If you're in South Miami, craving flavorful dishes, look no further than Mosaico. This charming restaurant is the brainchild of Maurizio Farinelli, a culinary virtuoso whose family has been in the restaurant business for three generations.
Maurizio's story begins in a quaint Italian town between Bologna and Ferrara in the Emilia-Romagna region. In 1937, his family opened their first restaurant, laying the foundation for their enduring love affair with food. After World War II, the family relocated to Piemonte, where Maurizio was born, and continued their culinary legacy. Maurizio first stepped into the family's restaurant at 16, all while attending hospitality school in Torino.
Upon graduating, he took the reins of one of the family businesses. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to venture out at just 21, opening a café. However, Maurizio's passion for travel would continue to be a driving force in his culinary journey. In 1982, he embarked on a transformative trip to the United States despite barely speaking English. Starting in San Francisco, he worked his way down the coast to Mexico, up to Los Angeles, and then across to the Gulf of Mexico, exploring diverse cuisines and cultures.
Maurizio returned to Italy with many experiences, eventually selling his business in the 1980s. A yearning for adventure and windsurfing led him to the Dominican Republic for a sabbatical year. Here, fate intervened, diverting him to Miami in 1989, where he immersed himself in the vibrant culinary scene.
After working as a general manager for a renowned Italian restaurant, he took the plunge and opened his first Miami restaurant in 1996. A year and a half later, he introduced another restaurant serving traditional pizza with a state-of-the-art wood-burning oven ahead of its time. His unwavering commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients is at the core of all his ventures.
In 2019, Maurizio embarked on another culinary odyssey, this time to Tokyo, Japan, to study culinary arts. His insatiable thirst for knowledge led him to understand the intricate use of ingredients and techniques that would elevate his craft. Thus, Mosaico was born, a culinary mosaic that combines lessons from his travels, friendships with fellow chefs and love for wine.
Mosaico's menu is a testament to Maurizio's diverse culinary experiences. While some dishes are classic staples from his previous ventures, others showcase Japanese influences and even a hint of Middle Eastern inspiration. The kitchen is a playground for experimentation, continually pushing the boundaries of flavor and technique. In addition, all of his restaurants have carefully selected wine lists that span the globe, offering a curated selection that complements the dishes perfectly.
Two dishes hold a special place in Maurizio's heart, and on every menu he's created: Vitello tonnato, a Piedmontese delicacy featuring cold, sliced veal bathed in a creamy, tuna-infused sauce, and Agnolotti del Plin, a traditional Piedmontese pasta stuffed with three meats and vegetables, served in a rich sauce.
Maurizio's philosophy revolves around lifelong learning.
"The day you stop learning is the day you stop truly living."
His passion for growth and genuine care for his clients have made Mosaico a beloved establishment for patrons spanning three generations. Grandparents, parents, and kids all find their way to Mosaico, where they experience the warmth of Maurizio's culinary heritage.
So, if you're in South Miami and seeking an authentic dining experience that spans continents and generations, Mosaico awaits.
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