Seymour’s newest Italian restaurant, Villa Francesca, has opened its doors at Macon Crossing in Seymour. They offer traditional Italian dishes in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, with menu choices ranging from pizza and spaghetti to calzones, parmigianas and a variety of pasta dishes.
The Herald stopped by for our review on a Thursday night to find the restaurant bustling with activity. Though we didn’t have to wait for seating, there were only a few empty tables during the dinner hour. A sign in the entryway invited us to seat ourselves, and we chose a booth near the front. The hostess promptly greeted us, took our drink orders, and answered a few questions for us about the items on the menu.
The staff in general was very knowledgeable and friendly, and were spotlessly turned out in uniform. In fact, we were struck by the neatness and cleanliness of the establishment, even though it is relatively new.
The beverages arrived right away, just as we’d ordered them, and I must say it was refreshing change of pace to enjoy a tall cold glass of iced tea that was not watered down – too often a restaurant will try to save a few pennies by stretching the tea to the point of making it tap water. The Villa served up a glass that was nicely brisk, with just enough ice to keep it cool.
Along with the beverages came a basket of Italian bread slices, brushed with a touch of oil and dusted with savory spices. The chewy and flavorful treat went well with our gang, and was necessarily replenished by our server often, who perceptively brought us a larger portion each time.
The house salads that accompanied the meal were attractively presented, with light and dark greens, white onions, cucumbers, carrots, and black olives. Our choice of dressing was, of course, Italian, which was served in a shaker carafe, and featured a tasty blend of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
For the entrée, it was clear that I would have a chance to explore my love for a well-made red sauce. The tomato-based marinara and pizza sauces are the base of many Italian dishes, and I consider myself a connoisseur. Personally, it’s rare that I encounter a restaurant sauce that is at least as good as what I make at home.
Pete Silvestris, the owner, cooks his sauce for twenty-four hours, just like I do at home, and though his balance of spices is different than mine, he achieves a wonderfully rich taste and texture with his marinara. The pizza sauce, lighter in texture and less spicy than the marinara, is likewise well balanced and full-bodied, and lends a great compliment to the variety of ingredients available.
To accompany my marinara sauce, I chose the cheese ravioli. The pasta was done to perfection, with just the right combination of tenderness and firmness. The ricotta cheese filling was piping hot and delicious, with a delicate flavor that blended harmoniously with the sauce.
For desert, an Italian cheesecake was the ultimate indulgence. Sweet and rich, it was a perfect compliment to the meal.
If you’re looking for fine Italian dining in a relaxed atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with the Villa Francesca, at 10721 Chapman Highway in the Macon Crossing Plaza. They are open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and closed Sunday. They can be reached by phone at (865) 573-9418.

… read the rest of the story by Subscribing now.

... read the rest of the story by Subscribing now.