Rustic, Francis's Favorites

Rustic, Francis's Favorites Restaurant Review:

An archway frames the opening scene: a long driveway through vineyards leading to a chateau. Stairs lead to a sprawling pool lined with chaise lounges and cabines---the impressive façade of a winery operation in back. There’s a tasting room with dozens of Coppola’s signature wines and a gallery with his movie mementos including the Tucker car, Godfather Oscars, and Apocalypse Now props. Cut to the restaurant. A copper hooded grill dominates the relaxed dining room’s midsection, while display cases of antique olive oil tins and a patio overlooking the grapevines comprise the perimeter. The menu highlights “Francis’s Favorites,” generously portioned dishes such as ribs, chicken under brick or porterhouse steak, depending on the night. Best bets might be simpler fare: juicy grilled sausage with sweet peppers and onions, lemony pork Milanese or pizza margherita with torn basil. Storytelling is de rigueur for Coppola, so his dishes come named after friends or family, or appended with a personal tale of origin and preparation. On Tuesdays "A Tavola," servers play Italian-American relatives---mingling, joking, singing and circulating platters of food. Cynics will cringe at the hospitaliano atmosphere, but those who embrace the role of Mr. Coppola’s houseguest are sure to enjoy.