Hello from chef/owner Duilio Valenti. Here is a little bit about me and my restaurant family... the Co
I was born and raised in Lombardy and I still have a profound love and connection to my Italian motherland... having lived here in Marin County for many years now, I have also developed a deep relationship with the local land, its products and its people. So it became second nature for me to connect these two magnificent lands through my cooking, and to connect their cultures and traditions through the restaurant.
I have dedicated my life to learning the art of cooking: culinary school, apprenticeships, working in great restaurants, books, notes and observation. I have worked with some of the best chefs in the world: Gualtiero Marchesi, Gaston Lenotre, Gianfranco Vissani, Michel Rostang just to name a few, and although they all have contributed to my culinary treasures and experiences what really matters is what I feel like creating today, because as we say in the restaurant business "a chef is only as good as the last dish he cooked". To this day nothing can replace the feeling I get when a dish leaves my hands to come to your table.... If you come in to see us make sure to stop by my kitchen and say hi!
My wife and partner Maria has a novel approach at being your host: she actually loooves people! That's why she'll welcome you with sincere hospitality, a warm greeting and a big smile. I think her sparkling and joyful personality is uplifting and her customer service skills a rarity in today's world. By the way... I own much of my good health to her skills as a chiropractor and healer! Yup, she is a DC doctor (her other passion) and has a beautiful office in Mill Valley.
My other partner is my daughter Bianca. Inspired by her grandfather Jean Valenti, (founder of Associazione Italiana Sommeliers), who she adored, Bianca has been studying the fine art of wine service and is in charge of our wine list, bringing you a selection of extraordinary California and Northern Italian wines, mostly from small, independent producers. Need help finding a wine to suit your style (and budget) that pairs well with our food? Not sure about some of the wines on our list? Just ask Bianca! She will be thrilled that you asked and above all will do it with a genuine smile. As if that wasn't enough... Bianca is also a professional big wave surfer athlete, and a champion of promoting gender equality in the world of sports and an environmental activist!
Speaking of champions... Mr. Cristiano Marcondes, our Maitre d', has been working alongside me for many years without a hick-up, and that's not an easy accomplishment because getting along with chefs - I've been told ;) - it's a nearly impossible feat. Let's just say that in the midst of dinner service we're not exactly the most easily approachable of people... not to mention we have easy access to sharp knives at all times. But me and Cristiano work together in perfect understanding because he's able to pass along to our guests the passion I place into my food; he has a deep knowledge of our ingredients, preparations and our wines. I can't tell you how many times I've been complimented about him and been told that level of service he and his crew are able to provide is just so refreshing to find these days...
I have dedicated my life to learning the art of cooking: culinary school, apprenticeships, working in great restaurants, books, notes and observation. I have worked with some of the best chefs in the world: Gualtiero Marchesi, Gaston Lenotre, Gianfranco Vissani, Michel Rostang just to name a few, and although they all have contributed to my culinary treasures and experiences what really matters is what I feel like creating today, because as we say in the restaurant business "a chef is only as good as the last dish he cooked". To this day nothing can replace the feeling I get when a dish leaves my hands to come to your table.... If you come in to see us make sure to stop by my kitchen and say hi!
My wife and partner Maria has a novel approach at being your host: she actually loooves people! That's why she'll welcome you with sincere hospitality, a warm greeting and a big smile. I think her sparkling and joyful personality is uplifting and her customer service skills a rarity in today's world. By the way... I own much of my good health to her skills as a chiropractor and healer! Yup, she is a DC doctor (her other passion) and has a beautiful office in Mill Valley.
My other partner is my daughter Bianca. Inspired by her grandfather Jean Valenti, (founder of Associazione Italiana Sommeliers), who she adored, Bianca has been studying the fine art of wine service and is in charge of our wine list, bringing you a selection of extraordinary California and Northern Italian wines, mostly from small, independent producers. Need help finding a wine to suit your style (and budget) that pairs well with our food? Not sure about some of the wines on our list? Just ask Bianca! She will be thrilled that you asked and above all will do it with a genuine smile. As if that wasn't enough... Bianca is also a professional big wave surfer athlete, and a champion of promoting gender equality in the world of sports and an environmental activist!
Speaking of champions... Mr. Cristiano Marcondes, our Maitre d', has been working alongside me for many years without a hick-up, and that's not an easy accomplishment because getting along with chefs - I've been told ;) - it's a nearly impossible feat. Let's just say that in the midst of dinner service we're not exactly the most easily approachable of people... not to mention we have easy access to sharp knives at all times. But me and Cristiano work together in perfect understanding because he's able to pass along to our guests the passion I place into my food; he has a deep knowledge of our ingredients, preparations and our wines. I can't tell you how many times I've been complimented about him and been told that level of service he and his crew are able to provide is just so refreshing to find these days...
In the press...
Italian elegance, Renaissance roots. San Anselmo’s Valenti & Co. dazzles with seasonal menu, healthy options - The MarinScope
Valenti a homey, elegant addition to San Anselmo - The Marin Independent Journal
Valenti & Co Ristorante & Vino Bar, San Anselmo, California - Life out of Bounds
It's all in the ingredients - Marin Magazine
If you want to share your own experience at Valenti & Co visit our TripAdvisor page, Yelp page, or Facebook page.
Italian elegance, Renaissance roots. San Anselmo’s Valenti & Co. dazzles with seasonal menu, healthy options - The MarinScope
Valenti a homey, elegant addition to San Anselmo - The Marin Independent Journal
Valenti & Co Ristorante & Vino Bar, San Anselmo, California - Life out of Bounds
It's all in the ingredients - Marin Magazine
If you want to share your own experience at Valenti & Co visit our TripAdvisor page, Yelp page, or Facebook page.