Bottega in the rain

I’m here to tell you that Bottega—you know Michael Chiarello’s little spot in Yountville—is great in any weather. I’ve perched on the patio on balmy summer nights and now I’ve cozied up to a great meal at a bistro table in the bar while rain poured (poured!) outside. Both are exquisite.

Robin, Natasha and I had just finished a Pilates session—you know, in the cute Pilates Napa Valley studio tucked up above the nail salon at Villagio—and so went to Bottega in our Pilates duds. I felt the most conspicuous. Thanks to an unfortunate wardrobe grab (it was dark that morning as I got ready for work & Pilates and my brain was functioning pre-caffeine, ‘k?), I was wearing a bright pink top and a red velvet blazer with snug, black pants with that so-five-years-ago “racing stripe” on the sides. I would be lying if I told you that the well-heeled ladies in the restroom didn’t give me an arched-eyebrow once-over.

This isn’t my usual MO, please understand. I like to look nice but won’t let a rainy night or Pilates-wear get in the way of a good meal with friends!

We all had the amazing shaved Brussels sprouts salad and then shared a handkerchief pasta with chanterelles and halved organic orange and purple glazed carrots. Of course, there were quartinos of Gamble syrah and of course there was lots of good conversation.

I’m here to tell you that you absolutely cannot let a less-than-stellar outfit (or pouring rain!) keep you from a good meal with good friends. That’s just silly.