Polenta Italian Gourmet, Coral Gables

When it comes to Italian cuisine, the first things that come to mind are most likely pizza and pasta. There's another component to this rich culinary tradition, however, that's often overlooked: polenta, a traditional staple of the Veneto Region and the third cornerstone that makes Italian food "Italian." Chef and owner Olivia Castagnetti—who hails from Verona, Italy—is on a mission to bring this versatile dish back into the fold, going so far as to even name her restaurant after it. At Polenta Italian Gourmet, Chef Castagnetti works alongside Chef Keith Becton to create a number of dishes anchored by this Italian staple, topping homemade polenta cakes with everything from imported exclusive Italian cheeses to wild mushrooms. They also prepare a popular creamy version of the dish that pairs well with the rotating selection of house-braised meat dishes.

Though the polenta may be a major star here, it certainly doesn't hog the spotlight. The two chefs also channel their combined 40+ years of cooking experience into crafting other staples of northern Italian cuisine.