Foodie News
First look at plans for Vallone's Gateway Memorial City restaurant; fall opening anticipated
Vallone's, the steakhouse from Tony's chef Grant Gordon and general manager Scott Sulma, has published the first rendering of the restaurant that's currently under construction in the Gateway Memorial City development. "It's starting to take shape," Sulma tells CultureMap. "The walls are closing, steel and glass are coming . . . electric and HVAC are both in."
Given the current progress, Sulma says that "we're looking to open in mid-to-late October."
Construction began this week on one of Vallone's signature design elements: a canopy that extends from the entrance to the hostess stand and moves in three pieces. "It's a real eye catcher," Sulma says.
The release of the rending is the first part of Vallone's social media campaign. Sulma encourages those who are interested in the restaurant's progress to like it on Facebook and follow it on Twitter. "There are more pictures to come," Sulma promises. He thinks that people will find them "very entertaining and very interesting. We want to keep them excited about Vallone's."
That excitement is already building. Sulma says they're already accepting reservations for the private dining rooms starting Nov. 1. (To make a reservation at the new Vallone's, call Tony's at 713-622-6778.) Two upstairs rooms will have a maximum total capacity of 160, and a bistro space downstairs should seat 40-50.
As for the restaurant itself, Sulma estimates that about 90 percent of the menu is ready. He's also starting working on the wine list, which he promises will be "exciting, affordable and price conscious." It will be mostly American with some Italian and lots of "big, bold reds."
Expect more on this restaurant as the opening draws closer, including more pictures of the construction and announcements about both front and back of house staff.
