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Keys to the City at Caffe Bottega
910 Chapel St.
New Haven
Temple Street
203-624-6200

By JOANNA WOLAK

Special to ctnow.com

July 21, 2005


Caffe Bottega is an appealing European-style bar and bistro where table conversation is encouraged. "It's a laid back place to go to meet someone before you go out at night," said owner Giuliana Maravalle. "A place without too many rules."


The Vibe Inside: It has all the design features of a club, without actually being a club. The decor seems to combine a retro art-deco theme with a futuristic motif full of neon lights. Patrons sit at colorful café tables on chairs made of metal, glass and acrylic. Or they lounge on cushy couches and armchairs. The large room includes a small stage area, a liquor bar and a brightly lit red display case filled with homemade gelato. Two huge doors open to the outside, where there are also tables and chairs available.


The Music: When there are no bands or karaoke, the cafe's music is pumped from in-house speakers. The music varies, but there's definitely a European vibe in the house selection. It's not too loud, and you can have a conversation without trouble hearing what is being said.


Drinks: Great martinis. The café also serves specialty drinks, such as the "Bottega Colada," which is similar to a Pina Colada, and the "Rootbeer Float" - a mix of alcohol and their homemade gelato. Or choose from the cafe's extensive wine list or selection of beer. The drinks run from $4 for a beer, to between $6 and $9 for mixed drinks.


Eats: Let's talk gelato. Bottega makes its own gelato in a variety of flavors. It is creamy and flavorful, possibly the best outside of Italy. I personally recommend the pineapple for a fruity blast. But the cafe's menu goes way beyond dessert. Options include salads, stir fry and pizzettes. Bottega's owner recommends the lobster ravioli and the chicken with artichokes. Entrees run between $11 and $14.


The Crowd: A mix of people of all ages. I could go there as a 22-year-old to have drinks with friends, as could my mother to dine with her friends, as could my 8-year-old neighbor to get a cup of gelato.


What to Wear: Clean, casual, relaxed clothes, but don't look slovenly.


Special Events/Theme Nights: Monday night is definitely for the ladies when the café offers "Manicure or Massage, Martini and a Movie." For $20, you can get either a martini and a manicure, or a martini and a massage while watching a movie on a huge screen at the front of the café. Tuesday night offers karaoke, and Wednesday is reggae night. Thursday is Texas Hold 'em night. A rotation of bands play on Friday and Saturday nights.


Service: Everyone who works at Caffe Bottega is friendly, familial and happy to help. The servers are dressed in formal black attire.


Bottom Line: A great place to go whatever your needs: hunger, sweet tooth, cocktails, or to just plain relax and talk.

Hours: Mon.-Thu., 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Sun., closed.

Extras:

Attractions Clubs Bestselling Drinks John Travolta Martini, Bottega Colada and Juan McNulte Martini (an eclectic mix of Tequila and Bailey's) Clubs Nightclub Cover No cover charge but a $12 per person minimum order required on nights with live entertainment. Cuisine Bistro Dress Code Casual Extras Nightly activities: Mon. - Manicure & Martini for $20; Tues. - Karaoke; Wed. - Reggae; Thurs. - XTreme Comedy; Fri. & Sat. - eclectic live music; Sun. - Old School Beats Dancing & Competition; Full size movie screen and stage Happy Hour Social Hour Mon.-Fri. 4-6 p.m. with free appetizers Meals Served Dinner, Late-night Menu Italian Tapas Music Live music Fri. & Sat. Outdoor Seating Cafe converts to indoor-outdoor seating in summer when floor-ceiling windows open completely. Parking Available on street and in local garages. Payment Method Price Range Inexpensive Reservations Scene Ranges from after-work crowd to teenagers and everyone in between Services Private Parties, Carry Out Spirits Full Bar Website http://botteganewhaven.com Wheelchair Access Entrance and restrooms are accessible.