The French Mediterranean Fine Dining Offered Complimentary Dinners with donations supporting American Heart Association, PANDA and Phoenix Heart Ball
(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) FRANCINE, the highly anticipated fine dining French-Mediterranean restaurant located in the Luxury Wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square, donated three evenings of complimentary dinners to support PANDA and the Phoenix Heart Ball benefiting the American Heart Association on August 11th, 12th and 13th.
As part of the Friends and Family Nights prior to opening to the public, FRANCINE provided complimentary meals to guests to benefit three local charities and provide practice for their staff.
In lieu of paying a traditional check, patrons were encouraged to make a donation to one of these three charities on their respective night. Every penny donated over the three-nights went directly to the Phoenix Heart Ball for American Heart Association and PANDA, which is a great opportunity for these charities since both had to postpone their 2020 fundraising events.
Heart disease is still the number one killer in the country. In addition to research and education for heart disease, the American Heart Association and Phoenix Heart Ball are helping to provide food to underprivileged children, research for COVID, a vaping campaign and education, support for other organizations in need and much more.
PANDA, an organization that supports the discovery process to improve treatments and cures for devastating childhood diseases also received a generous donation.
“We are so grateful to the FRANCINE family and everyone who dined at the restaurant on these special evenings,” said Phoenix Heart Ball 2021 Chairman Jennifer Moser. “The cuisine, service and ambiance are a great addition to Scottsdale’s culinary scene. The donations will go a long way to provide support to these organizations that have been significantly impacted by the pandemic.”
Anchored by the cuisine and inspired design from the South of France, FRANCINE, which officially opened for dinner on August 14th, is nestled in the luxury wing at Scottsdale Fashion Square near other notable fine dining establishments including Ocean 44 and Nobu.
The restaurant is the brainchild of Laurent Halasz, who is a Scottsdale resident himself and known nationally for his highly successful Fig and Olive. Leading Halasz’s culinary team is classically French trained Chef Brian Archibald. The Executive Chef brings more than three decades of culinary leadership experience, including tenures at some of the Valley’s finest restaurants and resorts.
“These are unprecedented times and FRANCINE is grateful to be in a position to assist local causes and charities that provide essential resources and services to those in need,” said Halasz. “We hope everyone enjoyed their amazing dinner service at FRANCINE while also giving back to the community.”
Among the Mediterranean dishes guest can expect to enjoy on the dinner menu; Grilled Octopus, Zucchini Carpaccio, Steak Tartar, Salad Nicoise, Ratatouille Tart, Poulet Roti, Mushroom & Taleggio Pizza, Bone Marrow, and Seared Duck a la Provencal. For lunch and afternoon hours, the menu will also offer a selection of salads, carpaccio, pizza, and informal and shareable dishes.
Those still wishing to donate can visit PANDA at www.azpanda.org or the American Heart Association at www.phoenixheartball.heart.org
FRANCINE is open for dinner every night starting at 5pm. Lunch and brunch service will begin in the fall.
In response to Covid-19, the restaurant will be following strict safety protocols and has implemented all the CDC guidelines, including social distancing.
FRANCINE’s is located at Scottsdale Fashion Square at 4710 N Goldwater Boulevard Scottsdale, AZ 85251. The restaurant phone number is (480) 690-6180 or visit francinerestaurant.com.
For media inquiries please contact Jennifer Parks-Sturgeon at Jparks-Sturgeon@RoseMoserAllynPR.com or call (480) 495-3806.
About FRANCINE
Every meal is a celebration at FRANCINE. Guests gather for an expertly-crafted French Mediterranean menu that honors ingredients and serves it in the sophisticated warmth of the plant-filled 5,000 square-foot space. The grand dining room features floor to ceiling windows, unique artwork, a rustic fireplace, and a marble bar.
As a well-known and respected restauranteur, Halasz also brings a wealth of culinary knowledge to the Valley restaurant scene and FRANCINE is Halasz’s most personal project to date.
Halasz, who was raised in the South of France amidst the bounty of simple and soulful cuisine draws inspiration from his birthplace. FRANCINE is a spirited and loving homage to days spent in the sun and amongst gatherings around beautiful meals hosted by his mother Francine Halasz.
“Everything on my mother’s table was fresh, seasonal, and full of flavor, and that is exactly what FRANCINE will offer our guests,” says Halasz. “We are so excited to finally open our doors and bring our new take on classic French Mediterranean cuisine to Scottsdale this summer.”