It might be a long way from Sicily, but the owners of Viva Maria have introduced a little slice of Italy to northwestern Ohio. Walking inside the darkened restaurant, one is greeted by strings of overhead lights, flower vases placed on makeshift balconies and soft, moody music — all meant to evoke the feeling of strolling a quiet Italian street.

And then of course there's the smell: Hints of roasted garlic and spicy, fresh tomato sauce fill the air inside the former armory in the heart of this small village. Susan and Domenico Fricano, who've been operating the authentic Italian restaurant at the historic site since April 2014, say nearly everyone who walks through their doors has ties to the building or memories of it from their youth.

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Source: http://thecourier.com/