Carrying the Izzo name means diving headfirst into the world of food and beverage, with an innate talent for capturing the essence of a region’s flavors and traditions and transforming them into something new.
Maicol and Emanuele, chef and sommelier at Piazzetta Milù, laid the foundation, and Valerio took that legacy and ran with it, embracing his passion for mixology with unmatched fervor. After attending courses at The Jerry Thomas Project in Rome, he passionately nurtured his love for mixology, guided by a personal vision rooted in his professional journey and family heritage.
The Birth of Shub
For Valerio, the key to innovation lies in merging regional traditions with modern techniques, bringing Campania’s culinary richness into each creation. His journey from observing and mastering the secrets of Piazzetta Milù’s kitchens led to the birth of Shub. Launched in 2020 in Sorrento, is more than just a wine and secret bar — it’s a hub of discovery, where flavors and pairings unfold with every sip.
Shub’s Identity
Upstairs, over 200 selections of champagne and local wines await, alongside classic cocktails and meticulously prepared small plates by his wife, Anna Candela. Yet, the true soul of Valerio’s vision comes alive below ground, in the secret bar. Here, petrolgreen walls and a backlit display showcasing more than 1,000 spirits — whisky and agave taking center stage — set the scene for Valerio’s creative genius, as he crafts the drink list and curates the guest experience.
The Ever-Changing Menu of Shub
Shub’s cocktail menu evolves every six months, with the Evoluzione Winter Edition 2025 making its entrance this December. It’s a collection where cuisine meets memory, and ancestral capture Valerio’s vision and identity. The menu includes eight signature cocktails and four bestsellers, each offering a high-proof gastronomic experience.
A standout is the Sorrento Martini, a tribute to mozzarella grilled between lemon leaves. To capture those distinctive aromas, the infusion process involves low-temperature sous-vide techniques. Pre-batched, the Martini is “cooked” at 52 degrees for 90 minutes with the lemon leaves, drawing out delicate, citrusy notes and essential oils. Filtered and served ice-cold, it exemplifies the seamless dialogue between kitchen and mixology that makes Shub truly unique.
Homage To Winter and Neapolitan Tradition
Among the new creations, winter’s chill is met with a warm nod to childhood memories of hot chocolate. Valerio’s version combines dark rum with homemade chocolate liqueur, perfectly balanced with bitters and a touch of orange, emphasizing the depth of the sugarcane distillate. Finished with a rim of cocoa and salt, this drink enchants with its rich, layered flavors.
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Images courtesy Shub
