Patio season is here… dine al-fresco at Francesca’s

Francesca’s Fortunato (40 Kansas St., Frankfort, IL 60423, 815-464-1890)

Join Francesca’s Fortunato and the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, May 18^th for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and unveiling of their new sidewalk café in the heart of downtown Frankfort.  Enjoy specials on Italian-style sangria throughout the event and visit all summer long for superb al-fresco dining and a front row seat to the hustle and bustle of all the happenings of downtown Frankfort.  The sidewalk café seats 25, additional patio seating for 50 available.

Francesca’s Passaggio (3124 S. Route 59, Naperville, IL 60564, 630-946-0600)

The patio at Francesca’s Passaggio in Naperville is quickly becoming a destination for live music enthusiasts in the Western suburbs.  Beautifully appointed with lush greenery, seating for 68 and a table-top fire feature like nothing you’ve ever seen, guests can kick-back and enjoy performances every Friday and Saturday evening over a great Italian meal.  If live music isn’t your thing, join us Sunday-Thursday for al-fresco dining and catch an evening ball game on one of their 2 flat-screen patio TV’s.  The word is spreading quickly about this hidden gem, so join us soon!

Francesca’s Forno (1576 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622; 773-770-0184)

A full wall of sliding windows opens up, bringing the fresh air and hubbub of Wicker Park into this urban mecca. The six-point corner location is one of Chicago’s best sites for people watching.

Check out other Francesca’s locations that will be offering al-fresco dining -  Francesca’s Fiore (7407 W Madison Street, Forest Park, IL 60130; 708-771-3063); La Sorella di Francesca (18 W Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540; 630-961-2706); Francesca’s at the Promenade (641 E Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60440; 630-739-6300); Francesca’s Vicinato (12960 S. LaGrange Road, Palos Park, IL 60465; 708-671-1600); Davanti Enoteca (1359 W Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60607; 312-226-5550)

Hall Wine Dinner at Francesca's Fortunato

May 17, 6:30 p.m. – Francesca’s Fortunato (40 Kansas Street, Frankfort, IL 60423, 815-464-1890)

Craig and Kathryn Hall unveiled a state-of-the-art winery in 2003 that is tucked high in the hills of Rutherford, CA. It is dedicated to making single vineyard and limited-production wines; merging history and innovation.  As winegrowers, the Halls have a strong respect for the environment and a commitment to cutting-edge vineyard technology to yield the highest quality wines.

Come and enjoy the splendor of the Hall vineyards with this 4-course wine dinner exclusively at Francesca’s Fortunato.  $52 per person, tax and gratuity additional.  Reservations are required.

The evening begins with Seared Scallop, caramelized fennel and goat cheese puree, shaved fennel, shaved raw asparagus, ruby grapefruit. This is paired with Hall Sauvignon Blanc. Following this is Peppered Ahi Tuna, tomato compote and rosemary, paired with Hall “Darwin” Proprietary Red. The next course features Roasted Duck Breast, black pepper gnocchi, braised duck leg, forest mushrooms and ramps. The Hall Merlot wine pairs perfectly with this course. The dinner ends with Grilled Filet, fonduta potato, caramelized Brussels sprout, garlic & sage. Cabernet Sauvignon is paired with this course.

Monday Night Supper Club at Francesca's Fortunato

Monday doesn’t have to be something to dread. Instead, it can be a cause for celebration! Every Monday night, Francesca’s Fortunato (40 Kansas St., Frankfort, IL 60423; 815-464-1890) hosts the Monday Night Supper Club. This special meal lets diners enjoy a delicious three course meal for just $24.95. Enjoy the beginning of the week with a Monday night stop at Francesca’s Fortunato.

Francesca's celebrates Cabernet with 6-course Chateau St. Michelle Estates dinner

Francesca’s Cabernet Wine Dinner celebrates "our favorite red grape." Kelley Joerns of Chateau St. Michelle Estates will be on-site to speak about the wines during the evening. 

January 26, 7 p.m.  – Francesca’s on 95th (6248 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn, IL 60453; 708-598-7007)
January 27, 7 p.m.  –Francesca’s Fortunato (40 Kansas St., Frankfort, IL 60423; 815-464-1890)

This six-course meal is $52 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The evening begins with a cocktail hour where Francesca’s will be serving their delicious Crostini assortiti. The first course of the evening will be Filetto di Pesce all’aroma di Nocciolee Insalatina di Camp, hazelnut crusted grouper with baby greens in a beurre blanc Sauce, which is served with Antica Chardonnay 2009. This is followed by Arancini alla Valdostana, a rice ball filled with prosciutto, fontina and sage with smoked roasted tomato sauce and bitter greens. Conn Creek Cabernet 2008 makes a great pair for this course. The third course features Stracci della Nonna, hand-made pasta sautéed with braised pork, herbs and parmigiano, and it is paired with Hands of Time 2009, a Bordeaux blend. Bistecca con Cipolline e polenta, charred London broil with gorgonzola polenta, cipollini onion and asparagus spears is the next course. It is paired with Col Solare 2006, another Bordeaux blend. The evening ends with Biscotti e Caffe, assorted cookies and coffee.