Villa Francesca Summer Blogger Festa

I feel like Ristorante Villa-Francesca and I already have a special relationship. There is something about her, she always knows how to brighten up my day. Walking home from work I round the corner off Hanover onto Richmond Street and their she is beaming proudly along the Freedom Trail. Flower beds with an abundance of bright green plants line the outside edge of the wide open windows. A huge raw bar in the shape of a boat sits in one open window section, and even more brightly colored pink and purple flowers hang in pots above.

Villa Francesca's positive vibes encompasses this block, there is no doubt about it. I've visited for drinks, but never a meal. When Kristen Haley of Beantown Socialite invited me via Facebook to the Villa Francesca Summer Blogger Festa she was hosting, I was delighted to attend and experience what this well established North End spot had to offer. After all, I'm not going around recommending restaurants based on a feeling they exude on my walk home from work. ;) I arrived around 6:00 and was welcomed by the hostess at the door who lead me around the bar and down a small dark stairway to the open beamed-low ceiling, exposed brick walled wine cellar. Here I was greeted with a glass of Prosecco and freshly shucked oysters. The attention to detail at the Oyster bar, complete with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce was impressive. The constant refills of my Prosecco glass were welcomed as I mingled and conversed with blog friends - some I'd recently met, and others I hadn't yet had the pleasure. Here goes blog community, my respective shout outs, so be sure to check them out:
Megan @ Delicious Dishings (If it wasn't for this girl, I wouldn't have known about the event, thanks Megan, you rock)
Michelle @ Fun and Fearless in Beantown
Meghan @ Travel Wine Dine
Katie @ The Small Boston Kitchen
Lara @ Good Cook Doris
Alicia @ The Clean Plate Club
Renee @ Eat.Live.Blog
Melissa @ The Foodies at Work
After a good hour of mingling, we sat down to dinner. I'm slightly buzzed at this point, but was more than happy to accept a glass (or two) of the house white wine. 
Soon after our drinks were taken care of, the appetizer course began with the Antipasti Dela Casa.
This large platter, shared between about 4 persons each included: prosciutto, salami, provolone and olives, as well as a caprese salad containing buffalo mozzarella and tomatoes drizzled in olive oil, finished with a chiffonade of fresh basil and a dusting of cracked pepper. I especially adored the presentation of salami pyramids. The antipasto plate was fresh and inviting. I have had a number of excellent antipasto dishes at traditional North End spots, and to be honest I am not sure what they are "supposed" to include. Personally, I enjoy variety. A fresh bed of lettuce and some hot peppers are always welcome, but place a plate of fresh cheese and thinly sliced meats in front of me, and I'm a happy gal.
I'm also in a happy state with a plate of pasta and seafood in front of me. Here we have the Fettuccine Con Gamberi. I could tell this pasta was homemade before the owner Bill came over and presented us with that fact. I swear! This pasta had an unmistakable authenticity. It was tender and texturally flawless topped with firm flavorful shrimp in a vibrant tomato basil and cream sauce.

Villa Francesca was packed tonight! After all, it was the first Monday of Restaurant Week. The atmosphere upstairs is just as inviting as the wine cellar we were dining in. Hardwood floors, exposed brick archways, elegant wine racks and a chic marble bar are all part of the bustling scene.Above: Renee & Megan. Below: Me, Lara & KatieFor the main course, we had our choice of two entrees. 

Sogliola Alla Meditteranea. Fillet of Sole prepared with extra virgin olive oil, a touch of butter, lots of fresh basil and a sprinkle of fresh tomato. Served with roasted potatoes and escarole with cannelini beans.

Pollo Monte. Chicken layered with Eggplant and mozzarella, topped with artichoke in a white wine sauce. Served with roasted potatoes and spinach. Megan ordered the Pollo, I ordered the Sogliola, and we shared! Both were excellent choices. The Chicken and Eggplant - a combination I'm not sure I've ever experienced in a layered fashion in one dish were complimentary and unique. The Sole - a melt-in-your-mouth light and flaky fish was the perfect entree after a heavier appetizer course. I admit, I see Cannoli on the dolce menu and think - tell me something I don't know. Well, Francesca did just that.
ummmmm.

wow.

Olga hand filled these fresh baked cannoli shells at our table.

And topped them with our choice of chocolate chips, walnuts and/or powdered sugar. I'll take all three, please and thanks! While Olga filled and topped, Bill explained the secret to inquiring minds. His cannolis are filled with fresh ricotta, vanilla and that's it. He explained most places refill them with a flour mixture, and that creates a heavier texture, which clearly is not the same. You simply can not achieve that velvety smooth texture any other way.

Heaven on a plate.

And heaven in a tiny mug. I drank some espresso. Why?! I don't know, maybe I'm pretending I'm on vacation in Europe.

It's 12:31, and I'm wide awake. Oops.

I had an absolute blast dining with these guys!! Thanks so much Kristen (the red head in the grey/blue top and black skirt) for organizing this event and Bill (the tall dark Italian on Kristen's left) for your generous hospitality.
Another North End gem discovered. My walks home past Ristorante Villa Francesca will forever be filled with fond memories of this night.