01/25/2007 - In the mood for Italian food for lunch, Karen and I decided to dine at Franco Ristorante. The menu is a mix of Northern and Southern Italian cuisine, the quality of which is very high. We were seated by a large window near the rear of the restaurant, with apricot colored faux finished walls, three large mirrors, and two white Italianate columns rising to the ceiling.
After receiving our menus, we were brought a basket of hard-crusted Italian bread and slices of focaccia with a subtle tomato topping. This was followed by a complimentary dish of calamata olives and two small slices of what tasted like a cheese frittata. This was sufficient as an appetizer, so we decided to share the Salad Special of the Day — baby arugala, apples, and walnuts in a raspberry vinaigrette ($9). The pan seared slice of provolone cheese perched on top of the greens made this one of the most unique and best salads we have shared in a long time.
Karen ordered the Roasted Rack of Veal ($19). There were six small ribs on the bone, encrusted with black pepper and parmesan cheese, laced with a merlot wine reduction and served with sun dried tomatoes, mashed potatoes, and wilted spinach. The presentation was quite eye catching. Rack of lamb is a staple at many fine restaurants but rack of veal is seldom offered. We were pleased to see it here. I tried one of the ribs and found it to be delicious. This entree is on Franco's regular menu, so it should be available at all times. Karen was very pleased with her choice.
I ordered the Veal Marsala ($16.50). To me, this is a benchmark as to the quality of a restaurant, since it is offered at most Italian restaurants. At Franco, it was the best I have had in a long time. The veal was pounded thin and tender, just the way I like it. The marsala sauce was flavored perfectly, with overtones of the sweet marsala. The addition of veal stock made it smooth and light. I wish I could prepare it as well as this chef did. Thinly sliced wild mushrooms were an ideal embellishment to the sauce. At times, my choice for an entree will be decided by the starch and/or vegetables that accompanies it. I selected the Veal Marsala at first glance because the side orders were risotto and roasted vegetables. The risotto was creamy but al dente. The roasted peppers and onions added to the overall flavor and presentation of the entire dish. With the risotto, I felt like I had two entrees instead of just one.
For dessert, we shared a deliciously creamy, in-house made Tiramisu ($6.50). After my wife's Cappuccino ($3.75) and my Espresso Macchiato ($3), our bill came to $61.22 with tax but before tip. The wait staff, who were professional and affable, brought us a complimentary dish of crunchy almond biscotti just right for dunking. I dispensed with the dunking and ate them straight away! We were also offered a complimentary snifter of brandy which we declined because of our afternoon commitments.
This location has been home to many restaurants over the years. Franco Ristorante is the best here so far. It is a beacon of fine taste both in its visual and in its culinary presentations. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and Tuesday to Sunday for dinner. Buon appetito from Albert.
Local business listings, classifieds, classified ads, want ads for The only Pennysaver serving Danbury, New Milford, Torrington, Fairfield & Litchfield County, CT Connecticut. In Print, On line, And Mobile Affliated websies: Proud2ShopLocal.com, coupons4ct.com, ctcirculars.com
