Valente's Italian Restaurant, in Denver, CO, shut its doors yesterday, ending an era in great Italian food, service, and camaraderie. These pictures are my gift to the Valente family, and their friends. |
By John Gaudio, Posted 11:00 AM The food was great, not just yesterday, but forty years ago when I first entered Jenny's Pizzeria, later renamed Valente's Italian Restaurant, and every time I've been there since. Ray Valente Sr. is a gentleman, and an outstanding host. When he decided it was time to retire at 83, Ray and his family chose to go out in style with a delicious and joyous, though necessarily bitter sweet celebration, closing Valente's doors for the last time on Columbus Day. The place is for sale now, ready for a new owner to try and live up to the fine tradition the Valente family established over the last 44 years. Ray's shoes will be impossible to fill, but it's my hope that someone will give it a try, and keep as much of this outstanding tradition alive, as they possibly can. Thank you, Ray Sr., Ray Jr., Mark, and the rest of family and crew that have made Valente's Italian Restaurant my favorite, for over 40 years. Below you'll find links to some photos I took at the celebration. Feel free to download and print them as you wish. They're my gift to the Valente's, and all of their friends. God bless you all. |
