I ate at Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar late last year and have been meaning to go back every since, so the sneak peak for Dine Out Vancouver invite was welcome in my inbox even though I am in cutting back mode this January. And while there certainly are some heavy, creamy, rich items on the menu at this spot, contrary to popular belief, their are many Italian dishes on the lower calorie side of the meter, if you so wish not to over indulge.

Chef Karl Gregg is leading the kitchen at Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar; I’ve been a fan of his cooking for a while now and he’s been responsible for some pretty cool menus around town. The restaurant has becoming a neighbourhood favourite and is frequented by those heading to BC Place Stadium, Rogers Arena, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, the Centre for Performing Arts, and Vancouver Playhouse Theatre. If you need to eat before a show, it is definitely convenient.

There’s house made pastas, salads, healthy soups, and traditional Italian antipasto platters; plates both big and small. Lots to please a wide range of diners.

DINE OUT DINNER MENU is $28

APPETIZER Arancini sicilian risotto balls with mikuni wild mushrooms, grano padano parmesan and house-made aioli

or

Tomato Caprese Salad windset farm tomato, bocconcini, balsamic crema and fresh basil

Plus One of Veal Ravioli housemade ravioli, fresh basil, ricotta, and organic tomato sauce

or Saltspring Mussels italian sausage, concerto tomato, garlic, white wine, basil, and grilled filone

ENTREE Bistecca Pomodoro pan seared medallions of triple A beef, café de paris butter, broccolini, with spaghetti pomodoro

or

Jumbo Shrimp Scampi lemon mascarpone cream, garlic, and shallots

or

Marsala Chicken rossdown chicken breast, marsala wine, mushroom sauce, with seasonal vegetables and fingerling potato

DESSERT

Signature Tiramisu +$5 Frankie’s house-made version of the classic venetian dessert with mascarpone cheese, espresso dipped lady fingers and heavy cream  

SPECIAL NOTES

This is a three course savoury menu for $28. Dessert is an additional charge.

Beverages, tax and gratuity are extra.

Open: Monday to Thursday 7am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 7am to 12am, Sunday 7am to 10pm

Pictures courtesy of Cathy Browne