Francesca Ristorante By Jim White With the armada of chain restaurants proliferating North Dallas and Collin Counties, it’s always a pleasure to see independent schooners sailing the rough waters of the restaurant sea. Francesca Ristorante is one of the best we’ve found. Perhaps all the seafaring metaphors come about because this restaurant occupies the space where Ocean Grill once existed. Now that you have your bearings, navigate to the northwest corner of Preston Road and Frankford in Dallas for some delicious Italian specialties and caring service from Chef/Owner Mansour Gorji. He was part of the group that operated MoMo’s in Addison and has owned restaurants in Austin. His newest venture—open about six months—is named for his youngest daughter (in case you were wondering). I was impressed with the casual elegance of the place, the friendly attitude and the food in particular! Tempt your taste buds with an order of Aglio as an appetizer ($4.74). The roasted garlic is served with feta cheese and goes wonderfully with the thick slices of Tuscan style bread served before your meal. It’s perfect for dipping in the accompanying balsamic vinegar/olive oil/herb mixture. We had a superb salmon croquette ($7.95) crispy on the outside with breadcrumbs and juicy on the inside with chunky salmon and peas. I couldn’t stop eating it! Entrée recommendations include Pollo alla Mozzarella ($8.95)—baked chicken breast—rendered so much tastier with mozzarella cheese and fresh tomato sauce than the usual chicken Parmesan one sees, and Vitello Limone ($10.95)—veal scallops grilled with wine, lemon juice and capers. Special of the day, trout fruitti di mare (fruits of the sea) was served tender and flaky with scallops, shrimp and grilled calamari ($10.95). An outstanding beef dish from the dinner menu does not appear at lunch, but they were kind enough to prepare the beef tenderloin tips for us, seared with red onion and mushroom crème sauce on a bed of pasta ($15.95). Tiramisu ($4.95) and espresso round out a tremendously enjoyable lunch. This little gem is suitable for an important client, a discerning palate or both. Francesca Ristorante 18101 Preston Road, Suite 102 (972) 447-9000 Send me an Email: jwdineline@aol.com