WE'RE Europeans now, you know. Cosmopolitan types who, far from flinching at that 'foreign' food, positively relish succulent garlic, pungent herbs and weird and wonderful cuts of meat.

And there are few better places to take a taste tour of Europe than Franco's in Banks Road at the centre of West Kirby.

Of Sicilian extraction, Franco is a trained chef himself and has been in catering for a quarter of a century.

He's joined forces with new chef Tony Porter to produce a menu which borrows heavily from the best Europe has to offer, making quick culinary dashes to Greece, France, Britain, and, of course, Italy.

Though pretty youthful, Tony has travelled extensively, having worked for Sky TV's catering team, providing food for mega sporting events all over the Globe.

He's even given his name to my excellent starter: Salad Porter, a warm salad tossed with bacon, Roquefort cheese and garlic croutons smothered in his own vinaigrette dressing - a substantial and satisfying mix of tastes and textures.

Franco's is open Tuesday to Sunday, with a two-course special at £7.95 available all night on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and from 5.30pm-7pm on Friday to Sunday.

Open 18 months, Franco's has a welcoming Continental air, complete with candles, linen cloths and - in true Italian style - a TV in the corner for the chaps who just can't keep away from the World Cup action. It's good news, too, for the ladies who don't want to miss one second of the delicious David Ginola's performance. But I digress . . .

Happily guzzling some fine Chianti and Italian beer, we tucked in. My beloved's starter was another Tony special, Chef's Chicken Mousse stuffed with Stilton and served on interestingly mixed leaves with a herby cream sauce. Smooth and yummy.

Next came a truly serious steak: Filleto Siciliana, a great chunk of meat wrapped in Parma ham and cooked to perfection in a rich marsala sauce. Rich, sweet, a little strange at first, but really lovely.

My husband wolfed down a substantial Vitello Valdostana, medallions of veal cooked in garlic and tomato and topped with more Parma ham and mozzarella. Gorgeous.

Veggies, by the way, are a triumph, with generous spoonfuls of five or six different treats ranging from herby carrots and buttered cabbage to an arty potato croquette decorated with fried spaghetti. (I think you'd have to see it to understand!)

There is also a market-driven and frequently changing specials board, offering all sorts of delicacies which, like everything else at Franco's, is fresh, fresh, fresh. Nothing frozen here.

All your pudding favourites are here, too. Our lemon meringue pie and banoffee creation were gummy and gooey, both served with a lovely buttery lemon sauce.

Round the meal off with great coffee and you have the perfect recipe for a great night out, whether it's a romantic dinner for two or a party get-together.

So ring Franco's on 625-4025 to book your night out in Europe!

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