This is another one of my neighbourhood restaurants within staggering distance to my Condominium. My wife thinks that it's terrific and I am unfortunately less delirious. I'm torn between rating it between three and four stars.
Why? The restaurant is an institution and has been around for decades. Any restaurant that can survive Pompeii has to be acknowledged for its tenacity and longevity. Franco must have done something right, and obviously continues to do something right, which brings back the diehard culinary supporters.
When I go there, I feel I am entering a Roman Arena knowing that I am going to be fully and sumptously entertained for two or three hours by gladiators who will ensure my sensory pleasures. I guess everything is predictable and good. It's heavy, it's full bodied, it's wholesome, and it's like my Italian friends would like to treat me.
After all these years, little has changed, just pure good cooking with no pretension, and little new world flair or fusion flavour. The ambience is colourfully olde world kitschy Italian...the menu is extensive and the wine list varied with lots of Italian choices.
Pricy? yes. But what the heck.! How can I not recommend this Calgary dining experience??? Try it. you'll love it.