2-6 on 2-6: Birthday in Birmingham

Alex had been wanting to take me to a really nice dinner for my birthday, but since we’ve pretty much exhausted all of the “Tuscaloosa fine eateries”, we decided to head to check out places in Birmingham.

Alex is the type of guy that can handle eating the same places over and over again.  Me, on the other hand, like to venture out and try new places…especially now that he is not here all of the time to do so.

Anyway, we decided on Bottega (the restaurant, not the cafe), because it is a Birmingham institution.  It definitely did not disappoint!! :)

Me with my presents from Alex:  a “Birthday Cake” Lolita glass, The Carrie Diaries, and a FLIP Video Camera :)

Before we left for Birmingham :)

Outside the restaurant…gorgeous place!

Once we got inside, it was five-star service all of the way.  They took our jackets for us, replaced our white linen napkins with black ones (so we didn’t get white lint on us) and were super attentive throughout the evening.

For the appetizer, we ordered one of their signature dishes:  the Parmesan soufflé.  After eating it, I can see why the waiter said “This has been on our menu for the last 25 years”…it was amazing!

But seriously, how can you go wrong with a soufflé made of cheese, surrounded by mushrooms and prosciutto and covered with white wine butter sauce….yes it is as good as it sounds :)

For the main course, Alex ordered a Veal Osso Bucco with potatoes and polenta and I ordered the Red Snapper with rapini with chile, garlic, and brown butter vinagrette…both were amazing as well!

For dessert, Alex ordered their chocolate tiramisu and I got the strawberry bread pudding.  Let me just say, I’m not a huge fan of tiramisu OR bread pudding, but Bottega made me a huge fan :)  To make it even better, they put a little extra “love” (and a candle) in mine :)

So sweet! :)

 

Thanks babe for a WONDERFUL birthday dinner!! :)

Next up…the continuation of my 26th Birthday celebration!