While having been in its location four years, Francine has recently all but reinvented itself to be a much more authentic French Mediterranean restaurant with the new chef, Chef Remy, who brings more than 20 years of global culinary experience at Michelin Star restaurants and luxury hotels.
“Chef Remy has an exceptional resume. He’s been named one of the top chefs in Singapore and he has led the culinary teams for many of the world’s best restaurants,” says Francine founder and owner Laurent Halasz, who is, himself, a celebrity chef and created Francine as homage to his childhood in the South of France. “He has a big focus on sourcing his dishes locally and uses only the most organic and seasonal ingredients. Chef Remy brings a vibrant and soulful twist to his French Mediterranean cuisine, and we are extremely honored and proud to now have him leading our culinary team here at Francine.”
The overall ambiance and décor have stayed the same, an open California-meets-the-Mediterranean vibe with a grand bar at the epicenter. (The drinks are crafted to impress with a creative list of special concoctions that will intrigue even the most discerning drinkers.) The simplicity and airiness of the dining room defined by tall windows and pure white walls creates an atmosphere that is at once elegant and comfortable. And this simplicity is reflected in the menu, which emphasizes the natural flavor of fresh ingredients.
Top of the menu are the hors d’oeuvres, among which is Olives Provençale, a dish offering a variety of olives accented with herbs and a garlic confit. Raw dishes comprise land and sea. Of the latter, the Tuna Tartare is a mound of bite-sized pieces of fresh tuna studded with chunks of avocado prepared simply with white soy and lemon. The single arm that is a serving of Grilled Octopus, another great starter, is exceptionally tender. Among the entrées, seasonally available Duck “Pithiviers” highlights the French Mediterranean influences — duck breast with fois gras and black truffle baked in puff pastry.
The wait staff are informed and seem to be true foodies themselves, offering suggestions and telling of their experiences with the dishes. The service is impeccable in a European style by serving dishes with great explanation of the ingredients and cooking styles along with how well a dish pairs with other items on the table.
Francine
Scottsdale Fashion Square, luxury wing
4710 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale
(480) 690-6180
Tuna Tartare |
Mediterranean Salad |
Maxi Profiterole |
Photos courtesy of Francine
