Editor’s Note: Our columnist is not a trained or paid professional, nor does he get complimentary meals from the restaurants visited. He and his party arrive unannounced and do not reveal that they will be doing a review. Comments or questions may be sent to Sam Geati, greengeezer9@comcast.net.
Recently, my wife Judy and I celebrated our 51st anniversary dining out with a few friends from the days when we were just teens. Joining us were Larry and Joy, married 54 years, Jim and Judy K., married 50 years, and Bob and Judy S., both widowed and now engaged to be married. This made the occasion even more special.
Francesca’s is a small, intimate restaurant in downtown West Dundee. The setting is reminiscent of the restaurants in Italy. The art and photography set the mood. When you enter, you can’t help but notice the soft music and hushed tones. This was a wonderful choice for our special occasion. Our host and manager, Michael, warmly greeted us and took us to a table in a more private section of the restaurant. After receiving our drinks along with delicious hot, crusty bread, we were each given a single sheet menu that was for the most part handwritten with the menu for the evening. The only printing on the sheet was the selections for the Antipasti, Insalate, and Pizze. As for the handwritten entrees, there were six pasta dishes and six others consisting of poultry, beef, and seafood. Two of us asked for dishes not on the menu and were pleased to hear that the chef would accommodate our requests. Larry asked for rigatoni with meatballs, which he said was very good and way more food than he could eat. Judy S. requested linguine with clams and mussels. She raved about the dish.
Ratings Key:
5 stars: Excellent
4 stars: Above Average
3 stars: Average
2 stars: Below Average
1 star: Poor
Food: ★★★★
Service: ★★
Price/Value: ★★★★
Ambience: ★★★★★
Overall Rating: ★★★★
My wife ordered Rigatoni alla Carrettiera, which was sautéed with ham, peas, and wild mushrooms in a tomato cream sauce. I tasted it and we both agreed that the sauce was delicious, but preferred the pasta less al dente. Judy K. selected the Tortellini e Pollo, spinach tortellini in a light basil cream sauce that included grilled chicken breast and pine nuts. Unfortunately, they had run out of spinach tortellini but our server failed to explain the substitution with cheese tortellini when Judy K. ordered. Although she enjoyed her meal, this error was troublesome. He also had to be reminded to serve several items when they hadn’t arrived with our meal.
As for the rest of us, Joy ordered Linguine con Carciofi e Capesante. This sautéed pasta dish included roasted artichokes, scallops, garlic, white wine, and basil in a light tomato sauce. Joy was very pleased. Jim ordered Gnocchi alla Barese, which was gnocchi sautéed with broccoli rabe, spicy cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Jim said it was very tasty, but the gnocchi was a bit too heavy for his taste.
Bob and I chose the special, lasagna, and it was indeed special. We agreed that this was one of the best lasagnas either of us had ever tasted. For me, that’s saying a lot considering the multitude of times I’ve had this staple Italian dish.
The price range of the dishes began at $12.99 and peaked at $17.99. None of us left the table wanting for more. Overall, the group agreed that for the most part, the quality and freshness of ingredients made a special impression on our taste buds. The evening could have been even better, were it not for our server, who was not on a par with the food that was served. I would still rate this restaurant as above average, as I don’t feel it would be fair to take away from the delicious meals provided by the chef and the wonderful ambience of Francesca’s.
Sammy
