Bottega & BarBersQ

When we visit D’s parents or they come to visit us, where we are going to eat is always a big decision. The planning usually starts at least a few weeks before. We’ll suggest some places, D’s dad will make some suggestions, we’ll do some research, and come up with an itinerary.

For Friday lunch, D’s dad suggested Bottega. After watching Top Chef Masters, we were curious to see what Michael Chiarello could do. Even though he wasn’t the one actually preparing our food in the kitchen, of course, I was impressed. Loved the ambiance, (cute little covered outside lounge area) and the food was delicious!

I ordered the Ricotta Gnocchi, salsa di pomodoro della Nonna, pecorino. Little fluffy pillows that melt in your mouth. I haven’t eaten gnocchi many times, but this dish may spoil any future gnocchi I eat.

D and his dad ordered Fusilli Lucani with veal, pork & porcini mushroom Bolognese, Sweet 100 tomatoes, rosemary & parmigiano. k loved the fusilli, and ended up eating off of both of their plates. She also enjoyed the special lemonade flavored with strawberry puree and sparkling water that D ordered.

Bottega is part of a shopping area that seems to be owned by Chiarello, called NapaStyle. I didn’t really get it, but I saw his face everywhere in the store next to the restaurant.

k acting silly.

For dinner we went to BarBersQ, a place I had read about in Sunset magazine and Bon Appetit? It is located in a strip mall, but it was probably the chicest barbeque place I have ever been to.


We ordered A Taste of the Q for 2 and Baby Back Ribs & Chicken combo, a side of corn bread and creamed corn. It was plenty of food for all of us. I didn’t take a picture because we dug in so fast (the service was on the slow side, but friendly). D inquired about the cooking technique and it turns out they use a dry rub AND a light sauce. He liked the ribs and brisket the best, but everything was good with the extra bottles of sauce on the table.

All in all they were two solid picks.