Frankies 457 Spuntino Eggplant Marinara Price

One of Frankies 457 Spuntino's bestsellers, the Eggplant Marinara, features a gluten-free interpretation of the Italian-American classic casserole. Cooks slice the eggplant into paper-thin rounds before dipping the vegetable in egg and frying it until golden, strictly omitting the traditional breadcrumb coating to maintain a lighter, silkier texture. The assembly involves stacking these tender vegetable slices with the restaurant's signature slow-simmered marinara sauce and generous dustings of Pecorino Romano. This specific cheese choice adds a sharp, salty bite that differs significantly from the gooey, melted mozzarella found in standard parmigiana recipes. The casserole bakes until the tomato sauce reduces and concentrates, creating a dense, savory brick of vegetables and cheese that holds its shape when plated. The price for this entree ranges from $19.00 to $24.00.

The lack of breading and heavy mozzarella distinguishes this dish from the Eggplant Parmesan at Parm, which focuses on a crispier, heavier cutlet style. A side of the Roasted Beet & Avocado Salad provides a fresh, earthy counterpoint to the acidity of the tomato sauce and the richness of the fried oil. Guests frequently finish the meal with the Red Wine Prunes & Mascarpone, a signature dessert that echoes the rustic simplicity of the main course. A glass of Chianti Classico matches the tannins with the savory Pecorino and tomato acidity. Frankies 457 Spuntino Eggplant Marinara reviews commend the melt-in-the-mouth consistency of the thinly sliced vegetables, noting that the omission of breadcrumbs prevents the dish from becoming soggy. Patrons frequently mention that the use of Pecorino instead of mozzarella allows the flavor of the eggplant to remain the focal point rather than being obscured by excess dairy.

Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli developed this recipe to offer a gluten-free alternative to the heavy red-sauce staples that define Italian-American cooking. The dish represents the "Spuntino" philosophy of serving casual, high-quality snacks and meals that rely on ingredient integrity rather than complex techniques. Frankies 457 Spuntino resides in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, serving as a neighborhood staple for nearly two decades. The chefs prioritize the use of proprietary olive oil and imported tomatoes to ensure the marinara sauce provides a consistent, high-quality base for the layered vegetables.