Francine Diamond – Managing Partner

Francine Diamond has worked throughout the U.S. with some of the most influential restauranteurs including Danny Meier (Gramercy Tavern), Wolfgang Puck (Spago, Postrio) and Max McCalman (Picholine, Artisanal) and now co-manages with her husbamd Matteo Ferdinandi and Frank Hannigan one the most interesting new concepts in West Hollywood: "Froma on Melrose".

Born in Quebec, Canada, Francine has been living in the U. S. for more than 20 years and has always been involved in the restaurant industry.

She successfully managed Restaurant Pere Antoine in New Orleans in the beginning of the 80’s and then moved to Los Angeles in 1986, the city of her dreams. In L.A. she started her own catering company Abundance Catering.

With her husband Matteo Ferdinandi she developed the concept of a Cafe–Retail concept taking all the necessary steps to learn the trade. Francine moved to New York City and became the assistant of Max McCalman "Maitre Fromager" at both Picholine and Artisanal with the purpose of learning everything there is to know about cheese from the foremost authority in the U.S. She also worked at Gramercy Tavern, one of the top five restaurants in the country, when it comes to service.

In 2001 she enrolled in the Wine & Spirits Education Trust program with the goal of becoming Master of Wine. Today she has the W.S.E.T. Diploma and only two years left to obtain the title "Master of Wine". Francine has been offered to open a branch of the W.S.E.T. in Los Angeles. She is also studying with the Court of Master Sommelier and is currently preparing for the Advanced Test.

Francine spent three year in Las Vegas with her husband Matteo and worked for the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group at Postrio. She has been in charge of the wine program for the whole group under the supervision of Master Sommelier Luis de Santos.

She is still involved in the program as an editor and consultant.

Francine opened "Froma on Melrose" in July 2007, and has been the engine behind the creation, development and operation of this successful concept with her Husband Matteo, and in 2007 partnered up with Frank“Paco”Hannigan to further compliment the levels of skill available in the Management Team.

Francine is an integral part in running the day-to-day operation, structuring the beverage program and supporting  the Managing Partners Frank Hannigan, Matteo Ferdinandi and Soerke Peters with the development of their new concepts.