SFL Hospitality Group is pleased to announce the opening of Val+tino in Fort Lauderdale, a contemporary Italian dining destination led by Executive Chef Giovanni Rocchio and Chef de Cuisine Jake Abbott. A celebration of Italian and Mediterranean flavors, Val+tino is committed to providing an inspired, welcoming experience with dishes that allow guests to have a unique exploration of cuisine each time they dine at the restaurant.
Val+tino’s 5-Course Tasting Menu is the highlight of the restaurant’s offerings, curated by the Chefs and changed regularly. The Tasting Menu provides guests with a special opportunity to taste and experience elevated dining on a rotating basis. Val+tino offers an A La Carte Menu that will evolve seasonally with standout dishes such as Berkshire Pork with nduja, porchetta, and escarole; Strozzapreti, a seafood bolognese with Colatura and green onion; and Gianduja, a dark chocolate, caramel, and hazelnut gelato. Desserts are crafted by in-house Pastry Chef Carlos Salgado, with the option to pair with a selection of aperitifs.
Val+tino’s extensive wine list is curated by seasoned sommelier Stephan Cole and includes over 125 bottles. At all times, skilled and knowledgeable sommeliers are on the floor to understand guest’s preferences and recommend exceptional wines to pair with each meal.
Born and raised in Staten Island, New York, Chef Giovanni Rocchio spent nearly 30 years refining his cooking style professionally with his expertise rooted in authentic Italian cuisine. Rocchio spent time working at New York City’s Picholine, where he adopted a discipline that only the toughest kitchens could instill, and went on to spend summers in Italy where he studied authentic cuisine.
Best known as the former Executive Chef of Valentino Cucina Italiana and a true visionary in the Fort Lauderdale food scene, Rocchio is touted for bringing fine dining to the area in 1998 and continues to elevate the industry with his latest endeavor – Val+tino. His desire to explore his creativity and the joy he finds in connecting with guests over cuisine has been reinvigorated by the partnership with SFL Hospitality Group.
Chef Jake Abbott is an Ohio native who found his love for cooking thorough adventures on his grandfather’s farm. He went on to work through New York City’s Michelin-starred restaurant scene with renowned chefs such as Joe Anthony and Laurent Tourendel to steer him in the right direction. His search for technical mastery led him to 2-Michelin Star Gabriel Kreuther Restaurant where he credits his refinement as a chef. His inspiration for food comes from beautiful seasonal ingredients and the lessons learned throughout his career in New York City to treat them thoughtfully. While at Gabriel Kreuther Restaurant, his path crossed with Chef Giovanni Rocchio during a stage that led to a friendship. Chef Jake Abbott soon made his way to South Florida to join Rocchio at Val+tino as Chef de Cuisine.
The collaboration between Chef Giovanni Rocchio and Chef Jake Abbott comes to life with Mike Linder, owner of SFL Hospitality Group. Linder is known in the industry for creating dining destinations where guests can expect stellar service, exceptional cuisine and a welcoming ambiance through his Service, Food, Location (SFL) approach.
Located just south of Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard, 620 South Federal Highway is now home to three distinctive concepts – Val+tino, Canyon and Rio’s Tequila Bar. SFL Hospitality Group is constantly seeking new opportunities to bring unique dining concepts to South Florida and Linder believes there’s no better opportunity to bring another South Florida legacy restaurant into Rio Vista’s Iconic 620 building.
For more information about Val+tino, please visit www.valandtino.com or call 954-451-1200.