The Tasting Panel magazine

Nov 09

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V alentino Las Vegas opened its doors to the public in July 1999, and there's good reason it has remained, for the past ten years, one of Las Vegas's most pres- tigious dining destinations. Located inside The Venetian Resort-Hotel- Casino, Valentino Las Vegas is the sister restaurant of Piero Selvaggio's iconic Valentino Santa Monica, opened in 1972 and consistently mentioned among the top Italian restaurants in the country. When the decision was made to open a second location in Las Vegas, Selvaggio entrusted the task to the leadership of James Beard Award–winning Lu- ciano Pellegrini, who is not only the Executive Chef but also a partner in the restaurant. Pellegrini is a frequent guest chef for some of Italy's leading culinary events, including the Bacco d'Oro di Brunello wine dinner in Mon- talcino, Gambero Rosso magazine's dinner gala in Rome and the Guida L'Espresso celebration dinner in Palermo. He played a critical role as one of the host chefs for the 2008 James Beard Foundation's Taste America Las Vegas—the fi rst multi-day event ever executed in Las Vegas by the JBF. Pellegrini also participates yearly in the Venetian- Palazzo's "Carnival of Cuisine" as well as other special events, includ- ing the 5th annual "Carnivale du Vin"—a benefi t gala that will be held at the Venetian-Palazzo on Novem- ber 14 to benefi t the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. In addition to Pellegrini's 2004 James Beard Award for Best Chef, Southwest and rave reviews from the food and wine media, Valentino has also received several restaurant awards. A third location opened in Houston earlier this fall. Valentino Las Vegas Celebrates 10 Award-Winning Years at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino James Beard Award-winning Chef Luciano Pellegrini leads the talented culinary team Dishes at Valentino Las Vegas, such as lobster with black pasta, are paired with an extensive Italian wine list. Valentino Helps "Keep Memory Alive" In honor of its 10th anniversary inside The Venetian, Valentino Las Vegas gave a portion of its proceeds through September to "Wine & Dine for the Cause." The funds benefi tted the "Keep Memory Alive" campaign at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health for Alzheimer's Research. "We have been friends with Larry Ruvo [chairman of Keep Memory Alive] since we opened our doors," said Pellegrini. www. keepmemoryalive.org

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