As
we gently rolled into a new month, I looked back at the past month and observed
that my October started and ended with dining experiences at Bottega.
It
all began when our Book Team discussed about destinations to dine together, as
a celebration of our teamwork in successfully accomplishing the project to
publish our alma mater’s 100-Year Anniversary Souvenir Book.
Facade of Bottega Johor Bahru by day
As
we considered where to dine, a few options were suggested. When someone said, “something
not Asian” this helped us to narrow down the choices to somewhere that does not
serve Asian cuisine.
I
have heard and read about Bottega and often drove pass its premises – to avoid
the main road – but have yet to dine here. So when the suggestion to dine at
Bottega popped up, my hand shot up and soon there was unanimous consensus to go
there.
When
we agreed to meet for lunch, a reservation was made for a leisurely Sunday
lunch. When the reservation details were shared to the group via WhatsApp, I
was rather impressed that this reservation was conveniently made and confirmed
online. 
Raising our glasses for a toast!
At
least two among us have had dining experiences here so they were familiar with
the layout of its premises, their signature dishes and friendly serving staff.
Bottega
opened in Johor Bahru last year, within a double-storey bungalow in a
residential area. Roadside parking was limited so it was wise that we arranged
to carpool or took Grab taxi to the café.
On
our arrival, we were ushered pass the outdoor section, through the ground floor
dining area and up the flight of stairs into a room where diners were seated
and dining at tables.
As
we walked through the ground floor, I glanced at the grocery items displayed on
shelves while a range of cheese was arranged within a chiller. No, I did not
miss the sight of a selection of fine wines. A large window in the rear wall
provided a wide view of the open kitchen where the culinary team was at work.
A wide view of the open kitchen on ground level
Later,
on our way out after lunch, a closer look at the merchandise available from the
grocery section showed that products were imported from Italy, Spain and
France.
Two
of my uncles live in this residential area so I am familiar with the building layout
and designs here, which date back to the late 1960s-early 1970s when it was
trendy to feature mosaic tiles on the floors and staircase.
Other
members of our Book Team were already seated at our table, discussing items to
order while reading from a brown, broad sheet that turned out to be their menu.
A serving of Gambas Al Ajillo
with Risotto Ai Ricci di Mare
in the background
It
was interesting that in my two dining experiences in October, with two
different groups of people, the orders placed were almost identical except for
one or two more different items.
While
we should try something different from the menu on every visit, this says a lot
about the popularity of these items which end up being familiar favourites
among diners. The items we savoured in shared portions included:
Gambas
Al Ajillo – marinated prawns with garlic, white wine, chili and Italian
parsley;
Parmigiana
– oven-baked eggplant with mozzarella, parmesan and Italian basil in tomato
sauce;
Pizza Saucisse to share
Her
Carbonara – Rigatoni with aged pork guanciale with free-range egg yolk,
parmesan, Pecorino Romano and roasted black pepper.
Risotto
Ai Ricci di Mare – Carnaroli Rice cooked with dollops of sea urchins and lemon
butter;
Succulent
Pork Ribs – 48-hour slow-cooked pork ribs with shallots, celery, carrots and
porcini mushrooms in tomato and white wine sauce;
Pizza
Saucisse – mozzarella, sausage, red onion, Italian basil and tomato sauce;
Piadizza
– sandwich of pizza bread stuffed with mozzarella, parmesan, heirloom tomatoes,
parma ham and fresh rocket salad; 
A serving of Piadizza to share
This
oasis of refreshment, tucked in a residential area in Johor Bahru, is fast
becoming a destination for good food that comes with a cool vibe as well as a
friendly and well-informed serving team.
I
always appreciated it when the serving staff are able to discuss the dishes
listed in the menu – in English – for diners to understand what are the
ingredients just for info and, just in case, for any food allergies.
This
is particularly essential in cafés and restaurants that serve non-Asian cuisine
as the diners expect to hear spoken English instead of a discussion about the
food in Chinese or Malay languages.
Tender and succulent Pork Ribs to share
While
our tropical weather may drive diners indoors to sit in air-conditioned
comfort, be warned that this comes with a different dining experience within a
confined space where your experience may be “destroyed” by other diners who are
inconsiderate in maintaining a comfortable, ambient “noise” level for others.
Diners
who embrace the tropical weather may choose to dine in the outdoor section. Open
to the elements, yet enveloped in a chill-out vibe which in part, was
contributed by cool music in the clever playlist.
Always end your meal sweetly
Such
a comfortable and welcoming vibe simply encourages diners to stay longer to
enjoy the food and pleasant company, and linger over desserts and coffee.
When
groups of ladies gather, it was a guilt-free dining experience when they shared
orders for a variety of dishes and desserts. As for my group, the Golden Rule
was no matter how delicious the dishes were, we must always save some space for
dessert.
So
there we were, sipping Iced Latte and hot Cappuccino while nibbling on a choice
of desserts like:
Enjoy this family-recipe Tiramisu
with caution to have better sleep
Family-Recipe
Tiramisu – mascarpone cheese, savoiardi biscuits, coffee, marsala and cocoa
powder;
Caprese
– 70% dark chocolate torte with almond, forest berries sauce, dark rum and a
side of vanilla gelato;
Pannacotta
Alla Vaniglia – vanilla pannacotta, forest berries, vanilla crumble and mint;
I know
connoisseurs of fine Italian and Mediterranean cuisine can appreciate the
authentic flavours and fresh ingredients that go into the dishes served here –
and this keeps them coming back for more.
After
my recent lunch and dinner dining experiences at Bottega, I’m just looking
forward to being welcomed back again, this time to taste other items on their
menu.
Facade of Bottega Johor Bahru by night
Bottega,
the Italian Café, Pizzeria & Grocer, is at No. 8 Jalan Meranti, Taman
Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor. Daily from 11am to 11pm. Closed on Tuesday.
Opened
in Johor Bahru since last year, this café is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur with
outlets opened in Penang and Melaka, with the latest, opening soon in Ipoh.
Reservations
are recommended. Just call, Tel: +6011 2567 2473.
For
more info updates, visit webpage https://www.bottega.my/
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