For the past nine years that Ciao Bella has been in Northwest Indiana, restaurant owner Giuseppe "Joe" Scalzo has been offering a varied mix of the flavors of Italy as well as a celebration of the rich Italian culture and lifestyle. "People thought I was crazy opening up after a recession but it's been great," said Scalzo. Ciao Bella, an Italian ristorante/pizzeria and wine bar, opened in 2009, to offer an authentic culinary journey to diners.

"What we want to do is keep offering something different," Scalzo said. "I'm trying to show people more of the Italian and Mediterranean lifestyle here. That's what it's all about," he said. The owner said there's always been a focus on fresh ingredients and the dishes are prepared with "love and care." Featured at Schererville's Ciao Bella are various dishes from pastas and pizzas to meat, seafood and vegetable specialties and more.