Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar Founded on Italian Tradition

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Chicago (October 2007)-Originating from the Friuli region of Italy, a frasca (wreath of tree branches) hanging over a farmhouse door signifies the sale of food and wine within. As a result, a frasca has come to symbolize a pleasant gathering place for family and friends. Chicago's own Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar (3358 N. Paulina St.) has embraced this tradition inside its contemporary, Italian influenced restaurant and wine bar.

Frasca, which opened in May 2006, offers a vast array of traditional and contemporary Italian dishes, artisan pizza and an extensive wine list from Italy, France and North America. Executive chef Javier Gomez has built a solid culinary résumé which includes more than six years of experience as sous chef under the tutelage of Chef John Coletta in many Chicago area establishments, including Caliterra Bar and Grille, Carlucci's of Downers Grove and Quartino. As the executive chef, Gomez brings a young, brewing talent into the kitchen, bringing a creatively contemporary touch to Frasca's well-known Italian flavors.

"I enjoy the challenge of combining ingredients and having the ability to turn taste into flavor," shares Gomez. "Adding my personal flair and favorite spices to the menu allows me to create classic Italian dishes with a modern twist."

Gomez isn't alone in his enthusiasm for the kitchen. Frasca's general manager, John Boudouvas, is proud to work with Gomez, "You can tell good chefs by the amount of passion they have. They view being a chef as a career rather than a job."

Boudouvas himself is no stranger to the restaurant business, having graduated culinary school at Kendall Collage. Upon graduation he got his first taste of classic Italian cooking while working at Arrive Derci in Melbourne, Australia. Boudouvas is perhaps best known for his seven years of experience with the Francesca Group as executive chef and general manager at Francesca's Bryn Mawr, and as general manager of Francesca's Forno, Boudouvas joined the Frasca team in June 2007 with a solid vision to develop the restaurant as a classic Italian eatery, while helping it step away from its narrow pizzeria image. As a result, Frasca has integrated and expanded its menu, and Gomez and Boudouvas happily serve a packed house every day.

Frasca's Contemporary Italian Menu
Some of the savory Italian favorites found on Frasca's diverse menu include appetizers like Fonduta, fontina and pecorino fondue with apples, toasted bread and sopressata ($9) and the Calamari Alla Luciana, oven roasted calamari with cannellini beans, olives, tomatoes and fresh mint ($9).

Frasca's fresh garden salads include the classic Caprese with vine ripened tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and aged balsamic ($7); Wild Arugula, crispy pancetta, shaved apples and gorgonzola cheese ($6) or the Insalata Frasca of mixed greens, roasted chicken, salami, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions and croutons in a Chianti vinaigrette ($12).

An Italian restaurant would not be complete without an extensive list of pizzas on the menu. Frasca offers nine varieties of pizza including the Capone with tomato sauce, wood-roasted onions, fennel sausage and fresh mozzarella ($12); Quattro Formaggi with mozzarella, gorgonzola, ricotta and provolone cheeses ($10) or the Build Your Own pizza with tomato sauce, grated provolone and mozzarella and the guests' choice of number of additional toppings including marinated eggplant, prosciutto, chopped olives and Italian anchovies ($8 plus additional costs for toppings).

Favorite entrées from Frasca's oven include dishes like the Gnocchi Alla Pizzaiolo, homemade potato dumplings sautéed in tomato sauce with fresh herbs, smoked provolone and extra virgin olive oil ($14); Pollo Alla Piccata, a pan-roasted chicken breast with lemon, white wine and capers served with cannellini beans ($15) and Steak Florentine served with roasted potatoes and Roman-style artichokes ($19).

Several side dishes can be ordered separately from each entrée. These items include the Carciofi Alla Romana, roasted artichokes with mint, chili flakes and slivered red onions ($5), Le Patate Di Campagna, country style potatoes with garlic, rosemary and truffle oil ($5), and Asparagi Al Forno, roasted asparagus with chopped eggs and Reggiano cheese ($6).

Guests who save room for Frasca's desserts are delighted with such choices as Warm Chocolate Cake with hazelnut gelato and custard sauce ($6), Mascarpone Cheesecake with a chocolate crust and raspberry sauce ($6), Carrot Cake Tiramisu drizzled with espresso ($6) as well as an assortment of gelatos and ice creams ($5).

Living up to the frasca tradition, Frasca's warm, rustic ambiance creates an inviting atmosphere for friends and family to enjoy. The 3,500 square foot space includes a 130-seat main dining room and trendy bar in which patrons can enjoy a contemporary Italian meal and order one of the many varieties of wines available. There is also a private dining room with seating for up to 40 people.

Frasca's extensive wine list allows customers to sample a number of wines by ordering an Italian white wine flight ($12.50), or the Italian red wine flight ($13.50), each including three varieties, allowing tasters to sample the tastes of different regions in Italy. With more than 90 selections to choose from, Frasca also offers a number of white wine, red wine and sparkling wines by the glass or bottle.

Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar is located at 3358 N. Paulina St. in Chicago, IL. The kitchen is open 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Frasca's bar is open until 1 a.m. daily. Major cards accepted include American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and Diners Club. To make reservations, please call Frasca at (773) 248-5222. For more information, please visit www.frascapizzeria.com.

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