Valentino Ristorante, Houston, Texas

Authentic Italian Fine Dining in Houston
by Carl Burnham

Looking for a memorable evening offering the best in Italian fare while in Houston? Valentino Ristorante and Vin Bar offers this and much more. Noted as a place to see and be seen, the real stars of the show are the captivating regional Italian dishes served up for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Located at the Hotel Derek on Westheimer near the Galleria, Valentino's has been a sensation since opening Fall 2009. The owner, Piero Selvaggio, has been given the highest awards in the restaurant business, with Valentino's a big hit in Las Vegas and Beverly Hills. Heralding from Modica, Sicily; he and several acclaimed chefs on staff at Valentino's in Houston serve up a delightful feast of authentic Italian dishes and fine wines.

As I made my way through the Vin Bar to the dining area, I noted the rich red and black interior designs. For the casual fare, the Vin Bar offers sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, pastas, and salads. Also available is a rich array of world cheeses, vegetarian selections, and libations. I hear that the Chocolate Raspberry Mousse is a favorite among patrons.

The Valentino has an extensive collection of vintage wines to choose from. As Director of Operations and Wine Buyer, Sebastiano Mazzucato and Selvaggio have acquired an impressive wine collection from
Napa Valley, Italy, and New Zealand.

Seeking a light fruit wine to start the meal, I chose a glass of Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon wine that was recommended by our waiter, a flavorful Napa Valley red wine (Stag's Leap district) with a light fruity taste.

We were served a blend of Italian breads, including a flaxseed crisp, flat bread, sweet raisin bread, cornbread, and cheese crisp with seasoned butter.

My main course was juicy buffalo tenderloin medallions combined with vincotto and roasted onions. It makes my mouth water remembering it now. My wife had a lighter fare of "Asparagi Milanese" which consisted of steamed asparagus with parmesan cheese and a fried egg with potato tart. Quite tasty.

For dessert, we each had a unique selection: chocolate tart with praline ice cream and fruit garnish and cheesecake with mango sherbet and chocolate, each topped with a sugary fork.

Following our meal, Luciano Pellegrini, Co-Owner and Executive Chef, came out to say hello. All I could bring myself to say was "magnifique!!"

We would like to thank Debra Ford and the Valentino Restaurant staff for their hospitality and for assisting with our feature.

Valentino Restaurant Map
2525A West Loop South
Houston, Texas 77027

Stay at the Hotel Derek Map
2525 West Loop South
Houston, Texas 77027
1-866-940-1794