With a flamboyance deeply rooted in his Italian roots, the food connoisseur behind downtown's Cucina Toscana restaurant sets out each day to give customers an eating experience that illustrates Salt Lake's ability to match prominent cities when it comes to fine dining. And it's delivered by a local work force that he thinks is second to none in terms of friendliness.

Because tourists and conventioneers account for a sizable percentage of the business drawn to his restaurant across from Pioneer Park at 300 S. 300 West, Nassi's welcoming style was honored recently by the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau.