Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.
Things have been “interesting” around the Dining Duo household recently. It is a fun filled “perfect storm”, and we do mean storm. We’re just coming out of the winter doldrums, the weather is not warm enough to venture outside, and Nancy is starting to run out of “happy pills” after her surgery. I have to don an apron and attempt to cook, clean, and do laundry while Nancy turns into a contortionist twice a day with her legs flailing in the air as she does her rehab exercises. Any minute I am expecting her to take an axe to a door, stick her head through it, and say “Heeeeere’s Nancy”! After five weeks of this, her physical therapist freed her from her cane, and Nancy mustered up all her strength, ran out yelling “lunch,” and leaving me in the dust. We jumped into the Dining Duo mini-mobile (Nancy sort of flopped in), and off we went to Francesca’s by the River in St. Charles.
Francesca’s by the River
200 S. Second Street
St. Charles 60174
(630) 587-8221
miafrancesca.com
Directions: Take Rte. 47 South to Rte. 64 East to Second Street, South to restaurant.
Estimated Travel Time: 33 minutes
Some of you may know this restaurant because it is a frequent stop on some of the “Senior Safari’s” from Del Webb. We arrived at approximately 1:30 and the restaurant was packed, but we were lucky enough to get a table. The interior resembled a homey old school Italian restaurant.
We sat down to some bread, a small cruet of flavored olive oil, and a plate of parmesan cheese. We found ourselves devouring all the bread, which was crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. The olive oil was really tasty and had a slight pepper kick to it.
Jim went with the Prix-Fixe Lunch Menu ($17.95). This consisted of an antipasti of Bruschette alla Romana and minnestrone or the soup of the day. He chose the minnestrone soup. Then you had your choice of four entrees and he picked Pollo del Giorno which resembled chicken parmesan. To end this lunch special you can have your choice of Tiramisu or a Profiterole. He went for his favorite, the Tiramisu. The minnestrone was full of veggies, the bruschette was topped with a fresh mozzarella that seemed to be whipped and so delicously light. The chicken was crisp and tasty and served with a side of al dente spaghetti. What’s not to like with tiramisu??? He was in heaven today…
Nancy went with the Lunch Combo ($11.95) which consisted of soup or salad and a half portion of one of four entrees. She chose the Caesar Salad and the Panino con Polpete (meatball sandwich). She loved the caesar salad and the sandwich wasn’t just a meatball and sauce, it had roasted onions and sweet provolone served on french bread. She absolutely loved the flavor of the sandwich. The sauce was awesome!!!
Jim has never been to any of the Francesca restaurants, so this was a real treat for him. I went on numerous Del Webb excursions and got to enjoy the Family Style offerings. I do enjoy getting a little taste of different items on the menu. I can’t wait to get back on that bus and come back here!
FYI: This restaurant is handicap accessible.
The price for Nancy’s “Shining” moment was $38.77, Nancy getting out of the house, priceless!
Jim’s take: That bruschette was amazing along with the chicken. For $17.95, you can’t beat it.
Nancy’s take: I always loved the Francesca restaurants, and this location runs true to form. Everything was exceptional.
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com
