We are at the “Valentyne”,a few steps from Piazza del Popolo, but it seems like we have just stumbled into post-war Paris or the America of Prohibition, because this is a timeless place, capable of creating a return of glamor and the atmosphere of the 1930s. The concept is enclosed in a wall: the white ceramics are veined and stuccoed by hand in gold leaf, following the Japanese technique of kintsugi, the repair with gold. “Just like gold embellishes old broken tools – explains the owner Daniele Lassalandra – we wanted to give the old ‘Valentino’ customers the same experience, but with a modern and more precious tone”.
In fact, the idea was born from the need to revive that place with a restyling that aimed to recreate the charm and nuances of that special era with precious marble, mirrors and brass, feathers, bright velvet chairs and curtains, original boiserie, vintage parquet and Murano glass appliques. This is a perfect place to spend a special evening if you are in Rome, far from prying eyes and with a perfect five-star service at your disposal.
You can visit the Valentyne for dinner, welcomed by the Executive Chef Gabriele Cordaro and his delicacies (from the carpaccio of red prawns, beurre blanc, dill and caviar to fish burgers and raw delicacies), but above all for drinks. The concoctions that are specially prepared by the Bar Manager Alessio Bragalone are a must, such as the Aged Negroni, the Prohibition Cocktail with Plymouth Gin, the Apricot Brandy and China Martini. Get ready to party until (almost) dawn with great cocktails and with underground music chosen especially for you by international DJs.
At that point, however, you might be better off with an inevitable Mojito or their signature Valentyne Fizz with gin, raspberry, passion fruit, soda, lemon, sugar and cream, the perfect cocktail for a long night in this club. Become true “Kings” and “Queens”of the dance floor.
Valentyne Restaurant & Club, Via della Fontanella 15, Rome.
Ph. +39/063610880.