AWARDS/REVIEWS

Metromix.com

TRY THEM OUT

Wicker Park’s, Francesca’s Forno, celebrates its one-week anniversary today [August 25, 2005]. The service, however, was so efficient you’d think they’d been here for years. In a way they have: Forno offers a bit of brand extension to Mia Francesca’s growing empire; we count 14 spots at this point. But the formula gets an update: Here, pastas and entrees will be familiar to Francesca fans, but portions are smaller, and augmented by a menu of small plates.

Everything we tried was delicious – the highlight of the night was that dollop of not-to-be missed, honey-sweetened ricotta e miele.

Best part: Small plates have price breaks. Order three items from the meat-and-cheese menu for $16 or five for $25. It’s a real value.

And these waiters know their stuff: We learned about cheesemaking from ours!

The room, booming on Saturday night (and loud!), has great views of Wicker Park’s famed North, Damen and Milwaukee Avenues intersection.