problem all along.

It’s really unfortunate that Luca’s closed. I will miss having a quality restaurant in Locust Point where disgusting bar food and bad service seems to be the norm. Unfortunately locust point is a destination location making it challenging for any restaurant down here, unless, of course, you are catering to the immature college drunk fest that is prevalent in the Hill of should I say Frat Hill… As for the Obama comments, I’m republican and yes, I like to keep my money and although he wasn’t directly responsible for Luca’s closing I think the Frat Hill crowd that voted him in will feel differently about all the changes he’s making when they are realized… I hope that degree is a good one because eventually almost half of your income will go to taxes… unless of course you want to start a business and then, well, plan on making less…

Your inattentiveness to these details might be excused due to the closures, but, given the comments of some of the bloggers about their dining experiences at Luca's, this may have been a problem all along.

Mr. Orsino is in the midst of trying to deal with his restaurant closing, figure out a new business direction, address an ill-considered political remark made by someone else, make restitution on gifts cards. His family is in mourning over the death of a loved one. He wrote a heart-felt comment attempting to explain his position. But he's advised that the failure of his business may be attributable to his lack of attention to detail because he misread a name on the blog masthead...

I wish Mr. Orsino best of luck in his future endeavors.

I agree. LV

LL, I didn't say that Luca's closed solely because its owner couldn't read a blog masthead. As many of the above comments have noted, the place had high prices for the neighborhood, problems with marketing, a poorly designed website, and inconsistency in the kitchen. Those appear to be the kinds of details that were overlooked by the owner. The devil is in the details, indeed.

hmpstd why don't yuou show a little compassion instead of trying to draw conclusions, I guarentee if you met lando your ill informed opininion based on a few comments of strangers on a message board would certainly change.

Yeah, what Laura Lee said.

Mr. Orsino, thanks for commenting here. It does sound like your place will be missed, and I'm sure MOST of us here wish you the best and hope you can get back to doing what you obviously love doing as soon as possible. Hopefully the economy will turn around for ALL of us sooner than later.

OMG! The horror! Orlando Sr. makes a political statement and now he is a racist and no one will go back to his son's restaurant because his father dared to express an opinion? What a bunch of haters! It's always easy to Monday morning quarterback when it's not your dime. I have been to Luca's many times and thought the food was excellent, as was the service. Lando and Gina worked their asses off to make that place happen. It's a real shame that his Dad can't express his own opinion and then have everyone attack the family and kick them in the teeth. I hope Lando gets the thing back on track and reopens. He shows a lot of class in returning money to those who bought gift certificates. I am not a fan of Obama either, but I don't go to dine because of the owner's or in this case owner's Father's political beliefs. I bet 90% of the people who wrote nasty comments about the Orsino family have never been business owners. Further, I would bet that many of you never ate at Luca's, you just like to kick someone who is down at the moment. The guy loses his Mother and is place of business in one week. What a bunch of shameful people! Good luck to the Orsino family!

Best of Luck lando, hope things work out

@ NotableM. I'm a bit late to the game, but LOL. Love it!

Its sad to see another restaurant and small business shutting down. Best wishes to the owners and their families and I hope they are able to reopen soon... don't let these dumb comments get in your head- most of these folks probably never leave the county strip mall restaurants anyhow!

SPLP, displaying your own ignorance while pointing out the ignorance of others is pretty foolish.

"Best not talk too loud
You're not as smart as you require of them"
- Built to Spill, Else

Wow, a Built to Spill ref

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfZqMkdpYi0

I liked Luca's, but after comments like these I won't be going back there again if they do re-open.

Wow, Jon, That is just pure evil hatred. FAIL

Whew, for a second i thought that was directed at me.

No, jon p., it was directed at the trash the new Jon posted. LV, please consider removing this--it does nothing to elevate this discussion.

I am very saddened by the news of Luca's closing. Every time we visited, my friends and I experienced nothing but great service, high-quality food, and an amazing drink selection--where else have you ever seen that much fresh fruit?! I thank you for that, Mr. Orsino and my condolences for the loss of your mother. I wish you the best in bringing your wonderful restaurant back.

Also thanks for the stellar "reporting" as always, Baltimore Sun. As a struggling business yourself, you might want to watch how you tear others down by opting to sensationalize instead of going to the source.

Please re-read my post, Lindsay. I didn't tear anyone down. I just wanted to report on what was going on with the restaurant. I called, couldn't reach the owner, but got the scoop from his dad. The father seemed to be involved with negotiations with a potential partner, so I did not think it was out of line to quote him. Yes, the father's aside about Obama ticked a lot of people off, but I didn't knock him for it. In fact, I chimed in when someone on the blog suggested laying off. LV

I am so sad to hear about Luca's closing. I went there recently with friends and found "The Dip", the pizzas we shared, and the Sangria adorned with gorgeous fresh fruit to be delicious. Both the owner, his wife, and our server were so welcoming- it was a place I was looking forward to going back soon. Best of luck to the owners- I really hope you'll be able to re-open.

Im not one to post on these blogs, but someone told me to check it out. OMG, what a bunch of little bitches, Sean in particular. Do you people have better things to do? Yea its Obamas fault for everything. I made the comment and proud of it. I dont live in Locast Point, I heard they have rats there. You people are some sad. sad haters.. May God forgive you Bitches.

Yo yo yo yo yo, my man Rolando. I coulda swears y'all live in Low-caste Point.

Much ado about nothing

I live in "Lowcaste" Point and have been to Lucas, it was okay, Lando is a nice guy but the food didn't justify the prices. Nothing wrong with the place just not good enough for that price point. Best of luck to lando I know it takes stones to open a business.

What a shame! Luca's was one of our favorite spots to go eat and hang out. The food, the people and the ambiance made Luca's so great.

You will be missed!

isn't this the place that used to be Truman's? I could see it coming as the pool tables went out and the pricey cocktails moved in.

My name is Luca
Obama shut me down
My product does not have good value

I think you've seen me before
I was Trumans's with pool tables then
Some kind of trouble, some kind of appletini

Just don't ask me how it's made
Just don't ask me how it's made
Just don't ask me how it's made

I have hard time understanding those who won't patronize a restaurant because of how the owner votes. My wife and I have different religions, and we share a home. Surely I can have a meal made by someone who has a different opinion on the stimulus or health care.

Surely I can have a meal made by someone who has a different opinion on the stimulus or health care.

Different opinion, sure. I'm certainly a believer that a healthy democracy needs a conversation.

But I exercise my choice to give or not give my consumer dollars for whatever reasons I see fit. Maybe I like the other guys toilet paper better.

In some cases, even with my limited income, I choose to spend more to support someone whose success I have a personal investment in. In others, I choose not to patronize businesses who I know give money to causes which actively suppress the rights of others.

I don't call or heed calls for boycotts. And I support everyone else's right to do the same, depending on their beliefs and convictions. Or not.

Can't we forgive and see this for what it is? A non political statement from a father who just lost his wife of 44 years and is packing up his son's life dream of owning his own small business. It's called the American Dream in case you forgot. It is incredible you put a political twist on a human feeling. It is always easy to coach from the stands, as many of you are doing and have never put your money up. Good luck to Lando and Family

It is ridiculous that people would even think to stop coming to or trying a restaurant over what someone who is not even the owner says. Families can differ in political views! And if not, you should base your decision to attend Luca's on whether or not you enjoy the restaurant qualities. Get over your closed minded political views and help out a local business owner.

I didn't realize exercising my rights was somehow unAmerican.

Mr. Orsino has every right to claim every item on the Tea Party checklist. God bless our First Amendment.

But similarly, I have a right to patronize whomever I damn well please, for whatever reason I please.

I'm happy to agree to disagree with Mr. Orsino in political discourse. But when it comes to my wallet, I sometimes choose to exert my political beliefs through spending (or not, as the case may be).

And, naturally - just because it's a recession, I find it that much more important to judiciously apply my consumer habits where I feel appropriate.

I realize the senior Mr. Orsino's opinions may not reflect the entire family's - or those of the now-defunct establishment. But with a surfeit of other excellent dining establishments in town; many of which are also-family owned and operated, and have also suffered from a down economy, it's just one factor that makes me consider those other options.

As the head of the Baltimore chapter of Fathers of Italian Restaurant Owners for Obama (FOIROFO) I have to say that our meetings are lightly attended.

See, Laura? If you want to boost your comment count, just mention Obama, even second- or third-hand. Or "Obamacare".

Now, if we can just find a way to mention birth certificates in a restaurant blog, we could hit four digits in comment count.....

Obama hates crab ackes.
There I said it.

When are business owners EVER going to learn that it absolutely does not pay to mix politics with your business?

By doing so, you are immediately alienating 50% of your potential customers with your personal opinions.

If you air your political opinions in public with today's political climate, then you are so clueless that you deserve to go out of business!

There is a list of things I always ask first before making any reservations. What is your political affiliation, your religion, your sexual preference, your nationality, your views on abortion. I have to make sure any place I dine is kosher (and I don't mean kosher in the Jewish way).

Kitkat, what about "paper or plastic?"

or "you want fries with that, Hon?" or "for here or to go?"

I am appalled at this string. How dare any of you sit on your high horse and judge this man and his family. We should all mourn when a business closes, especially one that was run by decent, community oriented people. Have any of you run your own business? Then you have no right to comment. It takes ALOT of hard work, dedication and money to keep a business afloat. This economy certainly has not helped an already difficult new business climate. It is one thing to comment on an experience one had at an establishment. It is another to chastise someone for an opinion not directly related to an issue of running the restaurant-quality of product, quality of service or pricing. Not to mention this man's family suffered the terrible loss of his mother. When each of you provides 100% quality product, service and pricing at your jobs, please allow an open forum to critique your efforts and see how you like what is thrown your way. Any of you threatening not to return to this man's establishment are probably doing his future customer base a wonderful service!

Basta

We should all mourn when a business closes

Boo hoo. There are plenty of bad business owners out there - the predatory loan-sharking mortgage operations that triggered our current financial situation, as a ringing example.

Madoff Securities? Yeah, cry me a river.

It is another to chastise someone for an opinion not directly related to an issue of running the restauran

In fairness, Mr. Orsino senior decided to invoke politics in the running of his restaurant. Fair game.

Not to mention this man's family suffered the terrible loss of his mother.

That is a pity, and my heart goes out to the Orsinos. However, compassion does not provoke my spending, and if the seemingly neutral (there are a few) reviews among these comments are any indication, Luca's had at least a few issues.

A "promising" restaurant, sadly may not be good enough in the current economic climate.

Ultimately, the bottom line is that the present venture failed completely independently of the firestorm of controversy that's followed this post. Blaming the White House's policies for the restaurant's failure post hoc is silliness.

Your ridiculous theatrical outrage notwithstanding, Mr. Orsino, like so many other business owners in the recession, didn't need any help not creating a working business model. Unfortunate, but if you're actually a believer in free market economics -- then the market has spoken.

Hopefully, Mr. Orsino junior can bounce back, learn from what went wrong at Luca's, and perhaps improve upon his model.

I'm very sad that this man has lost his business and his mother and now has to take a pubic beating on this blog. I don't see why criticism of the restaurant has to get personal. I understand that the father's comment has raised some hackles (mine, too) but I wish we could show a little compassion.

Our condolences to the family on all of your losses. We hope you are able to turn things around and get your restaurant up and running again. Best of luck to you.

er it's a BLOG! per Wikipedia "A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability of readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs."

What part of that do you science guys not understand?

My point is this.

Mr. Orsino's circumstances are regrettable. Professional and personal losses aren't fun for anyone.

But if he shares his father's opinion (hard to judge from the evidence given), then that rationale for the professional setback is a sadly ill-informed one, at best.

And frankly, it also diminishes the sympathy I feel - at least for the professional part.

Why doncha all shut your pie holes and have some respect .... for National High Five Day! Up high! Don't leave me hangin' Slap it low. Gimme some skin, brosephs.

P.S. Bill Nye, shame on you. You were one of the original High Fivin' White Guys before you were the Science Guy.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T find out what it means to me!

HIGH FIVE Chad!

sock it to me! sock it to me! sock it to me! sock it to me! sock it to me! (a little respect) When you come home (re, re, re ,re)
Or you might walk in (respect, just a little bit)
And find out I'm gone (just a little bit)
I got to have (just a little bit)
A little respect (just a little bit)

Lucas' was OK, I'm sorry to see it go. I find it sad that some people are so obsessed with Obama that they take it personal if someone insults the president. He's a politician, who cares! He isn't your friend. If they put that sign up on the door, I would want to visit the place more often when it reopens. I appreciate people who tell it like it is. Boo hoo to all of the thin skinned crybabies on here.

Sklog, obviously we come from different perspectives. I happen to believe that politicians are real people (most of them, anyway ...)

I happen to believe that politicians are real people (most of them, anyway ...)

Not Mitt Romney

Dahlink, I'm not sure if you got my point. People are getting upset because a politician is being insulted. It's the same as if it was their favorite movie star or pro athlete. It's not like Obama is their personal friend or relative. He isn't off limits, but it seems that many people act like he is.

I never said politicians weren't real people.

I am heartbroken to hear that Lucas is closed. Lando and his wife are two of the nicest people I've ever met. I was fortunate enough to eat there on a regular basis and they always treated me like I was family. My deepest condolences go out to him and his family. I really hope they re-open.

Sklog, I think we can just continue to talk past each other, or we can move on. I am moving on, but just for the record, I don't give a hoot about pro athletes.

I am curious about those who won't patronize a business based on the political leanings of the owner/chef. As most of the regular know, I'm right of center. I assume this means that if I ever open up RoCK's House of Ribs and Falefel, some of you will boycott it based on my politics.

Those are both Democratic foods. Stick to watercress sandwiches and Pepsi.

Since I've copped to it - I might as well speak on my own behalf, RoCK.

I'm not a fan of politics discussions at the dinner table. That being said, I'm also not one of those people that instantly changes the subjects either.

There are certain establishments whose history of donating or publically advocating for issues that I feel rather strongly about. I'm very much a supporter of the First Amendment, even with much of the stuff I disagree strongly with.

But it's also my right to place my consumer dollars (or withhold them) from business who I know to redirect my money to causes that I strongly disagree with.

Describing yourself as "right of center" is certainly not a dealbreaker for me. Even if you campaigned for candidates or issues that I disagreed with, I might be willing to overlook that if your ribs and falafel were just that darn good.

But there have been businesses, here and elsewhere, who proudly proclaim their political affiliations and beliefs. Good for them. But also, good for me - it's also my right to keep on walking to the next establishment. Who knows? I might just find something better.

Now, this is not to say I'm going organize a boycott or whatever. Hell, I might even stop in, on a very rainy afternoon in a spot of desparation. But it's just one factor, alongside quality of service and food, that I might consider in making choices with my spending.

If one really believes in a free market - I don't see how this is any different.

RoCK, I'll be there no matter how misguided your politics are (anyway we both agree on the leprechaun in Annapolis!).

El G, I understand you're argument. My issue is at what point.

If there were a BBQ shack that supported the Westboro Baptist Church, or a kabob hut that funneled money to Hamas, I would be in favor of boycotting such places. Now, if a chef says Obama wrecked the economy or a restaurant owner says Bush lied about WMD, I don't think such comments would enter into my decision process about where to eat.

Like I said, I understand that this is difficult because we're talking about a rather hazy threshold of politic.

There are sliding scales and continuums throughout our real political landscape that, unfortunately, the pollsters and pundits don't do a particularly good job of presenting or projecting.

What I'm saying is that there are certain kinds of statements and actions that make me doubt whether or not any business deserves my money - we're not limited to dining, of course. How I spend money on food, transportation, entertainment, household supplies -- my politic informs some of those choices.

i don't think I have any need to be holier-than-thou about those choices. I fear that's been one of the great failings of the Left for several decades now. Ultimately, I prefer to think of it as a matter of personal responsibility - one of the strengths of the Right. I prefer to spend in ways that make me feel better.

And, FWIW - I suspect that you taking on ribs and falafel might be one of those things that make me feel better.

To save space, how about after the first 5 comments you just put, "Yadda yadda"?

I will really miss Luca's - always had excellent food there, especially the calf's liver dinner. Hard to find in Baltimore these days.

I will really miss Luca's - always had excellent food there, especially the calf's liver dinner. Hard to find in Baltimore these days.

RoCK:

"or a kabob hut that funneled money to Hamas"

I think most kabob huts funnel money to hummus.

As a resident of Locust Point, and a person who had gotten to know Lando, the owner, on a first name basis, I have to admit that I am very, VERY sad to see Luca's close down.

I was one of the first customers there when it opened, and I have to admit, the beer selection there was rather unique. The Dip was to die for. Their pizzas were awesome (particularly their pepperoni and pepper special pizza). Plus, their wine selection was phenominal.

Luca's will always hold a special place in my heart, as it was where I had my first date with my fiancee, and where we went to celebrate after I bought my house in Locust Point. Luca's is also where we went for dinner right before I proposed to my fiancee, and we were planning on going there for dinner before we get married.

Lando, if you are reading this, thanks for the last two years. We certainly loved going to your place, and we were wondering why it was looking shuttered. My fiancee and I were both in the mood for a good Luca's pizza and some Dip last week. We hope that you can open it up.

Last but certainly not least, our condolences on your loss. We noticed that Luca's looked like a funeral was there on April 11. We were wondering what had happened.

I just started a new job this week and every night I have lamented not being able to go to Luca's and have a drink. There isn't another place in Baltimore like it. The one thing we were looking forward to most about moving into the house we are renovating in Locust Point was being able to walk to Luca's.

I hope you are able to open up back up, we really enjoyed the food and the drinks. Thanks for having such a great place we were able to enjoy so much.

Lando , Good luck and Peace!

What a bunch of whiny liberals.

"After those comments I will be taking my business elsewhere..hmmmph!"

Great way to support your community - refuse to to go to a place because of someones political opinion. Imagine if everyone did that? What a great diverse society we would live in.

I hope Luca's turns into a sh**ty free public health clinic with a "Hope" sticker on the front door just to spite you people.

Great way to support your community - refuse to to go to a place because of someones political opinion.

Like I said -- that's the beauty of a free market economy.

Are you suggesting we make dining out a socialist endeavour by redistributing how we spend our money? Like a sort of gastronomic affirmative action?

Free market? Yes. Free speech? Yes.

Speech is a commodity. When speech is attached to your business, your customers will assign it value. Some may see it as a garnish and others a toxin.

It's not a consumer's job to "support" ones community against ones own preferences. El G is right there. In a free market the consumer has to have free choice too. It's the business's job to supply something that consumers demand.

Of course free market and free speech will dictate how you spend your money. I'm simply stating the obvious - It is foolish to choose to not go to Luca's (if it were to re-open) based solely on a persons political opinions. No one ever suggested it was illegal or that someone should be forced to do otherwise. It's just simply foolish and close-minded. Anyone who lives like this is destined to live a sad life.

Religion is a choice, much like a persons political leanings - would you boycott a business because the owner practiced Judaism or Islam? I don't see the difference.

I knew that Baltimore was full of brainwashed liberal zombies before I moved here but it didn't factor into my decision because I can shop, eat, and socialize without first determining where a persons political ideology lies.

Welcome to America El G and Owl. It's a great place.

BobL, I'm not Gary Becker.

Apparently you also didn't factor in that moving to Baltimore would cloud your sense of judgement for satire, tongue-in-cheek discussion, and the ability to discern what an over-the-top reaction that is based on possibly one of the dumbest reasons for a restaurant closing ever.

Good one, SL.

Okay, what I meant was I abhor the logical positivist dogma of the Chicago school of economics. I reject rational choice theory. There is no uch thing as an irrational choice for economic tastes and preferences. The greatest things in human life are irrational: love, creativity, drinking alcohol, driving fast, going to a Hugh Jackman movie – all copmpletely illogical.

BobL, did you move here form Vulcan?

That was a little bit of an over-the-top reaction to Bob's over-the-top reaction Stagger. You aren't too bright, are you?

You aren't too bright, are you?

Nope.

Another Hugh Jackman fan heard from. Jackman!!!!!

It seems that I've unwittingly wandered into enemy territory here (yes, from Vulcan if you must know). I certainly didn't intend on picking a fight with a bunch of elitist liberal foodie's but these things happen I suppose.

Since Luca's is closed I'm thinking about trying to buy the place and turn it into a right-wing themed dance club. I'm pretty sure I can use my connec's and get one of Halliburtons subsidiaries to cater the event.

Owl, if you're really nice I'll even let you be my date on opening night.

Also, what's the deal with the Hugh Jackman thing? The only movie I can remember him in is Van Helsing... and that movie was awful.

LMAO, Bob L.

I apologize for my gruffiness today. I'm 9 days into gym apocalypse and every muscle in my body hurts.

Actually you wandered into an argument that I was having (in my head) with an ex GF who was an economist.

Ok Bobble, I'll be your date, but only if you get me a corsage. But everybody knows Republicans can't dance and NOBODY puts Owlie in the corner.

JACKMAAAAAAAN!!!!

Um, that was some other sean, not the one who usually posts here, attended the D@L dinner, etc. No idea who that was.

Stagger, I'm sure you're very bright.

Figured, sean. a rant against logical positivism and Beckerian economics usually elicits yawns and eye rolls not charges of stupidity. The fake sean was probably Hugh Jackman.

Eh, I've been called worse.

For now, I'll leave off the "...by better." part.

Well, I liked The Fountain, but that seems to be a minority opinion.

t is foolish to choose to not go to Luca's (if it were to re-open) based solely on a persons political opinions.

I'm pretty sure I said the same thing upthread. Sole reason, maybe not - but it's not unreasonable to imagine that it's may factor into a decision making process at all -- a matter of degrees.

Religion is a choice, much like a persons political leanings - would you boycott a business because the owner practiced Judaism or Islam? I don't see the difference.

There's a key difference. There is political opinion - and I've granted that everyone has a right to one, no matter how much I may agree or disagree with it. Everyone has a right to voice it, too.

But I've got that same right. And that also means voicing my opinion with my wallet.

If you read upthread, I'm not unreasonable. I don't join organize boycotts, or call for them. And I'm sure there are plenty of businesses whose politics I may not disagree with, whom I still patronize.

The actual example given in the OP is moot - since the business is gone now, and the owner isn't even the person voicing tbe opinion. But that opinion is still silliness, rather than discourse, nonetheless.

Well, I liked The Fountain, but that seems to be a minority opinion.

It took me a few goes, but it has some moments of pure sublime rapture. The supernova sequence is one of the most startling FX bits in recent memory.

Screw that Avatar junk. Give Aronofsky that budget.

Agreed, El G.

I blame Obama too. What a disaster. Hildawg 2012