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Via Verdi Dishes Up Authentic Italian In Miami

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Fabrizio and Nicola Carro grew up loving and cooking food in their hometown in northern Italy. Three years ago the twins opened their charming spot off Biscayne Boulevard and 69th Street called Via Verdi.

Fabrizio runs the front end of the house. Nicolo is head chef.

For Fabrizio, it's about making people feel at home in their charming eatery, while enjoying truly authentic Italian food.

"We make fresh pasta and use only the highest quality imported ingredients. We have great service, amazing wines and put everything together in simple way," he said.

Via Verdi is one of 18 restaurants participating in a two month-long program on now called the Culinary Community for Camillus House. It's a two-course lunch for $15 dollars per person or a two-course dinner for $25 dollars. A percentage of the profits from each restaurant will feed the homeless.

"It's going to help feed and shelter men and women and kids here in Miami. It doesn't get any easier than that. When you think about having a dinner here and you think that's going to help someone else have a meal, I think it makes it so much more rewarding," said Sam Gil, VP of Marketing at Camillus House.

Nicola prepares CBS4's Lisa Petrillo's tasting plates back in the kitchen.

They begin with an octopus carpaccio sliced super thin, topped with a creamy lemon sauce and grape tomatoes.

"It's super thin and light and then it has lemony dressing," says Petrillo after tasting. "Then with tomato, it makes this feel like fresh, light summer salad."

Next, spaghetti with fresh Maine clams in a lemon and garlic sauce.

"The pasta is cooked 'al dente' and perfect. The clams are fresh and melt in your mouth. The sauce is so smooth and delicious you want a spoon to lap it up," said Lisa.

And finally a pasta Lisa can't pronounce: "Casarecce" (Caza-ree-che)

"It has pesto, almonds, tomatoes, basil, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. The pasta feels like comfort food. It's warm and, with the herbs and seasonings, it feels like a hug. Feels like you can eat it somewhere in Italy."

The Culinary Community Camillus House program is on now through the day before Thanksgiving, and Via Verdi is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

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