FRANCESCAíS FORNO
www.miafrancesca.com
1576 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
773.770.0184
ITLC’s Overall Rating: A
Cuisine: A Ambiance: A Service: A-

When you dine at Wicker Park's Francesca's Forno, the rustic food and ambience make you feel like you're dining in Rome. The food is in the talented hands of corporate executive chef, Patrick Concannon and Forno's chef de cuisine Laco Seeber, who've worked together in various restaurants for a decade.

The menu is comprised of Antipasti, Insalate, Pasta, Contorni, Salumi e Formaggi and Pizza. All priced from $3 to $10. Small-plate sharing is encouraged. Also offered are Dal Forno e Griglia (entrees), Le Specialita della Giornata (Daily Special) and, of course, Dolci (desserts) with seven spectacular offerings.

Some of Chef Laco's personal favorites on the new fall menu: roasted beets with Gorgonzola and toasted hazelnuts ($4); Lasagna Bolognese (Monday night special); chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, hot fudge, whipped cream and roasted hazelnuts ($6). Our favorites: sliced raw artichokes, lemon, and mint ($6); zucchini, ricotta salata, almonds and extra virgin olive oil ($6); chicken and mushroom stuffed crêpe, fresh tomato and basil pesto ($8); Calabrese-style potatoes and cheese fondue ($5); veal—pounded, breaded and sautéed (Tuesday special).

Favorite seating is alongside the floor-to-ceiling windows facing Milwaukee and Damen Avenues. Very comfortable seating is also available on the banquette along one long wall. You can also dine and have a cocktail (and a cigarette) at their lovely wood bar that seats fifteen.

The first Francesca's was opened in 1992 in Wrigleyville. Francesca's Forno is number fourteen—and it could become the most popular of them all.

The wine list is comprised of mostly red and white Italian wines by the bottle, half bottle and by the glass. A few offerings from France, California and Oregon round out the list. Per glass offerings start at $6. If you’re really celebrating, a bottle of fabulous '95 Pol Roger "Sir Winston Churchill" Champagne can be had for $255.