Francesca's Restaurants Present Specialty Beer And Wine Dinners

Chicago, Ill., November 2011 - Several Francesca's restaurants are presenting exciting and innovative beer and wine dinners in November. These include the "Cabernet is King" Wine Dinner, a Gauthier and Bouchaine Vineyards Wine Dinner and a Goose Island Beer Dinner.

"Cabernet is King" Wine Dinner

November 9, 6:30 p.m. - La Sorella di Francesca (18 W. Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540; 630-961-2706)

November 11, 7:30 p.m. - Francesca's Vicinato (12960 S. Lagrange Rd., Palos Park, IL, 60464; 708-671-1600)

November 15, 7 p.m. - Francesca's Famiglia (100 E. Station Street, Barrington, IL 60010; 847-277-1027)

November 16, 7 p.m. - Francesca's By the River (200 South 2nd Street, St. Charles, IL, 60174; 630-587-8221)

The five-course meal will be expertly prepared by Francesca's chefs and is paired exquisitely with six select wines. The dinner is $65 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The "Cabernet is King" Dinner begins with Crostini with Smoked Salmon, cr�me fresh, Arugula and Apricots, paired with a refreshing 2010 Hall Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley. This is followed by Braised Pork Cheeks Ragout over creamy white Polenta, which complements 2008 Stags Leap Hands of Time, Stags Leap AVA. The third course is Handmade Veal Ravioli with roasted shiitake mushrooms, veal au jus and parmigiano reggiano. This is paired with 2008 Antinori Antica, Atlas Peak AVA. The fourth course features Cast Iron Black Angus Rib Eye withPorcini flavor and roasted fall vegetables in a Cabernet reduction, which is a delicious pair for both 2007 Minor, Stagecoach Vineyard and 2008 Chappelett Signature, Oakville, Pritchard Hill. Dessert will be an Assortment of Chocolate Truffles, pairing perfectly with a 2008 Viader "Dare," Napa Valley.

Lisa Mango, Francesca's Sommelier, will be in attendance at Francesca's Vicinato November 11 to speak about the wine selection and how they pair with Francesca's menu.

Gauthier and Bouchaine Vineyards Wine Dinner

November 17, 6:30 p.m. - Francesca's Bryn Mawr (1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL, 60660; 773-506-9261)

Francesca's Bryn Mawr is hosting a Wine Dinner featuring Greg Gauthier of Gauthier Cellars and Bouchaine Vineyards. The five-course meal features some of Gauthier's favorite wines paired with classics from the Francesca's menu. The dinner is $55 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Gauthier will be on-site discussing the wines paired with the menu and speaking about his wineries. Reservations are required.

The meal will begin with Crostini with Smoked Salmon, cr�me fresh, Arugula and Apricots, paired with Sauvignon Blanc. This will be followed by Braised Pork Cheeks Ragout over white creamy Polenta with an exquisite Chardonnay. The third course will feature Handmade Veal-Filled Ravioli with roasted shiitake mushrooms, veal jus and parmesan. This makes an excellent pair for one of Gauthier's favorite Pinot Noir blends. The fourth course will feature Cast Iron Black Angus Rib Eye with Porcini flavor and roasted fall vegetables in a Cabernet reduction with a different Pinot Noir blend. Dessert will feature an Assortment of Chocolate Truffles with Bouchon D'or.

Goose Island Beer Dinner

November 17, 6:30 p.m. - Francesca's Vicinato (12960 S. Lagrange Rd., Palos Park, IL, 60464; 708-671-1600)

Francesca's Vicinato will also host the Goose Island Beer Dinner, featuring some of Goose Island's best beers. The five-course dinner is $45 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

The Vicinato Goose Island Beer Dinner begins with Assorted Crostini's , paired with Goose Island's 312, followed by a salad of Boston Bib