905.385.3284 866 Mohawk Rd. E. Hamilton, On www.valentinosplace.ca
I have been eating at Valentinos for almost my whole life. Since I was a child, my parents have been taking us there for fancy family dinners out, or ordering pizzas for take away. Because, for my entire life, minus the three years I lived with my ex-bf, I have lived only a 7 minute walk from Valentinos. Really, the fact that I don't eat there more often is a downright sin.
When I was younger, up until veryvery recently, the decor was very 80s Italian restaurant. Painted frescoes, and lots of fake plants. Even the archways to the back room or bathroom had painting done to them to make them look like they were edged in stone. That was until recently though. I went there for my sister's wedding rehearsal dinner and was blown away by the new decor.
Updated colours, clean lines, and no fake plants! It was almost a little disappointing really. Like coming home after going away to school to find that your parents turned your bedroom into an "office". Looks good, but it's not your room anymore. Valentinos looks incredible, but it's just not the same as it was in my childhood. It's more modern and classy now. Kinda perfect for a date night with someone pretty! :winkwink::
The service was excellent as well. We were served by the same waitress we've had every time we've been. In fact, when we were children, my parents would get a sitter for us and walk up there for a glass of wine and an appetizer or two for their night out, and this same woman would serve them. When we mentioned that we were happy she was still there and smiling, she just laughed and said that she'd been there 22 years and wasn't planning on leaving. That's dedication.
Thankfully, the food is still as good as ever! I couldn't keep track of what everybody at the table ordered since there were 10 of us, but everyone was pleased with the food. (Even the groom, who is the pickiest eater I have ever encountered. He only ate plain spaghetti, but he was pleased.)
I had the Shrimp and Scallop linguine. While I normally shy away from thick noodles, I was swayed by the shrimp and scallops. I'm a sucker for seafood. Especially scallops. And Valentinos continues to do them well. It's so easy to overcook them, but they were still melt-in-your-mouth soft and buttery. The portions continue to be ample and my leftovers were perfect the next day heated up at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.
The main thing that keeps me away from Valentinos is the price. While I did just go on and on about the decor and food and the service, my pasta dish was $17. I have had similar or better at many places around Hamilton, for less. It makes it impossible for me to jump over to grab some pizza (which happens to be the best pizza I've ever eaten, by the way. Thin but firm crust with lots of cheese and toppings) or a quick dinner more than once ever few months, or even every six months. Which makes me sad.
So I guess my verdict will have to be, FANTASTIC as always, i just can't go as much as I want.
P.S. I just tried Colio's GNO Citrusberry Twist Wine Cooler. While their winemaker needs to be slapped and reminded that he makes award winning ACTUAL wines, this one tastes like Kool-Aid and will be deadly on the patio this summer! Definitely pick up a bottle. 1.5L for $12.95.
