Lunch at Chef Michael Chiarello’s Bottega Restaurant
Posted on Sep 14, 2009 under Archives | No Comment
Bottega is housed in the Vintage 1870 Marketplace complex
Food Network star and “Top Chef Master” finalist Michael Chiarello’s new Bottega (6525 Washington Street, www.botteganapavalley.com) restaurant is part of the refurbished Vintage 1870 Marketplace complex in the heart of Yountville. The 90-seat eatery features old wood floors, timber beams and brick walls amidst new Venetian plaster walls, fireplaces and Murano glass chandeliers. The Italian inspired menu offers stuzzichine (bites to share), antipasta, pasta, secondi (main courses), contorni (vegetable sides) and desserts. Bottega (Italian for “workshop”), is across the street from Chiarello’s Napa Style store.
Bottega outside lounge
The restaurant has tall ceilings, lots of windows and light with a mix of brick and wood. One reason the atmosphere inside is so friendly is because of Chiarello, who steps out of the kitchen freqently to greet and chat with diners. I sat down with Chiarello for a chat before Bottega opened for lunch (next post features interview) and then sampled some of his homey Italian food.
Bruschetta Trio
We started off with a large appetizer featuring a bruschetta trio – pepperonata, heirloom tomato and basil, and carrot and eggplant caponata wiht goat cheese. All three were delicious and huge, my fave was the caponata with goat cheese.
Pesce Crudo
The menu offers a daily pesce crudo – raw fish, and mine featured fresh tuna and salmon served on a block of ice.
Risotto del giorno
My friend Gabriela had the risotto del giorno, creamy risotto with pork and mushrooms. This was also huge (you can easily split most of the main course between two people) and delicious. I ordered the smoked and braised short ribs with preserved lemon spinach – definitely one of the most tender short ribs I have had.
smoked and braised short ribs
Near the end of our meal, Chef Chiarello came out to say hello and thanked us for dropping by. The restaurant was packed for lunch service and the chef made time to stop for pictures and sign autographs for everyone before heading back into the kitchen.
Chef Michael Chiarello, stopping by at our table at Bottega
We finished our meal with a lovely chocolate souffle.
Chocolate Souffle
One other thing to mention, the wine list at Bottega, as well as the food, is a great bargain. The selection is outstanding and the pricing is very affordable – most restaurants markups are three times wholesale or higher, but at Bottega they are just double. The chef also offers 18 choices by the quartino – which basically comes to about one and a half glasses. I highly recommend stopping by Bottega on your next winetasting trip – either for lunch or dinner. Reservations recommended, 707/945-1050.