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Macchialina Dishes Up Mama's Style Meatballs

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MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) -- Michael Pirolo, chef and owner of Macchialina Taverna Rustica on 8th street and Alton Road on Miami Beach knows a thing or two about Italian cooking. In fact, you could say it's in his genes.

"One hundred percent. I grew up in Italy . I went to elementary school there . Then, we moved back to the states and then I moved back to Italy to learn how to cook," said Pirolo.

Since its opening in 2012, Macchialina has become a favorite among locals and savvy tourists who flock to the casual eating spot, with a cool retro style vibe .

"Thankfully we have big local following. Now, were getting a lot of tourists. Our name is getting out there," he said.

Watch Lisa Petrillo's Report

Recently, Michael created a special event on Sunday nights called "Red Sauce Sundays". For $39 per person, diners will feel like their in their long lost Italian relatives kitchen for Sunday supper.

"If you go to my mom's house on Sundays this is what we eat. I missed it so much, I decided to do it," Michael explained. "It's your typical Sunday gravy - its meatballs braesole , sausage, cooked in the sauce served with fresh Ricotta cheese , a green salad , garlic bread. It's an experience."

It's traditional family style dinner all at once.

CBS4's Lisa Petrillo started her tasting with a Rigatoni with fresh ricotta folded in.

"First of all its Al Denti which it needs to be. It's perfectly cooked pasta and then the sauce is warm and comforting with ricotta. Gives you a hug," Petrillo said.

Next up was the braesole which is flank steak stuffed with pine nuts and Parmesan cheese and also the sausage.

"It's super moist and very flavorful. The sausage has kick and then there's the sweetness to the sauce but not too sweet," said Petrillo.

Them it was time for Mama's ( or Michaels) Meatballs!

"Veal Cheek Meatballs. I don't know what that means but it melts in your mouth," Petrillo said.

The fresh escarole salad is made with fresh parsley and infused lemon.

"It's light, crunchy and airy. It's delicious and the lemon makes it," Petrillo explained.

Macchialina is open 7 days a week for dinner only . Red Sauce Sundays is on every Sunday evening starting at 6:00 p.m. For more info, click here.

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