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Chef Piero Selvaggio is the executive chef of Louie’s by the Bay. Louie’s by the Bay is a modern Italian steakhouse located on the waterfront along picturesque Mariner’s Mile in Newport Beach. With a 180-degree view of Newport Bay, a warm elegant design, and exceptional service, Louie’s brings an unparalleled concept to Newport Beach. The restaurant is a collaboration between two legendary restaurateurs, Ron Salisbury of El Cholo and The Cannery, and Piero Selvaggio of Valentino’s in Santa Monica. The menu will feature authentic charcuterie and antipasti, unique pastas, prime steaks and chops, and a truly exceptional wine list. Open for dinner nightly, with a lively and late-night cocktail scene.
Originally from Sicily, both Piero and Celestino met over forty years ago in Los Angeles when Celestino first came to the states. Piero opened the renowned Valentino, the flagship restaurant in his Valentino Restaurant Group in Santa Monica in 1972. Valentino was widely regarded as one of the finest Italian restaurants in the U.S. and credited with introducing Angelenos to true Italian food, fresh ingredients and new products. Also, introducing a new wave of Italian Chefs that in time built world-wide reputations on the their own. Piero went on to build a multimillion-dollar restaurant empire garnering numerous James Beard Foundation awards for its wine list and service, along with critical acclaim for its food, wine, and service by top national publications including Wine Spectator, Bon Appétit, Gourmet, Food & Wine, local Los Angeles press. with more along the way. In 2018, after forty-five plus years, he decided to retire and close Valentino to look for new challenges. Piero met again with Celestino and started considering Drago Centro as the perfect venue for a new chapter.
