Coarse Italian: Franco Francese Brings Authentic Family Flavors to Glenview Park Golf Club

For acclaimed restaurateur Franco Francese, the very essence of food transcends mere nourishment; it represents a profound connection to family, a reverence for heritage, and a vessel for creating indelible memories that shape our lives. When prompted to recall his most treasured food-related memory, his face visibly brightens, his thoughts effortlessly drifting back to the quintessential Sunday dinners of his youth. These gatherings were more than just meals; they were grand, multi-generational family affairs, where everyone would convene around the dining table, eyes alight with anticipation, eagerly awaiting their turn to be served a generous portion of perfectly cooked rigatoni. As is often the case with many iconic Italian dishes, the true secret, the very soul of the meal, resided within the sauce. The Francese family recipe for this exquisite sauce was nothing short of a culinary marvel, featuring succulent cow’s neck bones patiently simmered for countless hours at a low temperature, allowing their rich, complex flavors to slowly develop and meld into a deeply satisfying symphony. “Family matters,” Francese shares with a pensive, yet resolute, voice. “It’s the foundation that molds us, shaping our identities and defining who we become as individuals. And there’s an undeniable joy, a unique satisfaction, in the experience of working alongside family members.”

It is precisely this deeply ingrained spirit of family and profound familial love that Franco Francese is meticulously bringing to life at the Glenview Park Golf Club with his highly anticipated latest restaurant, Coarse Italian. Scheduled to open its doors for dinner on June 17th, this new establishment is poised to become Glenview’s premier destination for authentic Italian cuisine, infused with genuine warmth and tradition. This venture is more than just the opening of a restaurant; it represents a heartfelt continuation of a legacy, a vibrant celebration of community bonds, and a testament to the enduring power of core family values in the culinary landscape.

A Culinary Legacy: From Chicagoland Success to Glenview’s New Italian Gem

Franco Francese is hardly a novice in the vibrant and fiercely competitive Chicagoland dining scene. Over the years, he has meticulously cultivated a stellar reputation as a discerning and innovative restaurateur. His previous success story is exemplified by the highly regarded Mattone Restaurant and Bar in La Grange Park, an establishment he proudly co-owns with his brother, Vito Francese. Mattone has flourished, becoming a beloved fixture in its community, renowned for its exceptional Italian dishes that consistently offer a distinctive, modern twist on traditional flavors. The sustained success and widespread popularity of Mattone provided the Francese brothers with a compelling blueprint for excellence and a powerful inspiration to explore exciting expansion opportunities within the bustling Chicago suburbs. Their vision was clear: to bring their unique blend of authentic Italian dining and contemporary flair to new communities.

The perfect, serendipitous opportunity for expansion materialized at the prestigious Glenview Park Golf Club. This strategic and picturesque location presented not only a stunning natural backdrop but also a unique and invaluable chance to seamlessly integrate Coarse Italian into the daily lives and routines of both avid golf enthusiasts and the broader Glenview community. The Francese brothers shared a clear vision: to create a welcoming and elegant space where the rich, time-honored traditions of Italian dining could harmoniously blend with the relaxed sophistication of a premier golf club, thereby curating an unparalleled dining experience that would appeal to and delight everyone who stepped through their doors.

Coarse Italian: A New Culinary Destination Elevating Glenview Dining

My recent visit to the Glenview Park Golf Club on a refreshingly cool weekend morning provided an immersive glimpse into the idyllic and serene setting that Coarse Italian now calls home. As I conducted my interview with Franco Francese, the initially overcast skies gradually began to dissipate, making way for a brilliant sun that gracefully illuminated the expansive, verdant grounds. This fortunate meteorological shift allowed me the distinct privilege of thoroughly exploring the magnificent location in its full splendor. The golf course itself was nothing short of a masterpiece of landscape design, featuring perfectly manicured greens and fairways, artfully interspersed with vibrant islands of lush vegetation and immaculately maintained walking pathways. The serene and inviting atmosphere palpable throughout the property clearly promised an enjoyable and wonderfully relaxing experience for all visitors, regardless of whether they were avid golfers eager to hit the links or simply individuals seeking a tranquil escape and a delicious meal.

This exquisite environment, with its natural beauty and peaceful ambiance, perfectly aligns with Franco Francese’s overarching and ambitious vision for Coarse Italian. His primary objective extends far beyond merely addressing the needs of golf professionals and club members; he passionately aims to cultivate a comprehensive and inclusive dining experience that genuinely serves the entire Glenview community, a community of which he is an incredibly proud and actively engaged member. Throughout the golf season, Coarse Italian is set to offer a diverse and enticing array of dining options, including delectable breakfast selections to start the day right, satisfying and fresh lunches, and elegant dinners designed for memorable evenings. Furthermore, the warmer summer months will see the venue transform into a vibrant hub for engaging outdoor events, featuring an irresistible combination of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and captivating live music. These meticulously planned events are designed not only to entertain but also to foster a profound sense of togetherness and provide unforgettable experiences for families, friends, and neighbors alike, truly cementing Coarse Italian as a community cornerstone.

In addition to becoming Glenview’s newest and most appealing Italian dining destination, Franco Francese’s restaurant is thoughtfully designed to be a versatile venue, perfectly suited to accommodate a wide array of special occasions. Coarse Italian will serve as an ideal location for meticulously planned banquets, sophisticated luncheons, corporate meetings, and other significant private or public events. Its flexible spaces, combined with a dedicated and experienced team, ensure that every event, whether an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, is executed with impeccable attention to detail, personalized service, and a steadfast commitment to creating truly lasting and positive impressions for all guests.

Crafting Culinary Brilliance: The Distinctive Menu of Coarse Italian

While Coarse Italian will proudly uphold the same unwavering commitment to premium quality ingredients and meticulous attention to detail that has become synonymous with the successful Mattone, it will distinguish itself with an entirely new, never-before-seen, and remarkably innovative menu. This culinary masterpiece has been collaboratively crafted with the exceptionally talented Executive Chef Tony DeMario. Chef DeMario brings a wealth of invaluable experience and a distinguished pedigree to Coarse Italian, having honed his impressive craft and culinary philosophy at some of Chicago’s most celebrated and critically acclaimed establishments, including the renowned Girl and the Goat, Sepia, and Acanto, among others. His profound expertise and creative flair promise a menu that is both comfortingly familiar in its authentic Italian roots and exhilaratingly exciting in its contemporary execution, offering a truly unique dining journey for every patron.

During my visit, the official opening date had just been slightly postponed, and the dedicated team was still in the final, meticulous stages of refining the menu. However, this dynamic situation presented no concern whatsoever for Francese, who eloquently articulated his unwavering philosophy: “First impressions are absolutely paramount, and we are utterly committed to ensuring that every single detail is perfectly aligned and executed flawlessly before we officially open our doors to the public.” The evolving menu, as passionately outlined by Francese, stands as a clear and powerful reflection of the Francese family’s deep-rooted commitment to unparalleled quality, a vibrant celebration of seasonality, and an adventurous spirit of culinary creativity. Diners can eagerly anticipate an exquisite array of dishes, such as a vibrant Caprese salad featuring luscious, house-made mozzarella expertly paired with exquisitely grilled seasonal fruit, and a delicately crafted panna cotta served with a rich, flavorful fruit confit. These thoughtfully curated selections not only highlight the freshest, highest-quality ingredients available but also beautifully showcase innovative interpretations of classic Italian flavors, promising a delightful and memorable gastronomic experience.

Supporting Local: A Meaningful Partnership with Historic Wagner Farm

In a significant and commendable step towards fostering meaningful collaboration within the local producer community, Franco Francese also revealed an exciting plan: Coarse Italian intends to source a selection of its fresh, seasonal vegetables and premium meats directly from Glenview’s beloved Historic Wagner Farm. This thoughtful farm-to-table approach not only guarantees the freshest possible ingredients for Coarse Italian’s discerning guests, ensuring peak flavor and quality, but also significantly strengthens local economic ties and actively supports sustainable agricultural practices. This deep-seated commitment to local sourcing clearly underscores the restaurant’s dedication not only to culinary excellence but also to its desire to be an integral, contributing, and responsible part of the vibrant Glenview community, embodying a true spirit of local partnership.

The Francese Philosophy: A Recipe for Lasting Success in Chicagoland Dining

My departure from Coarse Italian left me with a profound sense of admiration for its underlying philosophy and its unwavering pursuit of culinary excellence. Launching a new restaurant is an inherently challenging and often daunting endeavor, particularly within the fiercely competitive and dynamic Chicagoland market. Yet, Franco Francese’s extensive experience, his quiet yet palpable confidence, and his genuine passion for his craft instilled in me a strong and reassuring sense of cautious optimism for Coarse Italian’s future success. The restaurateur’s consistent and heartfelt emphasis on the paramount importance of family and community serves as an incredibly solid and authentic foundation for an establishment that not only aspires to serve delicious food but also aims to cultivate meaningful and enduring relationships with its cherished patrons.

According to Franco Francese, actively engaging with the community and extending a warm, heartfelt welcome to everyone at the dining table is unequivocally “the best way to be successful.” This isn’t merely a shrewd business strategy; it is a deeply held personal belief that permeates and defines every single aspect of Coarse Italian. From the carefully curated menu that proudly celebrates seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to the inviting and comfortable ambiance specifically designed to encourage communal gathering and convivial conversation, every detail meticulously reflects this core commitment. The restaurant aspires to be far more than just a place to enjoy a meal; it strives to be a cornerstone of the Glenview community, a vibrant space where cherished memories are forged, and genuine connections are authentically created over plates of exceptional Italian food. With such a heartfelt, authentic, and community-centric approach, Coarse Italian is supremely poised to carve out a unique and beloved niche within the esteemed Chicagoland dining landscape, undoubtedly setting a new and elevated standard for both hospitality and culinary delight. I, for one, wholeheartedly agree with Franco’s profound sentiment and eagerly anticipate the many successes that undoubtedly await Coarse Italian.