The Place: No need to hop a flight to Florence — you can find a taste of Tuscany in Mary Brickell Village at Toscana Divino. The space is dimly lit and hip, with a central round glass wine cellar and outdoor tables on the pavement for those willing to brave the al fresco heat in downtown. The menu is divided into traditional dishes and modern takes on evolving Italian cuisine.

The History: Owners Stefano Cavinato and Tommaso Morelato have known each other since high school in Padova, the capital of Padua Province in northern Italy and the setting for Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew." Cavinato came to Miami first and then invited Morelato to come up with the idea for a restaurant; that is how Toscana was born 4 1/2 years ago.

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Source: http://www.miamiherald.com/