Gaia Ristorante opens today at the Hilton Bentley Hotel at 101 Ocean
Drive in South Beach. This is the latest venture from Tommy Billante,
the man behind Carpaccio, Luna, and a whole bunch of other successful
Italian places. Gaia moves into the space formerly occupied by Vivi,
one of Billante's few failures. Chef Gaetano Ascione orchestrates the
menu of regional, seasonal Italian food; the only thing I know about
Gaetano Ascione is that he's got a great name for the job. And all I
know about Gaia is that Mr. Billante has a knack for coming through
with excellent Italian fare at moderate prices. Call 305-672-6624 for
reservations.