The esteemed former Fox Chapel restaurant Franco's has moved into its new location in Harmar.
No signs of the old Eat 'N Park remain at the location. The place already had been gutted and redone by the Mexican restaurant that was in business at the site for a short time.
Franco's is all cloth table coverings and napkins, subdued tan walls. We expected soothing background music maybe from Frank Sinatra or the like, but instead it's totally quiet and peaceful.
Service is exceptional at Franco's -- attentive without being intrusive and swift without feeling hurried.
This is a place to dine, not just eat.
We started out our meal by two appetizers: Fried Zucchini ($7) and Fried Provolone ($5). Our server divied up the starters and gave each guest a plate. The generous number of zucchini strips were light and crispy and absolutely addictive. The provolone was a breaded wheel with the warm, soft cheese inside. The server cut it into wedges for us. Again, excellent.
Before our entrees, we were served a fresh side salad of dark greens, black olives, tomatoes, cucumbers and a large slice from what could have been the world's biggest carrot. At first, we thought the large orange strip that topped our salad was a thin slice of a sweet potato, but staff confirmed it to be a carrot. Chewy Italian rolls arrived in a basket.
Admittedly, we were full before our Chicken Romano ($14) arrived at our table, but we still indulged and enjoyed a few bites of the tender chicken breast pounded and lightly battered with a romano cheese batter. Two long lengths of chicken breast were a wonderful choice for dinner or left over for lunch the next day.
The Pecan Crusted Tilapia ($15) was superb. The tilapia was flakey, and the pecan-crusted breading was delicious. We found it odd that our tilapia was presented on a bed of mixed greens instead of rice. We ate only the tilapia, since we seemed to have enough leafy greens for the day.
We had to have something Italian at a place like this, so we selected the scrumptious-sounding homemade Lasagna ($11), which was complemented with a wholesome salad and fresh bread and creamy rich butter. The meal was delicious, but take note: if you ask for bleu cheese ($3) for your side salad it will cost you more than your soft drink ($2.75).
After seeing the tray of beautiful dessert creations designed to entice the discerning sweets connoisseur, we had to indulge. We shared a slice of the Chocolate Cake ($7), which was sinfully rich and moist.
Compiled by Rebecca Killian, Sis Reola and Marilyn Schaltenbrand. Meals are paid for by the Valley News Dispatch and are unrelated to advertising.
Additional Information:Franco's
Address: 2501 Freeport Road, Harmar
Phone: 412-517-8765
Hours: 11 am.-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri.; 3-11 p.m. Sat.; closed Sundays to the public. Only private parties on Sundays.
Credit cards: All major cards accepted
Smoking: No
Handicapped accessible: Yes
Prices: Appetizers, $5-$9; salads, $10-$15; pasta, $11-$14; sandwiches, $10-$16; entrees, $13-$17
