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I've been wanting to try Valentino for the longest time. But its previous Binjai Park locale was really far away from the city. Plus, its tiny shop space ensured you couldn't get reservations unless you were the type who planned what to eat for dinner at least 2 weeks in advance. Now that it's at The Grandstand (previously known as Turf City, which previously housed the old Turf Club), a slightly more centralised (and consequently closer to the the city center) location, it's less of a hassle to drive out to the suburbs to try this famed and much raved about Italian restaurant. And, with its much bigger premises, we didn't have a problem scoring a table despite the lack of reservations.

A tip is to turn right into the side road, instead of heading straight into The Grandstand's carpark up ahead. This side road will lead you straight into the entrance of Valentino. Plus, if u feel like it, Valentino has valet parking as well.

The restaurant is charmingly homestyled, with service that was animated, reactive and genuinely friendly.

We also loved the food. LOVED. Valentino boosts refined home-cooking, both rustic but elegant.

We got:

1) Fettucine al Granchio ($25.90) perfectly al dente squid ink fettucine slathered with a tangy and sweet creamy tomato sauce layered with generously huge chunks of sweet shredded crabmeat. A little chilli helped keep this sharp and spicy

2) Ravioli Beef ($28.90) stuffed with minced beef and creamy ricotta cheese was tossed in a tomato and garlic sauce, while slices of porcini provided texture and an earthy taste

3) Risotto al Funghi Porcini ($24.90) al dente rice with gourmet porcini mushroom and bright sunny saffron was an exercise in restrained flavouring.This was a great balance of starchy elements and light simple flavours

4)

I've been coming to Valentino's for a few years now, and so far I have never been disappointed.  Their food and service could lift anyone from any dark mood and wash away any traces of stress.  My personal favorites are the pesto dip, the bormio salad, the osso bucco, the squid ink pasta with crabmeat sauce, the panna cotta (especially the pistachio one), and the pistachio crumble (with white base).  I have never been disappointed.

Until now, that is.  For the past two hours (Wednesday dinner timing), I have been trying to call them at their new premises, and all I am getting is voicemail.  Having someone answer the phone is a basic thing, right?  It's bad service right from the very start of the experience with the restaurant.  

This has never happened to me when they were at their old premises at Rifle Range Road.  Before, no matter how busy they were, someone always picked up the phone and told me whether they still have a table at the date and time that I requested.  

I am not recommending this restaurant until they can find someone to pick up their phone.

We shared some appetisers and had separate main courses. The bruschetta consisted of 3 tiny portions. Burratta with tomatoes were good but definitely pricey. The squid ink pasta was creamy and had nice chunks of fresh crab meat. The waiter had to be reminded before he brought us a basket of bread to go with the nice dip provided on the table. After their move to this location, there is certainly more space and the decoration is nice. Very spacious & fancy bathrooms. I would recommend it if you enjoy the ambience and don't mind paying the price.