May at Francesca's Restaurants

CHICAGO, IL, April 21, 2012 (Press-News.org) Spring Wine Dinner Events at Francesca's

Tuscan Splendor Wine Dinner
May 8, 7:00 p.m. - Francesca's North (1145 Church Street, Northbrook, IL 60062, 847-559-0260)

Escape the big city and spend an evening touring the culinary countryside of Tuscany, Italy. Francesca's North hosts this inaugural Spring event, serving as tour guide to guests as they sip and sample their way through this 4-course regionally inspired menu. Enjoy wine selections from the Nozzole, Cabreo and Nardi vineyards. $55 per person, tax and gratuity additional; call to reserve your seat today!

The meal starts with Fire roasted Scamorza , cherry tomatoes and olive oil pesto paired with a Cabreo La Pietra Chardonnay. This is followed by Prosciutto wrapped Yellow Fin Tuna, wild mushroom vinaigrette. This pairs excellently with a Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva. The third course features Osso Bucco filled ravioli, Cabreo "Il Borgo" sauce. A Cabreo "Il Borgo" makes a great pair for this course. The evening ends with Spice roasted Rack of Lamb, caramelized fennel, spring onions and calamata olives. This is the perfect companion for a Nardi Brunello di Montalcino.
An Evening with Patricia
May 8, 7:00 p.m. - La Sorella di Francesca (18 West Jefferson Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540, 630-961-2706)
Francesca's Wine Director, Lisa Mango, has hand selected four wines from the cellars of our guest of honor and St. Charles native, Patricia Green, to be paired with a four- course menu that is sure to leave your taste buds screaming for more!
Tickets are $55 per person, tax and gratuity not included. Please RSVP by Tuesday May 1. Space is limited so be sure to sign up before it's too late to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity to meet Patricia Green herself.




Hall Wine Dinner
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.

The Art of Brewing... Francesca's Beer Dinners

The Windy City blows into Francesca's Forno
May 17, 8:00 p.m. - Francesca's Forno (1576 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622, 773-770-0184)

Chicago's own Windy City Distribution showcases its selection of beers alongside a fun and whimsical original menu created by Francesca's Corporate Chef, Kevin Ives at Francesca's Forno. Enjoy the Lagunitas IPA, an easy-drinking brew, the trendy Original Sin Cider and the robust Left Hand Milk Stout. Tickets are $45 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and seating is limited.

The beer dinner begins with Sauteed asparagus with black pepper bacon, sunny side up egg, pecorino and extra virgin olive oil, cracked black pepper. Original Sin Cider makes the perfect companion. This is followed by Homemade pappardelle with wild ramps, ricotta and Parmesano Reggianno, paired with IPA, India Pale Ale. The third course features Wild Stripped bass with mashed sunchoke puree and lemon butter sauce. It is a perfect pair for Smutty Nose Porter. The meal finishes with Milk Stout milk shake whipped cream, chocolate strawberries and marinated cherries, and is paired with Left Hand Milk Stout, full bodied sweet stout.
Unibroue Brewery Beer Dinner
May 30, 7:00 p.m. - Francesca's Fiore (7407 W. Madison St., Forest Park, IL 60130, 708-771-3063)

Unibroue Brewery creates unique-tasting craft beers using traditional brewing methods developed over the last two centuries by Belgium monks in Europe. Their creations are unlike any other product on the market, and no two are alike - try four of their premier pours on Wednesday, May 30th at Francesca's Fiore for this exclusive, Unibroue Brewery Beer Dinner. $40 per person, tax and gratuity additional. Advance reservations required for this sell-out event.

The evening begins with Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels, golden ale, sweet onion, cilantro, coriander leaves, and toasted pretzel. This is paired with La fin du Monde, triple style golden ale. Following this is Crab and mascarpone filled Raviolo, sweet corn broth and chives, paired with Blonde de Chambly, saison. The next course features Grilled pork tenderloin, charred red peppers, Calabrian chilies. The Maudite, strong amber red ale pairs perfectly with this course. The dinner ends with Triple chocolate hazelnut torte with nutella gelato and espresso caramel. Noir de Chambly, Belgian style black ale is paired with this course.

Patio season is here... dine al-fresco at Francesca's
Francesca's Bryn Mawr (1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60660, 773-506-9261)
Calling all dog owners and K-9 enthusiast! Bring your four legged friends to Francesca's Bryn Mawr for the Grand Opening celebration of their new dog-friendly patio Friday, June 1 - Sunday, June 3. The "Bryn Mawr is going to the Dogs" three-day event will feature a guest appearance from Mr. Chunkers of the U, red-carpet photo ops for your beloved pooch, fun, prizes and much more! All summer long, dogs and their humans can dine al fresco at Francesca's Bryn Mawr, just 2 blocks from the lake, in the historic Edgewater community.

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 18th for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and unveiling of their new sidewalk cafe 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 cafe 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)


Raise a glass during the month of May and toast the Women of Wine
Wine was once a man's profession; owning vineyards, raising sons and handing their winemaking traditions down through the generations. It was not until the last half of the 20th century that women emerged as leaders in the industry. Today's greats include Luciana Vietti, Kathryn Hall & the Antinori sisters; Alessia, Albiera and Allegra, all of whom are featured at Francesca's during May's Women in Wine celebration. All Chicagoland locations and Madison, WI will feature the following wines May 1-31:
Luciana Vietti (Piedmont )
Proprietress & wife of the late, great Alfredo Curado; Father of Arneis
Vietti Arneis $12.00 gl




Alessia, Albiera & Allegra Antinori (Tuscany)
26th generation wine makers & innovators in marketing and public relations for the wine industry
Santa Cristina Bianco $7.50 gl

Kathryn Hall (Napa Valley)
Proprietress, businesswoman and community activist
Hall Merlot $14.00 gl

Chicago Craft Beer Week: 4 restaurants, 4 beers, 4 opportunities to support your local community for $4
Chicago Craft Beer Week is back & better than ever, expecting more than 200 venues to participate this year. With a glass of the good stuff priced at just $4, you may already have your bar-hopping plans mapped out, anxiously anticipating the week of May 17. Francesca's participating locations are sweetening the pot by committing to donate $1 for each beer sold to a local organization in their community. Come have a cold brew for a good cause at any of the participating Francesca's locations during Craft Beer Week from May 17 - 27 and show your support.


Francesca's Fiore, 7407 W. Madison St., Forest Park, IL 60130, (708)771-3063
Featuring Left Hand "Milk Stout"
Supporting the House of Hixson Theatre
Their mission is to assist an undeserved community by providing a solution to the lack of social creativity by exposing it to a more modern and progressive live entertainment experience with the most unique quality of talent and events our generation has to offer. For more information please visit http://www.houseofhixson.com



Francesca's Bryn Mawr, 1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60660, (773)506-9261
Featuring Goose Island's "Matilda"
Supporting PAWS Chicago
The city's largest no-kill humane organization is focused on implementing solutions to end the killing of homeless pets. For more information please visit http://www.pawschicago.org


Francesca's on Taylor, 1400 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607, (312)829-2828
Featuring Goose Island's "En Passant"
Supporting the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame
The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame chose sports - a universal pursuit and interest in any culture - to communicate the experiences of their inductees and their impact and relevance in the present day. Like many athletes and leaders of today, their inductees represent the never-ending pursuit of the American Dream. Their stories of hard work, sacrifice, perseverance, teamwork and "championship" accomplishments educate and inspire the future Olympians, Heisman trophy winners, CEOs and public servants of our country through a state- of-the-art, multi-media Hall of Fame experience. For more information please visit http://www.niashf.org

Francesca's Forno, 1576 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622, (773)770-0184
Featuring Revolution "Bottom up Wit"
Supporting the The Miracle Center
The Miracle Center is an agency thats purpose is to help children, youth, and families particularly through the performing arts to grow spiritually, mentally, emotionally, socially and physically during after-school and out-of- school programs. For more information please visit http://www.themiraclecenter.com


Mother's Day at Francesca's

"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother" - Abraham Lincoln

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 13th ... Treat the amazing women in your life to a special Mother's Day celebration at Francesca's. Reservations are available online or by calling your local Francesca's locations. Extended hours at all locations.

Francesca's at the Promenade (641 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60440; 630-739-6300) will have number of items, such as Vanilla bean French toast; Crispy chicken confit and bacon hash, as well as Frittata with sauteed asparagus, sausage, fresh mozzarella, spinach and house potatoes.

Francesca's on Chestnut (200 E. Chestnut Street, Chicago, IL 60611; 312-482-8800) will feature Smoked salmon omelet with chopped tomatoes, rapini and roasted potatoes; Eggs Benedict with prosciutto and Hollandaise sauce; Fried eggs with spicy avocado pesto and oven dried tomatoes.

Additionally, the following locations will feature special brunch items. Call each location for more information. Francesca's al Lago (111 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Madison, WI 53703; 608-255-6000); Francesca's Famiglia (100 East Station Street, Barrington, IL 60010; 847-277-1027); Francesca's Fortunato (40 Kansas Street, Frankfort, IL 60423; 815-464-1890); Francesca's on Taylor (1400 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60607; 312-829-2828)


Support your Community with the Francesca's Eat & Earn Program

You can support your community simply by eating at Francesca's. When you dine at any participating Francesca's restaurant during their Eat and Earn promotion, a portion of your bill is donated to a charitable organization in the community. If you'd like to get your not-for-profit or local organization involved in the fundraising opportunity, please contact your local Francesca's.

Francesca's Tavola (208 S Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005; 847-394-3950) is hosting a number of Eat and Earn events in May.

Thursday, May 3, Music for Youth. For more information visit http://www.ahsd25.k12.il.us/curriculum/music/index.php

Monday, May 7, American Cancer Society - Galloping Glueckert. For more information about American Cancer Society, visit http://www.cancer.org.

Tuesday, May 8 Christopher House Auxiliary. To find out more information about this charity organization, please visit http://www.christopherhouse.org.

Thursday, May 10, MDA Lock-Up. For more information please visit http://www.mda.org/help/natevents.html. Additionally, on May 23rd Francesca's will be the jail for MDA Lock-Up 11am-3pm. It is a fun event where local businesses and community leaders agree to be "arrested" for having a big heart. This unique event raises money for people with neuromuscular diseases.

Tuesday, May 15, Ivy Hill School. For more information visit http://www.ahsd25.k12.il.us/schools/ivy_hill/.

Thursday, May 17, South Minister Presbyterian Church. For more information, please visit http://www.spchurch.org/

Thursday, May 24, American Cancer Society - Relay for Life. For more information please visit http://www.cancer.org/Involved/Participate/RelayForLife/index

Francesca's Bryn Mawr (1039 W Bryn Mawr, Chicago, IL 60660; 773-506-9261) is supporting Fight 2 End AIDS by hosting an Eat and Earn on Wednesday, May 2. For more information about the organization, please visit http://afc.aidschicago.org/netcommunity/page.aspx?pid=1135.

Thursday, May 5 is an Eat and Earn to support T-pan. For more information, visit http://www.tpan.com

Francesca's Famiglia (100 East Station Street, Barrington, IL 60010; 847-277-1027) is supporting a number of charities as well. Tuesday, May 8 Christopher House Auxiliary. To find out more information about this charity organization, please visit http://www.christopherhouse.org.

Francesca's Famiglia is supporting Barrington HS Fine Arts Boosters by participating in Dine & Share program. Dine in before or after BHS plays, musicals & concerts on May 3-4 8, 10 and 16-17 and a portion of the check will be donated to FAB. More details available at http://barringtonfinearts.com/menu/support.php.

Wednesday, May 16, NW Suburban Guild of Children's Memorial Hospital, and Thursday, May 24, Ladies Night Fashion show "Relay for Life Teams".

Francesca's on 95th (6248 W. 95th Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453; 708-598-7007) is supporting Sutherland Foundation by hosting an Eat and Earn on Tuesday, May 8. For more information about this organization please visit http://www.sutherlandfoundation.org/.
Monday, May 21, Beverly Montessori. For more details visit http://www.beverlymontessori.org
Tuesday, May 22, Oak Lawn Public Library. For more information visit http://www.lib.oak-lawn.il.us/.

Other Francesca's Eat and Earn programs include:

Francesca's Vicinato (12960 S. LaGrange Road, Palos Park, IL 60465; 708-671-1600) is supporting St. Coletta's of Illinois Foundation by hosting an Eat and Earn on Thursday, May 10. Francesca's al Lago (111 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Madison, WI 53703; 608-255-6000) is hosting an Eat and Earn event for Henry Villas Zoo on Thursday, May 10. Francesca's by the River (200 South Second Street, St. Charles, IL 60174; 630-587-8221) is showing their support to Fore-Ward 4 A Cure by hosting an Eat & Earn event on Monday, May 21.


Magic show at Francesca's Bellezza
Francesca's Bellezza (75 S. La Grange Road, La Grange, IL 60525; 708-579-3500)

It's time for some magic! Every first Monday of the month, Francesca's Bellezza will be hosting a magic show featuring local magician, John Measner. Make your reservation between 5pm to 7pm and get ready for a family night full of tableside magic tricks and take home balloon art. To find out more information about John Measner, please visit http://www.Jmmagic.com


Francesca's at the Promenade appreciates teachers

Calling all teachers and educators! Visit Francesca's at the Promenade (641 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60440; 630-739-6300) during the month of May receive 20% off (up to $20) off your bill. Just bring proof of your educator status to come and enjoy!


Francesca's on Chestnut is part of IRA's - Chicago Culinary Crossroads

Francesca's on Chestnut (200 E. Chestnut Street, Chicago, IL 60611; 312-482-8800) is participating in Chicago Culinary Crossroads. This citywide dine-around program will run Tuesday, May 1 - Friday, May 25 to celebrate the NATO summits and place a spotlight on Chicago's diverse, world-class restaurant industry. The dine-around will encourage both residents and visitors to patronize our city's great dining establishments and experience the warm, welcoming hospitality that can only be found in Chicago. Francesca's on Chestnut will be offering 3-course menu for $24.99. For more information please visit http://www.illinoisrestaurants.org/


Francesca's Bryn Mawr is partnering up with Fable Festival

Francesca's Bryn Mawr (1039 W. Bryn Mawr, Chicago, IL 60640; 773-506-9261)

A newly established, community-based Fable Festival is taking place May 16 - May 20 in non-traditional spaces throughout Chicago's Edgewater and Andersonville neighborhoods. The performance festival answers calls to action happening in town hall meetings across Chicago for more focus on neighborhood arts events in the City's upcoming Cultural Plan.

Performances will take place in empty storefronts, public schools, cafes, restaurants, the
Lakefront and bars in an effort to showcase the community and collaborate with businesses to bring more patrons to the Edgewater and Andersonville neighborhoods. This unique event invites over 20 established theater-makers and performance companies to present a weekend of new, short works based on international fairy tales and fables - often accompanied by music, puppets, food and drink.


Thursday, May 17, 8pm - Hearts and Brains present The Story Story By Lacy Campbell.
Two puppets and two projectors telling three stories, each illustrated by three different visual artists.
Assorted crostini and pizza will be provided by Francesca's throughout the event.

Sunday, May 20, 12-2pm - iO's Storytown - From superheroes to undersea adventures, Storytown takes you on an interactive, fully improvised adventure, using your suggestions and ideas to create a different story every time. Kids design the setting and help shape the story, and the actors, artists, and
musicians bring it to life. Recommended for children 3 and up. Francesca's will provide gelato as refreshments for the little ones.

For more information, please visit http://www.fablefestival.org or call 773-828-9185


Celebrate Cinco de Mayo & Memorial Day with Francesca's by the River

Francesca's by the River (200 South Second Street, St. Charles, IL 60174; 630-587-8221) will feature $5 margaritas all day on May 5th. Come celebrate Mexico's independence with a frosty, cold and delicious Francesca's Classic Margarita.
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and Francesca's by the River wants to help you ring in the summer time fun all day long! Monday, May 28, come in and enjoy half price appetizers and desserts.

Brunch at Francesca's Restaurants

Mia Francesca (3311 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657; 773-281-3310), the flagship restaurant of the Francesca's restaurant group, features a brunch menu including Italian breakfast favorites like Baked Uovo Florentina, soft baked egg, fontina cheese and creamed spinach on ciabatta toast and white truffle oil ($9.99) or Frittata al Salsiccie, a fresh sage omelette with parmigiano regiano ($9.99). For those with a sweet tooth, Mia Francesca also offers delicious Pancakes al Ricotta, mocha ricotta pancakes with cinnamon whipped cream drizzled with honey ($8.99) or French Toast and Jam, French toast with vanilla bean butter, Texas toast, red wine grape jam, mascarpone and almonds ($8.99). Diners also have the option to build their own omelette for $12.99. Mia Francesca also has superb brunch cocktails like the Good Morning Sunrise with apricot nectar, the Sea Breeze Mimosa with cranberry and pink grapefruit or the Zing Zang Bloody Mary, each for $5.00.

Francesca's Bryn Mawr (1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60660; 773-506-9261) is now serving brunch. Its brunch menu also features many of the same Italian classics, like the $5.00 Mimosa, with a few items unique to Francesca's Bryn Mawr, including Sweet Pancakes with blueberry and ricotta pancakes with blueberry-lemon compote and Savory Pancakes with polenta and bacon on sweet corn pancakes with maple butter, each for $9.00.

Francesca's Forno (1576 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622; 773-770-0184) is offering a unique take on brunch as well. Serving up impressive brunch cocktails like the Forno Bloody Mary with vodka, spicy tomato juice and a shot of beer, the St. Germaine Cocktail with St. Germain and Prosecco and the Salty Dog, made with vodka, fresh squeezed grapefruit juice and served in a glass with a salted rim, each for $6.00. The food options during brunch are just as delicious and impressive. They include Frutta e Granola, Milk & Honey Cafe granola with vanilla yogurt and fresh berries ($7.00), decadent Bourbon-Soaked French Toast, challah with bourbon vanilla bean batter, maple crème fraiche and candied pecans ($9.00) and a classic Breakfast Monte Cristo, made with an English muffin, fontina, crispy pancetta and a fried egg with spicy tomato jam and hash browns ($10.00.

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