THIS BRAND-NEW location in Vaughan is Vivo ’ s latest venture , with two others already open in Richmond Hill and Etobicoke , and several more on the way across Ontario and in the United States . Consistency is key at Vivo – no matter which location you visit , you will be able to enjoy the same delicious food , in the same vibrant atmosphere . The Vivo brand is synonymous with quality ingredients , freshness and classic Italian cuisine . Wood burning oven pizza , delicious pasta dishes and daily specials that would satisfy anyone looking for the yummiest Italian food .
As soon as I walked into the Vaughan restaurant , my eyes gazed across the room admiring each element that crafted this stylish space . Before I even had a chance to be acknowledged by the kind servers , view the unique menu or try the delectable food , I had already fallen in love with Vivo .
We were instantly approached by Pino Trichilo , the founder of the Vivo brand , who was joyful and expressive in his greeting . Backed by his experience in the corporate world , Trichilo has strong relationships with landlords across Canada and the USA which allow him to have the premium locations and substantial growth Vivo has already experienced . In the past nine months , three locations have been opened by Trichilo . We were introduced to Vito Fera , the owner and franchisee at this location , who was equally as welcoming . Fera has over 30 years of experience as a chef and after learning more about Vivo , he was quick to jump on the chance to be a franchisee .
Immediately after our introduction , Trichilo gave us a tour of the restaurant . He guided us across the bright dining area furnished with funky geometric white chairs , an elegant bar packed with Illy ������������������������������������������������������� happy to enjoy and passed the exposed kitchen where we inhaled wafts of delicious scents . He proceeded to seat us at a table as we eagerly awaited the chance to discuss the journey of Vivo and of course , to try the food .
And quickly , the food arrived in a family-style fashion . It ’ s back to basics at Vivo , with traditional Italian pizza and pasta at the forefront . Vivo brings back tradition that ’ s been lost in modern Italian restaurants creating an exceptional culinary experience for guests of all ages . The menu showcases timeless recipes and ingredients that are exactly what you imagine when you crave a taste of Italian cuisine . The inspiration for this menu came from
“ IT ISN ’ T ENOUGH ANYMORE TO JUST HAVE GOOD FOOD . THE VALUE NEEDS TO BE THERE TOO , AND VIVO HAS BOTH .”
- Pino Trichilo
executive chef at Vivo , Antonio Pirone , a veteran of over 30 years in the industry , and is highly praised by Trichilo .
������������������������������������������������������� pizza , as well as an appetizer plate of imported cured meats , served with black olives and sundried tomatoes . This was followed up by a plate of penne alla vodka and rigatoni al ragu ( tomato meat sauce ), two Italian favourites that tasted like they came straight from the motherland . Everything we tried was absolutely delicious , made by the excellent head chef , Ricardo Pascale and pizza maker extraordinaire Gianluca Robustino who was ranked 4th out of 600 pizza chefs during a contest in Rome .
Vivo prides themselves on the food they serve , utilizing only the best ingredients , many of which are imported directly from Italy . Vivo has simpli- ������������������������������������� popular dishes , pizza and pasta using only the freshest ingredients possible �������������������������������������� It ’ s like a taste of Italy without having to leave Vaughan .
All food categories on the menu are priced the same . Antipasto plates are all 10 dollars , while pizza and pasta dishes are 14 dollars . Franchisor Pino Trichilo explained , “ It isn ’ t enough anymore to just have good food . The value needs to be there too , and Vivo has both .” Whether you order a margherita pizza or the Vivo special , price won ’ t play a factor in your decision .
IN ITALIAN , Vivo means “ alive ,” �������������������������������������� exudes a feeling of liveliness in every inch and detail . The Vivo brand has that “ wow-factor ” and it ’ s impactful . It ’ s a fabulous easy to get to location , just minutes off Highway 400 , and the large windows bring a lot of natural light into the room , creating a great causal urban vibe . Lime green accents add some zest to the décor and can be found throughout the restaurant . No detail has been spared . From very artsy pizza “ to go ” boxes , to the cutting boards serving charcuterie , to tiramisu in personal serving mason jars , much ����������� ���������������������������������������������� unlike any other Italian eatery in the area .
Vivo is an experience like no other in today ’ s restaurant industry . An urban modern atmosphere contrasts with traditional Italian cuisine – that is what you can expect when you visit any Vivo location . Their slogan truly got it right : life is brightest where food is best .
For a full list of locations and to view the menu , visit vivopizzapasta . ca
\\ FOOD & DRINK fredi spring 2017 • 75