Riccardo Momesso's going solo

Riccardo Momesso was part of a well-known hospitality partnership at Sarti for five years, but now the chef and co-owner of the Italian eatery is a couple of weeks away from opening his first solo venture. Momesso says Valentino, in Hawksburn Village, will be all about the ''good Calabrian food'' he grew up with. Valentino will have two bar areas - one overlooking the action in the kitchen - and a large dining room with seating for 120 diners. The inner south-east can expect an introduction to robust southern Italian flavours, including antipasti such as maccu di favi (a broad-bean dip) and peppers filled with tuna and capers. Beers and ciders on tap will include VB - ''for my dad'', Momesso says. Valentino, 517 Malvern Road, Toorak.

Hilary McNevin