La Bottega has a brand new kitchen and menu

We stopped by La Bottega last night for dinner. Executive Chef Carmen Trigueros was proud to show off the new kitchen. It's state-of-the-art, open to the public and right there for all to see. It sort of reminds me of a cooking show kitchen or something out the Today Show. Carmen plans on holding cooking classes soon, which this kitchen was made for.


The new menu at La Bottega consists of mostly tapas-style items. Above left is their St. Germain Passion Ceviche ($7), delicious Cobia fish with passion fruit, pickled red onion, Meyer lemon confit and sesame seed tuile. Served with Malanga chips, this is refreshing and delicious. At right, is chef, Rodolfo Coadros.


This is Scallop Lollipops ($8), which is basil infused scallops in prosciutto. Loved this too, but we would loved to have seen more than three on a plate.


And the Housemade Smoked Salmon Mousse ($8) was also nice, the special fennel marinated smoked salmon was very light and went well with a rose wine.


La Bottega, is part of the Grove Garden Trilogy with Calamari and The Taurus located at 3540 Main Highway.

Thursday nights, wine educator, Henry Barrow holds his weekly wine tastings from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at La Bottega. Wines are accompanied by an array of meats and cheeses.

The cost is $20/per person, Reservations 305-444-3493. Fee Waived for members of La Cava Wine Club.