100, 3811 Edmonton Tr. NE
www.perfectgifts.ca
I have been fortunate enough to travel to Italy, and although I loved it, I was a tourist and had a tourists experience. After walking into Franca's, I feel like I now know what it would have been liked to have dinner at some long lost italian cousins house. Franca's isn't just a family place in that it's a wonderful place to take your family, it's truly a family restaurant. The entire Flaviano family contributes to your dining experience; with her 2 boys waiting tables, her husband Mario preparing and attending to tables (insuring the meals were satisfying everyone's taste buds), and of course Signora Franca herself. With her bubbly personality, beautiful smile and welcoming hug. This is a place I already see becoming on my 'regular' list.
Located right on Edmonton Trail just south of McKnight, although isn't much on the outside. Actually my first impression was, if this is the outside.......wonder what we will find inside.
Well, what we found was a cozy dining area, with a warm inviting atmosphere and did it ever smell delish! We were meeting friends there who had made the reservations (It's an Italian deli Tues-Fri 10am-5pm and reso's only on saturday's with a set menu) and they were there waiting for us when we arrived. There is only about 10 tables in the dining room with a semi open area for prep and the most beautiful Cappuccino machine.
There was no indication of what we were about to be served so it was truly a surprise. I did find myself trying to peak at the other guest plates as they traveled by. I have a hard time with letting go the fact that I don't get to choose or even know until the meal arrives.
I had the house red wine, which was AMAZING (and for some reason I didn't even ask what it was GASP!) The first course arrived, a hardy size Bocconcini Salad ~ Fresh buffalo mozzarella, beefsteak tomatoes, and an amazing cold balsamic reduction drizzled atop a fresh leaf of basil. Something I would personally choose at any Italian restaurant. Then the bread arrived...O...M....G! It's a homemade family recipe of soft on the inside crunch on the outside foccaccia bread. So good we asked for a 2nd plate. And there was just enough of the oil and balsamic left over on the salad plate to soak it all up.
The 2nd plate arrives perfectly timed, a bowl of steaming gnocchi. Definitely hand rolled, this potatoe pasta was served in a light tomatoe sauce and each bite seemed to just melt in your mouth. We were still scraping the last of the sauce out of the bowl when the 3rd course arrived at our table. A plate of vibrant green beans with slivered almonds, and a perfect grilled steak with a drizzle of mushroom gravy.
I wish I could tell you the price of this amazing meal, but our gracious friends picked up the tab without us even seeing the bill.
I think the highlight of this meal was that Chef Mario & Franca came by the table several times, telling us stories of their travels to Italy, the family, and inviting us back for more (and there may have been a shot of Grappa in there).
I am yet to develop a rating system, but I am open to any ideas :)
However I can say this : GO TO THIS PLACE! Its amazing, authentic, and a great atmosphere.
K & T (again mostly K)
