Cuisine

There's an Italian expression for it: "Come il cacio sui maccheroni." Here we'd say, "Just what the doctor ordered," but the Italian literally means, "Like cheese on macaroni."

We call the food we serve at VIA "Italian comfort food." We hope you'll find it's "just what the doctor ordered" ... or, "like cheese on macaroni," if you'd prefer.

Pay us a visit and you'll find Italian favorites such as Italian paella, Sicilian meatloaf, swordfish Milanese and gnocchi pie ... the kind of food you would find in Italy. You'll also find an assortment of familiar foods, such as grilled pizzas and sandwiches made with fresh ingredients imported from Italy.

The Accent on Buono

So where did these Italian recipes come from? Co-owner Madeleine Ahlquist grew up in an Italian family where "Italian comfort food" was a regular feature. So when we talk about "nana's ragu," it really is nana's ragu we're talking about.

But that's just the start. Robb and Madeleine spent time in Italy learning to cook from master chef Judy Witts Francini, CCP, the renowned "cooking diva" whose cooking school, Divina Cucina, is located near the Central Market in Florence. From Judy, they learned to cook authentic Italian food. Arriving at the Italian market every day at 4 a.m. (for the freshest ingredients, you need to go as soon as the market opens), they learned to prepare a menu based on the best available ingredients.

Fresh From Italy

The Ahlquists also recognized the importance of using Italian ingredients. Just as wine produced in Italy tastes different from a bottle of wine produced domestically, Italian food prepared with Italian ingredients tastes different than Italian food prepared with American ingredients.

Freshness is crucial, too. For example, many restaurants import large wheels of cheese that are stable enough to last two or three years, but the cheese never tastes quite as fresh as it should. So VIA is importing fresh ingredients weekly. Pasta, cheese, olive oil and other ingredients ... fresh from Italy to you.

The Complete Dining Experience

Of course, authentic Italian cuisine tastes even better if it is complemented by authentic Italian wine, all enjoyed in an authentic Italian setting. VIA offers a specially prepared wine list, including a house wine that is unavailable anywhere else. Even the décor of VIA will make you feel like you're in Italy. As it should, considering that the terra cotta tile was specially imported from Italy.

True to an Italian restaurant, you'll even find an Italian table, where you can eat with family and friends - or make new friends.

So welcome to VIA. Buon appetito!