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Restaurant Review: By: Roseanne Pickering I was delighted to learn from a neighbor that a new Italian
restaurant had opened at our end of town, however she could not remember the name only that it was located where “Woodman’s”
had been. As we drove to the mall, I was keeping my fingers crossed that this new eatery would not be the
“cookie-cutter, lettuce entertain you” varieties of Italian restaurants that were already in the immediate area.
You know the one’s I’m talking about with their Tuscan Villa décor and the gratuitous soundtrack
from “The Godfather” and greatest hits of the Rat Pack playing in the background. I was
more than pleasantly surprised when I walked into Francesca’s and you will be too. When you walk
in the front door, you will most likely be greeted by Jimmy’s big smile and great personality. You’ll
be seated promptly and made to feel like you are the only patron(s) that matters in the entire restaurant.
Our server Debbie was there to take care of us almost immediately. She was extremely knowledgeable
and helpful in going over the menu and the specials. When I had some questions that she was unable to answer
for me regarding the chef’s culinary background, she graciously offered to have the head chef Massimo come out and speak
to us. Chef Massimo is charming and personable as well as a truly great chef. He was more than happy to
answer all my questions regarding his classical training in Italy and it shows in his food!
My dinner companion and I ordered Minestrone soup and Calamari Fritti as our appetizers. The minestrone
soup was superb and tasted the way all minestrone should taste—like garden fresh vegetables and herbs. The
calamari was tender; sweet and lightly season with a marinara dipping sauce on the side. For our meal,
we both ordered the Linguine Ali Amatriciana (linguine sautéed with pancetta and onions and a tomato sauce with parmigiano).
The pastas at most of the Italian eateries that I’ve been to over do their tomato sauce with too much garlic
and cheese. In fact, most of the time garlic and cheese are all you can taste: not so at Francesca’s.
The linguine,perfectly cooked al dente was served in a sauce tasted of fresh tomatoes and herbs. That
is how great Italian food should taste. Italian food should be simple and garden fresh. In Italy, the people
are close to their food source. What they don’t grow themselves, they purchase fresh daily from a farmer’s market.
Eating at Frencesca’s was like sitting down at my grandma Angelina’s table (yes,
I’m Italian). Dessert was the crowning glory of our meal. Chef prepared a chocolate
brownie pie with caramel/pecan sauce alamode and a lovely shortcake with fresh cut strawberries in a strawberry sauce alamode.
The perfect cup of coffee and espresso along with a lemon Atta aperitif finished the perfect meal.
Besides the fresh ingredients, I was pleased to discover that Francesca’s
also caters to the more health conscious clientele. In addition to their regular menu, Francesca’s
offers gluten-free cuisine. They are also child friendly. So come to Francesca’s and eat like family!
To find a Francesca’s near
you and answer any additional questions
you might have regarding menu’s, reservations, catering and wine selection follow the link to www.miafrancesca.com
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