Valentino Cassanelli
Brought up in Spilamberto, just outside Modena, Valentino was always curious about food and greatly inspired by his grandmother who was an excellent cook. From a young age he took joy in preparing meals for his family. These influences led him to catering college, where he was sent for initial work experience in the kitchens of London restaurant Floriana in Beauchamp Place. He then returned home to complete his course, but after graduation, the lure of London’s dynamic restaurant scene saw him back in England, gaining experience in Mosaic in Mayfair, Locanda Locatelli in Marylebone and Nobu on Berkeley Street. In 2007, Valentino went back to Italy to work under two Michelin starred Carlo Cracco in Milan, where he remained for three years, ultimately gaining the position of Junior Sous Chef.
In 2010, Valentino was asked to join two chef friends at their popular restaurant Sangal in Venice. The synergy between the three young, talented chefs was immediate and with a shared philosophy in pushing boundaries with techniques and ingredient combinations, Valentino was able to grow, not just in confidence but also creatively. Whilst still at Sangal, he received an invite from Carlo Cracco to join the team he was putting together for a pop-up at Principe Forte dei Marmi during August 2011. Around this time the hotel team were also looking to change their internal food and beverage offering and a few months later, with Carlo’s recommendation, the position to lead the project was offered to Valentino. He arrived at Principe Forte dei Marmi in February 2012 and three months later, restaurant Lux Lucis opened to huge critical acclaim. It gained its first star in the Michelin Guide Italy 2017.
The restaurant of Dalmazia Beach Club comes under the direction of Valentino. The cuisine directly connects to the location celebrating authentic flavours and ingredients.
In 2018, Principe Forte dei Marmi was awarded Best Dining Experience by Condé Nast Johansens. Lux Lucis won the special award Pasta of the Year and four hats by Le Guide de L’Espresso 2020. It has been declared the 2020 Luxury Rooftop Restaurant winner for the European continent by the World Luxury Restaurant Awards.
