2525 W. Loop South at Westheimer

713.850.9200

valentinorestaurant.com

We’ve seen the Hotel Derek through many a restaurant endeavor, but the new PS Valentino Vin Bar is far more than a postscript. This impressive venture combines cooking pedigree with decades of experience in the business. Restaurateur Piero Selvaggio was only 18 when he opened Valentino in Santa Monica, where he recreated the approachable Sicilian dishes of his youth to great acclaim. A decade ago, he opened one of two concepts in Las Vegas, and now he’s set his sights on Houston. Contemporary decor is punctuated with red punches and dark woods, care of renowned architecture and design firm Gensler. Settle into Valentino’s fine-dining room for spaghetti bottarga with fresh sardines and arugula ($16) and grilled Kurobuta pork loin marinated in green apple brine with gorgonzola mashed potatoes ($30). Or settle in to  Valentino’s more casual Bistro Vin Bar for delightful passionfruit sturgeon and baby-back ribs with Tuscan barbecue sauce.