Turning 35 this year, Valentino has aged gracefully, but owner Piero Selvaggio decided it's time for an update. First, the new V-vin bar (rendered above) will debut, hopefully before the final 5x5 Collective dinner takes place (more on that later). The wine bar will be like Valentino light, with a contemporary spin. We're told the menus will feature flights of wine and food at lower price points than the traditional menu, although some glasses and flights go up to $60. Through September, whole bottles ordered at V-vin bar will be discounted 20%. We certainly hope 35 isn't the new *cough* nip-tuck 45.
To lure people in while they finish up construction, on Mondays in August (13, 20, 27) the restaurant offers a seven-course menu for $100 per person, all served family-style. And corkage is free. Three of our favorite words.
And finally, the last 5x5 Collective dinner takes place on Aug. 26, and there are still seats left, albeit early or late. So if you don't mind eating at 5:30 or 9:30, and haven't checked out these dinners by Josiah Citrin, Michael Cimarusti, Christophe Eme, David Lefevre, and Angelo Auriana, get on it (310.829.4313). $130 per person/$190 with wine pairings.
· 5x5 Dinners Update: Get a Table While You Can [~ELA~]
