Updates!

 Hello! I feel like this blog is entirely composed up of apologies and promises to update in a more timely fashion. I think I'll stop with all the excuses and just do. ;) I've had the Bottega Ristorante review in the works for a very long period of time, but for some reason, I could never complete it. I'm glad I've finished writing it now though! It was a good meal.

Honestly, I feel like nothing is happening with my life at the moment, but I guess some significant things have transpired. So here is a truncated list version of what's going on with my life right now.

1. I've gone to Japan with my family for a week in January. That was lovely, because it has been really long time since we've all been able to participate in a family vacation.
2. Recently, I've gone gluten free. Not without rhyme or reason though, both my sister and my father have been diagnosed with gluten-intolerance, but I suppose I've always been in a state of denial about it. Since I've been gluten free, the chronic acne that I've mentioned has improved quite drastically. =) So that's nice!
3. I'm going to be graduating in May with a degree in Honors Asian Area Studies!
4. I'm probably relocating to Boston in May as well! 

 And here are some photos just to tide you over. ^__^

Shabu Shabu, Tokyo

Shabu Shabu Meat

Tokyo, Japan

Dad made Uni, Burrata Cheese, and Heirloom Tomato Salad

Belly Good Crepes in San Francsico

American Airlines First Class

Lemon Tree in Tokyo, Japan

Tamago in Tsukiji

Yangnyeom Gejang, Tsukiji

Furusato Sushi, Honolulu

Waikiki, Hawaii

Furusato Sushi, Honolulu

Me being a poser in Tokyo ^__^

Thanks for coming! > > Just realized...why are all my photos food?! Man, what.
+Love

Bottega ~ Napa Valley

Bottega is Michael Chiarello's brainchild and baby. You're probably thinking to yourself "Where have I heard that name before?" Was it a sneeze? A type of exotic pepper? A Celebrity chef? It's probably the last one. ;) Chef Chiarello has been on the likes of The Next Iron Chef, Top Chef, and Top Chef Masters, all the while being a successful restauranteur, having his own cooking show, and publishing several popular cook books.

 

Bottega is beautiful. Napa is a gorgeous place, but I feel that the decor of Bottega goes against the grain of "traditional California chic." Bottega's decor is rich, homey, and rustic with dark woods, deep russet, and orange and gold accents that stand in contrast to the green, sunny exterior of Napa Valley. The brickwork in the walls and the plush leather chairs make you feel like you're in a close friend's home, relaxing in their foyer, and drinking some fine wine, whiskey, or spirit. Something that I was also genuinely impressed with was the attention to detail throughout the entire restaurant. In the photo shown above you'll see an image of custom made copper goblets specially for Bottega that are able to maintain a cooler drink temperature for longer period of time. Of course, these copper goblets, spices, and other decorations are available for purchase next door in the Bottega store.

Sometimes I feel like I love too many things, but honestly....I love Bottega. The ambiance, the food, the service it was all perfect. The perfect end for a perfect summer in California. Surrounded by friends, family, and the love of my life it was truly a lovely, lovely experience. Of course it was also the last time I got to see boyfriend, and there was a wedding going on in the garden, so I think all the lingering romantic affects my have influenced my judgement on the atmosphere.....but even without all that mush Bottega was extremely pleasing. The combination of the cuisine, atmosphere, company, and attentive service made the dinner at Bottega a shining memory.

I would highly recommend reservations and coming with an empty stomach. Interestingly enough, my dinner party found the appetizers a bit more interesting than the main course options. Following our appetites and our intuitions we decided to make a meal out of the appetizers. Click through the jump for the rest of the meal!