Clemente’s At Val’s

Specialties

Malfatti — Invented by Theresa Tamburelli in the late 1920’s at the Depot Restaurant in Napa, CA. A San Francisco baseball team arrived for dinner and Mrs. Tamburelli realized there were no Ravioli, only filling. Using her passion and knowledge in the kitchen, she began rolling the ravioli filling into small balls, through flour and into a pot of boiling water. When they were done and rose to the top. She douced them in sauce and served them with cheese. The team loved them and cried out for more. Not knowing what to ask for, they inquired about the name of the delicious food they had just consumed. That night «Raviolini» — today «Malfatti». Malfatti in Italian slang is «mistake».

Today, Malfatti is made very similar. Malfatti became a Vegeterian meal when served with Marinara. Meat is not used in the filling like it was on its «founding night» and the shape of the Malfatti went from round to cylindrical; like a small meatless sausage.

Now it’s a Tradition!

History

Established in 2008.

The new home for Napa’s prize Clemente Cittoni and his traditional Malfatti. Clemente’s fame began after years of hard work and dedication to his trade. Located in downtown Napa, Clemente’s serves traditionally made Italian comfort food. Inside the store you will find an excellent selection of domestic and Italian wines, a large beer selection including many imports, spirits, tobacco and cigars, a large soda and beverage selection including milk and juices, and many more convenience items making Clemente’s at Val’s a true one stop shop for locals and visitors looking to make lunch and/​or dinner an easy decision. Every dish is created using only the freshest, finest ingredients. We use only the finest meats, freshest vegetables, and sell bread that is baked fresh daily.

Providing a realm of services for catering, banquets and special events of all types. We’re sure to be the choice for many of your party and event needs!

What’s a Malfatti?

Meet the Business Owner

Clemente C.

Business Owner

Clemente was born in 1938 in Northern Italy near Lake Cuomo. He grew up on Lake Cuomo and was heavily involved in crew and had the option at one time to go to the US or to be a member of the Italian Olympic rowing team. He came to the US around 1960 and shortly after began at what is now the Historic Depot Restaurant — previously located on Soscol Ave in Napa. Clemente continued to learn and grow as a cook there and eventually bought the business and owned it until he sold it in around 2004. After selling he worked at a local deli cooking their recipes and decided 4-​years later he wanted to entertain the idea of opening an Italian Takeout with the owner of Val’s Liquors. They got together on the idea and Val’s Liquors built a commercial kitchen for Clemente and his family to operate inside the business. Clemente’s at Val’s was born February 28, 2008! Clemente’s continues to make the now world famous «Malfatti» and of course we coined the term «What’s a Malfatti?».