We try to mix up our dining selections with each trip but ever since our first lunch at Bottega 3 years ago, it got placed on the "gotta do again" list. Perhaps it was their rendition of Bacon and Eggs with sous vide egg that was panko fried with lamb sausage or perhaps it was the smoked then braised short ribs but Bottega was one of the few dining reservations I made for this trip. And since we're on vacation (and it's 5pm somewhere in the world), we started with cocktails including my Italian Gin Tonic ($13) with Nolet's gin, limoncello, rosemary sprig, grapes and juniper with Fever Tree tonic water.
While the Mrs went non-alcoholic with the Verbena-Lime Soda ($4) with a splash of pomegranate.
The bread plate was great with crusty sour dough and garlic in olive oil. I'm not sure why all of the photos are tinged pink - probably photographer ineptitude. We then progressed to the starters including the Polpo alla Griglia ($13) or wood grilled octopus with potatoes and arugula - since I grew up only consuming boiled octopus served with a su-miso sauce, I never realized that octopus could be so DARN GOOD prepared directly over a fire...
Along with the Asparagi Arrosto alla Carbonara ($14) with tender asparagus, a coddled egg yolk and a Parmigiano cream... yes, I'm a runny egg yolk slut...
We then moved on to our mains including my "Grilled Shortrib Cheeseburger" ($19) with heirloom tomato and truffle aioli and Parmigiano fries. It was a darn good burger...
With a glass of Napa Pinot Noir...
While the Mrs sampled the Farfalle al Granchio e Piselli ($24) or farfalle with Peekytoe crab, pea shoots in a Vermouth creme sauce.
The Mrs originally planned on ordering dessert (and I would have had a libation) but the sun was beatin' down on her like a solar flare and by the time they lowered the shades, she was ready to cash out. And for some reason (not sure if Napa wineries were using organic fertilizer) there were hoards of flies constantly buzzin' the table. Almost Amityville like... so we did cash out earlier than we expected to...
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