It's The Jade Anniversary for Lucia Ristorante

When Lucia Ristorante marked its 10 years in business, the Frattaroli family had a large celebration.

The next decade, they had a very small event for the 20th anniversary and then skipped marking the 30th altogether.

Now that the restaurant is celebrating its 35th anniversary, Donato Frattaroli told his family: "We've got to do something larger."

So, starting today, the Hanover Street restaurant will mark its pride and longevity by offering "A Taste of the Times" -- a four course, prix fixe dinner menu featuring a classic spread from their 1977 opening menu. 

Until October 24, the Frattaroli family will welcome all their customers back to the restaurant for a month long celebration, giving them another chance to experience the dishes that began their legacy, and offering the one-time chance to guests who never had the opportunity to do so for the first time.

The restaurant, named after Donato's mother, opened its doors in July 1977.

Donato, who came to this country with his parents and brother from Abruzzo, Italy in 1971, said what makes Lucia special is that it's family owned and operated.

"We take extreme pride in what we do and treat every customer like a VIP," he said.

He and his brothers have worked in restaurants as long as they've been in this country. The first one they bought -- Zia Maria -- was in East Boston.

"Then my brother, Filippo, wanted to open another one but said it had to be in the North End," Donato said. "We're very proud of our years here and want to share that with our old -- and new -- customers." 

Sunday through Friday, from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m., the tasting menu includes:

Antipasti

Cannellini Campagnola

Sautéed cannellini beans, pancetta, with a touch of tomato served with toasted bread 

Gamberetti con Polenta

Shrimps sautéed with virgin olive oil garlic and spices over grilled Polenta

Pappa al Pomodoro
Sweet summer tomato soup puree with grilled crostini

Primi

Riso con Zafferano e Piselli

Arborio rice stewed with Saffron and peas

Gnocchetti con pomodoro e Basilico

Home made potato gnocchi sauteed in a light tomato sauce, parmigiano cheese and fresh basil

Maccheroni Chitarra con Funghi e Burro Tartufato Our handmade signature pasta of durum wheat and eggs, sauteed with mushrooms parmigiano cheese and truffle butter

Secondi

Arrosto di Vitello

Pan roasted veal, in his own juices, served with roasted carrots and potatoes

Pollo Farcito alla Donato

Chicken breast stuffed with prosciutto, spinach, and mozzarella

cheese and lightly breaded, served with red-bliss potatoes, fire-roasted red peppers

Agnello allo scottadito

Grilled lamb chops served with sautéed mushrooms and fried potatoes

Dolce

Chef’s choice

A percentage of the proceeds of the dinners in October will go to the Massachusetts Restaurant Association’s Educational Foundation, which is focused on developing current and upcoming food and beverage professionals in the state. Proceeds will also go to the Boston Bruins Foundation.

The four course menu with choices costs $35 per person. For more information on the event, please call 617-367-2353 or visit www.luciaboston.com .