Buglioni Wine Dinner at Francesca's Amici

7 p.m. February 23, Francesca’s Amici (174 N. York Rd., Elmhurst, IL 60126; 630-279-7970)

presents a wine dinner featuring the Italian wines of Buglioni Vineyards.Tickets are $58 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The evening begins with Crostini con Fegatini di Pollo  con Ricotta e Pomodorini, crostini with chicken liver pate or with ricotta and sweet tomatoes. This is paired with “Il Vigliacco” Brut Rose. Following this is Gamberoni con Cannellini al Rosmarino, jumbo shrimp with cannellini beans and rosemary topped with arugula, paired with “Il Intruso” Bianco Veronese. The next course features Pappardelle con Funghi Selvatici e Polletto, handmade pappardelle with wild mushrooms ragu and charred chicken breast with Parmigiano. The Valpolicella Classico wine pairs perfectly with this course. Next is Costine di Bue Agli Aromi con Polenta Bianca, braised short ribs with herbs, au jus and creamy white polenta paired with “Il Bugiardo” Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso DOC. The dinner ends with Degustazione di Formaggi con Frutta, a cheese tasting with fruit, nuts, sweet gorgonzola and pecorino grand cru. “L’Amarone” Amarone della Valpolicella is paired with this course.

Winter Metropolitan Brewery Beer Dinner at Francesca's Amici & La Sorella di Francesc

Two Francesca locations are hosting Metropolitan Brewery beer dinners this month. Make your reservation to enjoy a four-course meal featuring delicious food selections paired with Metropolitan Brewery beers. Metropolitan Brewery is a new microbrewery in Chicago run by husband and wife team Doug and Tracy Hurst. This four-course meal is $35 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

January 18, 7 p.m.  – Francesca’s Amici (174 N. York Rd., Elmhurst, IL 60126; 630-279-7970)  January 31, 7 p.m.  – La Sorella di Francesca (18 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540; 630-961-2706)

The evening begins with Polpo Grigliato, grilled octopus with fagioli gigantic, marinated sundried tomatoes and lemon vinaigrette paired with Krankshaft, a pale ale. This is followed by Polpetti Agnello, lamb meatballs with spicy San Marzano tomato sauce, arugula and lemon. It is a perfect pair for FlyWheel, a German-inspired beer. The third course features Gnocchi con Pancetta, sweet potato gnocchi with cipollini onions, pancetta and brown-butter sage. A strong, smooth beer, Dynamo, makes the perfect companion. The meal finishes with Brasato di Bue, beer-braised beef ribs with parsnip puree, and is paired with IronWorks, a hoppy, top-fermented beer.