Inspired by a fifth-generation Italian family winery, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) is bringing a new restaurant concept to Bridge Park in Dublin, Ohio. Valentina’s will join the portfolio of award-winning CMR restaurants in the early spring of 2022.
The concept was born following a 2018 trip to Italy to celebrate CMR’s 25th anniversary, where the restaurant company’s senior leadership team visited Marchesi di Barolo Winery. To commemorate the opening of the first CMR restaurant, Cameron’s American Bistro in 1993, the winery owners, Anna and Ernesto Abbona served the team a 1993 Barolo from the private family collection. The once-in-a-lifetime experience was the start of an incredible partnership with the Abbona family.
“We want guests coming to Bridge Park to be transported to Northern Italy and experience all the tastes, sounds and smells that it brings,” said David Miller, president and COO of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. “The story behind Valentina’s is one that our entire leadership team holds close to our hearts. Our visit to the Piedmont Region of Italy was incredible thanks to our wonderful hosts, so we are proud to honor their family through this new concept.”
In September 2019, CMR hosted a unique wine dinner at Martini Modern Italian showcasing Marchesi wines. Valentina Abbona, Marchesi winemaker and owner, and the daughter of Anna and Ernesto, flew from Italy to Columbus to attend the dinner as a special guest. It wasn’t long after the visit that the idea for Valentina’s began to take shape.
“Cap City Fine Diner, The Avenue Steak Tavern and The Pearl have been incredibly successful at Bridge Park,” said Brent Crawford, principal and co-founder of Crawford Hoying, developer of Bridge Park. “The exceptional service provided by the CMR team combined with the vibrancy of downtown Dublin creates an experience that keeps the community coming back for more. We’re looking forward to Valentina’s offering another great option for visitors, residents and office users to enjoy.”
The restaurant is being designed by Karen Hanlon of KHA Design Inc. based in Hollywood, Florida and will be located at 4595 Bridge Park Avenue. The 6,200-square-foot space will include a large patio overlooking the new pedestrian bridge linking Bridge Park with downtown Dublin. Valentina’s will offer guests the genuine hospitality for which Cameron Mitchell Restaurants is known, and will feature Northern Italian-inspired cuisine, fine wines and specialty cocktails.
Updates on the project will be available at cameronmitchell.com as the project progresses.
