It’s tough to write a review for Frankies 17 that’s significantly different than the Frankies 457 edition – the two restaurants are almost identical. They are both great though, and both deserve a nod from The Infatuation. But while the two restaurants are all but clones, you’ll notice that #17 get’s an ever so slightly higher rating. Here’s why: they take credit cards, it’s (somewhat) less crowded, and you have more options to kill time or find a backup plan if you get stuck with a marathon wait. Add it up, carry the zero, and what do you get? A tenth of a point, and a First/Early in the Game Dates tag that Frankies 457 doesn’t have. After all, how are you going to impress if you can’t show off that new Discover Card Sliver?
Food Rundown:
Fennel, Celery Root & Parsley with Sliced Red Onion, Lemon & Pecorino
A citrusy fennel salad that benefits from the celery root. Really nice.
Roasted Vegetable Salad
This is really just a bowl of roasted vegetables, which can be great if that’s what you’re feeling, but there are better salads to be had.
Frankies’ Greens with Cipollini Onion Cider Vinaigrette
We’ve hit the salads pretty hard at Frankies and this one is amazing, really because of it’s simplicity and that sweet and acidic vinaigrette.
House-Made Pappardelle with Braised Lamb, Tomato, Tarragon & Frankies Olive Oil
A tasty home made pasta with hearty lamb and herbs. This is a wintertime dish if I’ve ever seen one, but it’s somehow not as heavy as you might expect.
House-Made Cavatelli with Faiccos Hot Sausage & Browned Sage Butter
Aside from the massive pork shank special I ate a few weeks ago, this is my favorite of all the offerings from Frankies. Little home made cavatelli pasta with a delicious spicy sausage.
Sweet Potato & Sage Ravioli in Parmesan Broth
A fantastic light and airy ravioli, this is the perfect mix of sweet and savory. A fan favorite for sure.
Giant Pork Shank Special
Yes, I made that name up. This was a special last time I was in Frankie’s 17, and I was told that it’s on and off the menu at both locations. Remember that movie Encino Man? Yea, well this looks like something Link would have eaten before Pauly Shore defrosted him in 1992 California. So good, and so meaty.
