Petit Valentien

There was a time when PV was turning over waitstaff almost as quickly as its tables. I didn’t have a truly bad experience during that time, but there were a few moments I’d cringe and think, “I know this is not what the owner envisioned.”

However, updatey time since my last review, it looks like the gang has been consistent for a while. Yay! I’ve had the same people bringing out plates of edible happiness several times now and over a number of months.

New item on the menu: pâté maison, a combination of duck and pork. And not just pâté, but pâté with a spoonful of mustard, and some slices of salumi, olives and a neat pile of cornichons. A little playground for pâté. $8.

Another new item is an artichoke pancake, topped with greens.

Old item on the menu that I’m still completely happy with: saffron and shrimp risotto. $8, a decent, non-huge portion that is actually a satisfactory meal for me.

Main: NY Strip au poivre. Still a little pouty that it’s not a green peppercorn sauce, but this steak is mighty fine. Medium rare, sauced, plated over some mash and greens. Delicious. Makes you want to beat your chest and cheer for the new America. $20, and a generous portion. Really. I was looking at NY Strips at several stores recently and none were as big as the one we got at Petit Valentien.

My dining companion and I shared everything and I believe he said he’d be “full for three days.” Me, I’ll be ready for another round of escargot crepes, and that fine risotto…um, today! I wish.

Petit Valentien
1114 State St
Santa Barbara, CA 93190