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Bottega About a year ago, while I was looking for an upgrade for my dSLR, Cathy of Gastronomyblog told me to wait until I had posted 100 reviews on my blog. Why 100 you ask? Since I was a slacker (and still is one) with my blogging, she figured setting a goal would get me to post more. Well....here it is, number 100. There's not a better place for number 100 than to revisit one of my favorite meals in 2010, Michael Chiarello's Bottega in Yountville. Cocktails Since my friends and I had a day of wine tasting, we decided to change it up a bit have start the meal with some cocktails. It's not the best I've had (Milk and Honey in NYC is my favorite), but these were still some refreshing concoctions. Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad - marcona almonds, sieved egg, pecorino and whole citrus vinaigrette For fans of the Top Chef series, this was one of the dishes Chef Chiarello made on Top Chef Masters Season 1. As a fan of brussel sprouts, I natually had to order this dish. I enjo...

Alto Before visiting Marea , one of my favorite dining experience in 2010, I actually first visited Michael White's two Michelin Star Italian restaurant, Alto. Like with Marea, I went with the 2 course lunch prix fixe menu at $41. Since I had eaten the pastrami sandwich at Katz's Deli for breakfast, I was hoping I could find some stomach space for Alto. Focaccia Trying to save room for the pasta and the seafood course, I had a bit of the focaccia with the provided olive oil. I enjoyed the warm temperature of the focaccia, but it was a shame I couldn't finish it. Garganelli al Nero di Seppia all’Amatriciana This dish was the reason for my unplanned visit to Alto. I had heard about it previously and I had to try it for myself. The squid ink pasta was cooked perfectly, and so were the seafood. The baby calamari was literally melt in your mouth tender, and the cod tripe was fantastic. This was one of the best pasta dishes I've had. If it's on the menu, I'd highly re...

Bottega Ristorante When J , Umma , and I were discussing which restaurant to visit during our separate trips up to my beloved Nor Cal (Me, visiting my Alma Mater: UC Davis, and visiting the folks in Cowtown), the initial thought was TK's Ad Hoc. However, Bottega was never far off my mind, especially after watching Tyler Florence express his love for Chiarello's Egg and Pork Belly Confit on the Food Network show " The Best Thing I Ever Ate. " After having issues securing a reservation for Ad Hoc, I was able to snag one at Bottega. Bottega Ristorante After touring the UCD Campus on its annual Picnic Day and going wine tasting (along with buying 2 cases of wine) with two of my former College roommates, we made our way to Yountville for some good eats. My friends and I met up with J & Umma and were ready to pounce on the food! Bread w/ Salt and Olive Oil Those were some pretty tasty bread: warm and flavorful. We must have gone through 5-6 loaves of them, as we used ...