About the Owner / Executive Chef Luciano Pellegrini Luciano Pellegrini began his long relationship with restaurateur Piero Selvaggio in 1985.  Together, they brought their vision of Italian cooking to Las Vegas when Valentino, one of the pioneer restaurants credited to the city’s culinary revolution, debuted in 1999.  Trained from some of the most revered chefs in Italy, Pellegrini is a hands-on chef, involved with every aspect of Valentino Las Vegas’ daily operation.  Award winner of the coveted James Beard Foundation Best Chef Southwest, Pellegrini is recognized and respected by his peers, journalists and guests as one of the best chefs in the city.