Cuisine:

• Mediterranean
• Italian

Bottega Description:
The pleasure of the table (Mediterranean style) is what it's all about here. The restaurant opened when owner-chef Frank Stitt wanted to explore dishes inspired by travels to Italy and the Mediterranean without changing the French focus of Highlands Bar & Grill. A heavy black iron gate guides the way in front of the soaring arched windows of the Bottega Favorita building. Turn left and enter the elegant wood-paneled interior with softly lit sconces and a chandelier. The meal might begin with beef carpaccio with horseradish arugula or a Parmesan soufflé with mushrooms and prosciutto. Roast quail stuffed with foie gras, focaccia, sage and honey is sure to please. Other options may include pheasant simmered in red wine with chard and fettuccine; Gulf triggerfish with orzo, peppers, basil and tomatoes; or beef filet with faro, butternut squash and balsamic onions. Indulge your sweet tooth with apple walnut cake with caramel ice cream or Chambord panna cotta with marinated raspberries. The wine list draws from Italy, Spain, Argentina, Austria, France and California. Santa Barbara winemaker Jim Clendenen (Au Bon Climat and Il Podere) makes the house reds---a supple Pinot Noir and Southside Red, a fruity blend of Barbera and Refosco. As in all of Stitt's restaurants, one bite makes you long for another.


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