themartinishop

The History
Valentino’s long professional service career culminated during the New York martini craze. Hotspots such as the Russian style vodka and martini bar, Pravda were popping up around Manhattan and Valentino was at the leading edge of a group of young renegade bartenders. The Rainbow Room’s Dale De Groff trained them and the emphasis was on old world class and new world techniques. These young guns would study the masters and aspired to bring back a world where elegant service was the norm. They were known for their ability to sense the needs of the room, whether that is to serve quietly and efficiently or to enliven or relax the event. Above all else, they were known for preparing cocktails that many viewed as works of art with style and panache.
This group of young artists could be found anywhere in Manhattan where there was success, service and fun. Word spread and this band of bartenders grew to include top level servers, entertainers and caterers who’s presence eventually began to be a force at private events and corporate venues. When Valentino and many of his fellow bartenders/servers relocated to Los Angeles they once again led the way in innovative style and unparalleled class at places such as 360 and The Falcon. This group became the foundation of All Access and today Valentino is continuing the New York tradition of grooming experienced bartenders and servers to take their service a step further than professionalism.