Lucky's Restaurant

Lucky's in the News

Lucky's: In old Camarelli's Space: Couple opening restaurant

Now they're just about ready.

In September they'll open Lucky's, a sleekly styled eatery serving American cuisine "with Southwestern hints," Brooke Kelley said.

Lucky's takes over the former Camarelli's Italian bistro space at 1536 E. 15th St.

The Kelleys have invested $250,000 to rewire and replumb the building, replacing part of its glass front with solid panels, completely refurbishing the interior and repaving a crumbling parking lot.

The 2,400-square-foot restaurant now will have stained concrete floors, a partial wood-plank ceiling and a neutral color scheme, although a private seating area for 14 will sport bright red chairs.

Unique touches include a former church pulpit as a hostess stand, 18 lighted pictures -- some handpainted -- on display, and a metal chandelier that once graced a St. Louis opera house.

"It's comfortable and casual," Brooke Kelley said.

Lucky's will seat 80, with a few tables outside.

The menu was inspired by the Kelleys' travels to California, they said, and from a brief time living and working in the Napa Valley wine country.

Matt Kelley, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, created the dishes, and local chef Scott VanTuyl, also a graduate, will head the kitchen. Johnna Hayes is the general manager.

The lunch and dinner menus feature soups, salads and starter items. Luncheon entrees and sandwiches range from $7 to a grilled tilapia for $15, and evening entrees start at $18.

Dinner items include sea bass, Asian pork chops, rosemary lamb chops, salmon, rib-eye steaks and farm-raised quail grilled over pecan wood. Seafood will be flown in daily, and organic vegetables are bought locally.

A wine list offers 60 varieties and what the Kelleys call "20 for 20," or 20 different wines selling for just $20 a bottle.

They will also focus on offering wines from former Oklahomans who are now making wine in California, Brooke Kelley said.

Both Kelleys will have a strong presence at the restaurant.

"We'll be in and out, in front and in back," Brooke said. "We'll do everything."

"We're old-fashion chef-owners. . . . We're sort of old school."

"We're here; it's our baby."

Initially Lucky's will be open Tuesday through Sunday but eventually will serve lunch and dinner every day.

One special feature will be a small bar menu offered from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m.

"We want to focus on the late-night diners," Brooke said, especially other restaurant employees wanting a spot to meet and dine after they get off work.

The couple, who met in high school and married 15 years ago, said the Cherry Street district was always the top choice for their new venture.

"We've been searching for a place for two years," Brooke said. "We wanted to be in this spot."