649756 Thu Sep 03 09:35:51 -0700 2009 2 11 South 0 5002148 This is a new place at 2410 Park Road. Had dinner there last night after reading about it in the Observer and was very impressed. Its a small, neighborhood type place, very casual. The menu is varied and creative...fo example bacon wrapped tater tots with maple rosemary glaze (which I didn' t try). I had an off menu special of Carnitas. The pork was excellent, obviously slow roasted, yet juicy and very flavorful. It was served over a bed of rice and black beans, with a cilantro lime sauce on top. My wife had a wedge greek salad with feta, olives, tomatoes, etc. The dressing was great, very bright and lemony, not vinegary. Fran's is very affordable and the food is delicious. Will definitely return. Thu Sep 03 09:35:51 -0700 2009 1089411 bbqdawg 1 5152820 The word is out on Fran’s Filling Station. When a new place opens and people just seem to flock to it with no advertising you know that word of mouth is spreading. This place has outstanding food. Located in the same shopping center as Rusan’s and Fiamma in the former Gone Hog Wild location. The space has been totally redecorated and is warm and funky at the same time. The food concept is driven by two factors, fun and deliciousness. The result as you would expect it’s fun to eat delicious food. Some diner entrees include a first rate Maryland style crab cake with a spicy remoulade or Mussels your way with bacon, beer& hot pepper or with white wine and garlic or with red curry. All three are winners and I recommend getting them with the Fries (Belgian Style) to sop up the sauce. If you feeling like something a bit more homey go for one of the Mom inspired dishes. What a pleasure it was recently to meet Mom. She was visiting and happened to be hanging at the bar. As it turns out Mom is not just sweet but also the originator of many of the best dishes. Try the meatloaf, eggplant parm, the meatballs with crusty bread and lots of marinara, I like mine with plenty of gooey cheese. Or the Thanksgiving on a plate. All the players are included. House roasted Turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and rockin stuffing. The sides can make a dish sing and many hit real high notes for me. Standouts include the roasted cauliflower; each day features a braised green and also a green veg du jour. Another can’t miss side is the Creamy Cheesy Polenta. Lets get real if its creamy and cheesy its got to be fantastic and it sure is. The daily specials are many things, eclectic, innovative, traditional, down home, gourmet, and old school and very original. The element that they always share is being faithful to the concept of delicious and fun. Recent specials included – Crispy corned beef, sort of a deconstructed Rueben sandwich, Lobster taco’s, Texas Brisket and baked beans, Ciopino an amazing seafood stew, Beef Stroganoff, Roast Chicken and even Chicken Fried Steak to name a few The pastry chef has some serious chops and if you have the room desert is a great way to top off your meal if you have room for it. Whether you want to top off your tank or if you are on empty and want to fill er up Fran’s Filling Station will leave your engine purring. Tue Nov 03 12:58:04 -0800 2009 5002148 139527 GodfatherofLunch 2 5179185 Went to Fran's last night for first time and really enjoyed it. The place is very casual and comfortable with really good food at good prices. I had the slow cooked beef with two sides (mashed potatoes and braised collards) - while many things tempted me it was such a cold and blustery night this seemed a great choice. The meat had good flavor and a nice gravy but it did have a slightly weird texture. Instead of shredding and falling apart like slow cooked/braised beef often does, it was a bit rubbery... still ate all of it though. The potatoes (red-skinned) and collards (tangy but not bitter) were great. My wife had the eggplant parm and loved it. Which is, I think, saying something since we are both pretty picky with our Italian food. We also had the soup of the day (lentil, sausage, and kale) which was great. I didn't get the wings but I love what they are doing with them. They have a wings du jour selection and change up the flavors. Last night's option was a pastrami style wing (spiced with pepper, paprika, etc) and then served with a side of thousand island to mimic a rueben. Just a clever, creative, awesome idea. Can't wait to try the wings. All the above (one soup, two entrees, and two beers) came to $35 plus tip. Real good value. Fri Nov 13 11:06:20 -0800 2009 5152820 135338 mcap