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| - We discovered this gem when my husband's rental car broke down in front of it thanks to a messed up fuel filter.
Franco and David welcomed him inside out of the 106 degree Arizona heat and made sure he was hydrated and comfortable even though he wasn't a paying customer at that time. That won my respect immediately since this restaurant is known for being quite upscale and posh. They could have easily left him out there and been irritated by the "inconvenience" - instead they were understanding and caring.
Hubby, after reading the menu and being a true lover of all things Italy (having been there, not lying, 40+ times during his career in the Navy), made reservations so we could celebrate our pregnancy graduating to the second trimester over a romantic dinner.
We got there, were greeted by the hostess and Franco. David sat us immediately and we were served bread and perhaps the most amazing high quality olive oil I've ever tasted.
We started with the Caprese. The mozzarella was incredible. HUGE pieces of incredible flavor that melted in your mouth in joy inducing deliciousness. Fresh basil, perfectly ripened tomatoes, PERFECT greens lightly touched in a refreshing vinaigrette.
Hubby ordered the salmon Cesar salad. I ordered the House Mista. Both of us were in absolute heaven with our respective salad choices. They were simply exquisite. Nothing cheap. Huge.
For dinner? Hubby ordered the ricotta and spinach Ravioli with a tomato basil sauce. I ordered the Fettuccine in meat sauce.
... There was a lot of bliss to be had. The tomato basil was loaded with chunks of resplendent roasted garlic and the ravioli large and stuffed beyond compare with an amazing filling worthy of awards.
And when I tasted my own fare? Angels sang. In my mouth.
The flavor note are dramatic, but light. They're refreshing and crisp and fail to be the assault that Sicilian food tends to hold.... Trust me. I LOVE Sicilian, but Franco's offers true north western Italian flavor. Florentine flavor. Unique in every way and fantastic in the way that it's bucked and broken free of the often mundane Italian food stereotype of Chicken Parm and pizza. No. This was heaven, packed and perfectly presented as art, on warmed white plates.
We HAD to have desert after this. Had to. I the Merenghata which David touted was Franco's grandmother's own special recipe. Hubby? Indulged in the Tiramisu; Franco's own mother's recipe.
The flavors, like everything else, were bold and beautiful. The Tiramisu light and soft, the Merenghata sweet and lavish, it's frozen core refreshing against the hot Arizona evening.
All in all? 5 stars. I wish I could give it 10. I wish I could give more and do more for this restaurant for it's truly a gem and perhaps the best Scottsdale has to offer.
If you haven't tried it? DO IT! You have nothing to lose and an experience that pleased every single one of your senses to gain.
And to Franco and David? My eternal thanks for taking such good care of my husband when he landed on your doorstep.
You have our business for life.
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