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A tale of two Valentinos

Center City's Valentino on the Square and Valentino Ristorante have gone their separate ways.

Restaurateur Cosimo Tricarico has divided his empire of trattorias named "Valentino." He's kept Caffe Valentino at Third and Wharton Streets in Pennsport. He sold Valentino Ristorante at 1328 Pine St. to Giorgio Giuliani, who today is opening it as Giorgio on Pine, and in a management deal with Savona alumnus Filiberto Magnati turned Valentino on the Square at 267 S. 19th St. into Di Vino Wine Bar.

Di Vino Wine Bar (215-545-0441), which has a liquor license, is heavy on the old-world atmosphere. The tables and booths in the front room remain, but the rear has been amped up with a supper-club look: white baby grand and large booths. Menu from Michael Kirk, also a Savona alum, includes a bunch of salads and small plates, including Buffalo-style sweetbreads, pink peppercorn-crusted blue fin tuna, pan-seared skate wing, charcuterie and smoked potato gnocchi. Everything is under $20. Wine list includes dozens by the glass. It's open nightly.

Giorgio on Pine (215-545-6265) has Giuliani, an alum of Monte Carlo Living Room and Primavera, out front in two grotto-style dining rooms. Primavera vet Chris Calvanese cooks your familiar meats and pastas, with everything under $20. It's open for lunch and dinner daily, plus Sunday brunch.