French restaurant Francine to join mix at Scottsdale Fashion Square

PHOENIX – The luxury wing of a Scottsdale shopping center will be adding another restaurant to its fine-dining stable in the next few weeks.

Restaurateur Laurent Halasz said Francine, will serve a menu inspired by the cuisine from the south of France and open at Fashion Square in late April.

Halasz, creator of the popular Fig & Olive, which has locations across the country, including Chicago, Los Angeles and New York, said in a press release Wednesday this project, named for his mother, was his most personal to date.

“Everything on my mother’s table was fresh, seasonal, and full of flavor, and that is exactly what Francine will offer our guests,” Halasz said of the French Mediterranean offerings.

“We are so excited to bring our new take on classic French Mediterranean.”

Diners can feast on grilled octopus, Salad Nicoise, Salmon Carpaccio, grilled Mediterranean branzino and seared duck a la Provencal.

The daytime menu was expected to feature salads, pizza, and shareable dishes.

The restaurant will take up about 5,000 square feet and joins Nobu, Ocean 44 and Toca Madera at that end of the mall.

Fashion Square is at Camelback Road and Goldwater Boulevard.

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