The dishes that emerge from the kitchen at Arrivederci Ahwatukee are a little different than those of its Italian-restaurant brethren. That’s because the eatery specializes in a cooking style they’ve dubbed “nouvelle Italian cuisine.” Striking a balance between healthy foods and hearty, traditional flavors, the restaurant’s signature brand of southern Italian fare results in a menu of dishes characterized by loads of vegetables and fresh, preservative-free ingredients. This blend of the healthy and artisan travels well and has led to several restaurants spread throughout the southwest where chefs still craft homemade pastas and sauces, pouring saffron cream over hand-rolled gnocchi or Bolognese sauce over rival chefs. Crowds often gather outside the main dining room in the lounge, where they serve full liquor, wines, and draft beers.