Brazilian chef Rico Franco’s route to Villanova’s Azie on Main has been long and circuitous. His chef journey jump-started when he left the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro and landed on United States soil in the late ‘70s, to attend the Culinary Institute of America. Like any proper cooking school education, he interned in many esteemed kitchens—including a stint in Nice, France.
Chef Rico recalls his time spent at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City as a crucial learning period, where he was able to “work among a lot of great chefs.” But with extensive notches under his culinary belt—many of which were achieved in New York City, he made the jump to New Jersey’s suburbs to unveil a restaurant of his own—Atrio Cafe in Stockton (near New Hope, Pennsylvania). His very own BYOB had a significant impact on the community, receiving recurring press acclaim during its ten-year run for being the “best BYOB in New Jersey.” While all good things come to end, Franco closed up shop in 2005, but holds his time at his one-of-a-kind bistro dear in his heart.
With his impressive resume already established, it only makes sense that the knowledgeable chef found his current position at Win Signature Restaurant Group’s Main Line property, especially since his sharp skill sets excel in fusion cuisine. Franco came to call Azie on Main’s kitchen his own only in late 2012, then taking on the crown of chef de cuisine.
“We successfully did 300 covers New Year’s Eve,” he shares proudly.
He approaches his newest culinary pursuit with open arms and favors working with the talented Azie team since it’s “all about the food.” Since the kitchen’s main focus is on high quality ingredients and offers him the “opportunity to create,” it’s obvious that he enjoys calling this Villanova hub his new abode.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to show customers how they can fall in love with our dishes here—especially the Pad Thai. People order it and love it!,” shares the chef. “The sushi bar and sushi chefs here are tremendous too, and the fish is incredibly fresh every day,” he continues.
From high-end dishes like his take on Surf and Turf (with petite filet mignon and wasabi aioli-accented crab cake) and miso-broiled sea bass, to casual comforts like Tempura Udon and the signature Rock shrimp with Cochujang aioli, Franco is enthusiastic to cook up an eclectic lineup of options available daily—for both lunch and dinner—at your fingertips.
Considering just that, the current Willow Grove resident finished off our meet-and-eat by reiterating that while Azie on Main can act an eye-catching special occasion restaurant, it also is ideal for an every day celebration, as he serves up an affordable prix fixe on Sundays and Mondays (3 courses for only $25—each course packed with options).
Find the vibrant Rico at Azie on Main at 789 E. Lancaster Ave. in Villanova. More information about Azie on Main and the menus the chef is whipping up here.
Photographs credited to Nina Lea Photography.
