Vito' s in the Valley rebrands as Gio Modern Italian
The "new look, new feel, and new name" refer not only to co-owner/operator Giovanni LaFata but also to the concept of “growing into ourselves,” according to the owners.
Courtesy of Gio Modern Italian
Whiskey Shrimp, a menu favorite, includes grilled shrimp, whiskey, garlic, horseradish, whole grain mustard, and cream sauce, atop toast points
A Chesterfield mainstay recently received a new moniker: Earlier this month, Vito’s in the Valley (138 Chesterfield Towne Center) was renamed Gio Modern Italian.
Courtesy of Gio Modern Italian
GIO MODERN ITALIAN LOGO 10-22 - 1
The Concept
The rebranding came after a decade in operation—10 years of growth, from traditional Sicilian fare to more modern Italian offerings—as owners Giovanni and Jessica LaFata prepared to sign the lease for the next decade.
The restaurant's new name is a nod not only to the chef, who hails from Sicily, but also to the concept of “growing into ourselves,” according to the LaFatas. The couple “backed into the name we’ve become,” says Jessica, describing the transformation as “new look, new feel, new name.”
The Menu
As customers expressed their love for such dishes as Whiskey Shrimp and Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese, the LaFatas gave the community what it wanted, which is how the menu evolved over time.
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Photo by True North Creative
Salmone Scottato - honey glazed salmon fillet served with Brussels sprouts and quinoa
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Photo by True North Creative
From the brunch menu, Smoked Salmon Bruschetta, crostini topped with smoked salmon, capers, pickled onions, mint, roasted tomato and goat cheese mousse
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Photo by True North Creative
Piatto di Pesce - grilled salmon, seared calamari, seared scallops, breaded shrimp, lemon olive sauce, served with lemon-spinach risotto and vegetable of the day
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Photo by Gio Modern Italian
Chicken Pesto Pizza - with grilled chicken, tomatoes, and basil pesto sauce
“We leaned on the team to be creative and push outside traditional recipes,” says Jessica, explaining that they plan to continue to offer customer favorites and introduce new items as weekend specials from Thursdays through Sundays. Popular new items may eventually find a permanent place on the menu. Recent weekend specials include:
- Ribeye with Boursin cheese and purple mashed potatoes, grilled white asparagus, topped with Cabernet butter
- Carbonara with bacon, local cherry tomatoes, spinach with a white-wine cream sauce, and egg, topped with Parmesan and parsley
- Yellowfin tuna, blackened and pan-seared, with cilantro risotto, grilled zucchini, and a soy-garlic sauce
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Courtesy of Gio Modern Italian
Steal Salad - prime angus tenderloin medallion with mixed greens, tomato, blue cheese crumbles, almonds, red onion, dried cranberries, white balsamic vinaigrette, and fried onion straws
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Courtesy of Gio Modern Italian
Tortellini - pancetta, peas, porcini mushroom, shiitake mushroom, white truffle oil, cream sauce
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Photo by True North Creative
Baked Lobster Mac 'n' Cheese - butternut cream, lobster meat, roasted butternut squash, and fresh herbs, topped with breadcrumbs, bacon, and fontina
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Photo by True North Creative
Mediterranean Salad - grilled asparagus, cucumber, cherry tomato, sweet pepper, red onion, garbanzo beans, artichokes, arugula, feta, lemon zest, balsamic vinaigrette
Photo by True North Creative
The menu additions nod toward both past and present. The Gio Espresso Martini, for example, was added because espresso is Gio’s favorite drink. He buys his espresso from Starrs and travels with his espresso machine, which has been to Puerto Rico, Mexico, all over the United States, and France. (The one place he does not take it to is Italy.) On their trips, Jessica says, it’s not uncommon for guests at the hotel to appear outside their room, holding empty cups for Gio’s espresso. It’s that kind of hospitality that one can find at the restaurant as well.
Happy-hour specials (2–6 p.m. daily) include such favorites as the Whiskey Shrimp, Arancini, and Bruschetta (priced at $5) and discounts on drinks ($2 off beer; $3 off all cocktails, martinis, and wines by the glass; $5 off wines by the bottle under $60; $10 off wines by the bottle over $60).
The Atmosphere
The restaurant’s new name debuted along with a refresh of the interior space, courtesy of ROAM Design Company and Stricker Home Improvements.
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Photo by True North Creative
Lobster Benedict with citrus hollandaise, a brunch favorite
“It’s all about the details,” Jessica says. Venetian plaster was added to the walls; new tile was affixed to the front of the bar; and a previously drab corner was transformed into a cozy space, thanks to a wood-slat wall lined in succulents, a chevron-patterned wine display, and what will soon be “Instagram-able bathrooms.” (Jessica laughs when she shares the last change, which should be complete in early February, noting that the bathrooms will have gold-tiled ceilings.) In the hallway that divides the restaurant from the restrooms is a gallery wall with ceramic plates from Sicily along with family photos.
The restaurant is open for lunch on weekdays, brunch on weekends, and dinner every night. “We’re excited to keep the party going all year,” Jessica says.
Photo by True North Creative
Jessica and Gio LaFata (center) along with team Gio
Gio's Modern Italian
138 Chesterfield Towne Centre, St Louis, Missouri 63005
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Mon – Thu: 11a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sat: 10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sun: 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Brunch, Sat - Sun: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Happy Hour: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Moderate
