Francine, a 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.

Prior to opening to the public,  as part of the Friends and Family Nights, Francine provided complimentary meals to guests to benefit three local charities and provide practice for the staff, Aug. 11-13.

In lieu of paying a traditional check, patrons were encouraged to make a donation to one of the three charities on their respective night, according to a press release.

Every penny donated over the three nights went directly to the Phoenix Heart Ball for American Heart Association and PANDA, which both had to postpone its 2020 fundraising events.

Heart disease is still the number one killer in the country, the relase noted.

In addition to research and education for heart disease, the American Heart Association and Phoenix Heart Ball help to provide food to underprivileged children, research for COVID, a vaping campaign and education, support for other organizations in need and more.

PANDA, an organization that supports the discovery process to improve treatments and cures for childhood diseases, also received a generous donation, the press release stated.

“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 in a prepared statement.

“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 Aug. 14, 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, and known nationally for his highly successful Fig and Olive.
Leading Mr. 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 Mr. Halasz in a preapred statement.

“We hope everyone enjoyed their amazing dinner service at Francine while also giving back to the community.”

Those still wishing to donate can visit PANDA at www.azpanda.org or the American Heart Association at phoenixheartball.heart.org., the release added. 

Francine is open for dinner every night starting at 5 p.m. Lunch and brunch service will begin in the fall.