Buglioni Wine Dinner at Francesca's Restaurants

This month, several Francesca’s restaurants present wine dinners featuring the Italian wines of Buglioni Vineyards. Tickets are $65 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

March 1, 7 p.m. – Francesca’s at the Promenade (641 E. Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook, IL 60440; 630-739-6300)

March 7, 7 p.m. – Francesca’s by the River (200 S. Second St., St. Charles, IL 60174; 630-587-8221)

March 8, 7 p.m. – Francesca’s Bryn Mawr (1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60660; 773-506-9261)

The evening begins with a cocktail hour featuring 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 the first course, 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 corn 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.