ABBONDANZA!

[VERONA] During my recent assignment at Vinitaly, I had the pleasure of meeting native chefs and colleagues. Resulting in learning more about the regional specialties and  restaurants. In the past, I never had the time or energy following a long day of work at the exhibition. This year, I led a team of three other chefs, so from the start I planned on getting out and learning more about this fantastic and historical area.

A favorite among the business and traveling class, Antica Bottega del Vino (circa 1890) aims to please in every sense of the word. The wine list is quite vast offering everything from vino primitivo to rare finds from all corners of Italy. This beautiful and elegant chalet seems to serve as an additional after hours networking place for attendees of Vinitaly.

The waitstaff and front of house personnel were impeccable in the execution of their duties. Having heard so much about the place on the way over, I was truly looking forward to a truly delicious meal. We began with the house antipasto, a polenta served with gorgonzola and salumi; and then a few plates of perfectly prepared beef carpaccio that left us wanting for more. We moved on to primi piatti that consisted of a few Bigoli, a homemade spaghetti served with a rich and savory duck sauce; another Bigoli that was prepared with a mouthwatering anchovie sauce;  and finally a gnocchetti verdi with a silky pecorino cheese sauce. Our secondi's consisted of Brasato all'Amarone (an Amarone wine braised beef), a Veal Chop ai formaggi, and finally a unique veal liver a la Veneziana served with sauteed onions. We were intrigued by the offering of a codfish stewed with milk and anchovies; and totally consumed by the perfectly prepared and presented lamb chops with pesto and rucola. We passed on desserts as we enjoyed some very unique wines offered by the guests at the table next to us, representatives from the Tuscan and Friuli estates where Ruffino wines have been produced since 1877. I will cover these wines in more detail in a future installment of Tasting Notes.

Except for the fact that it did get quite crowded (probably due to Vinitaly) and a little high in the decibels for my taste, this was truly a meal to remember. Highly recommended.

Added Bonus: While there, you can see and purchase stemware made on the premises, as well as purchase Bottega del Vino's very own riso, olio, grappa and aceto.

Details
Address: 3 Vicolo Scudo di Francia
Telephone: 045/8004535
Website: www.bottegavini.it
Notes: Chiuso Martedi, Reservations recommended