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Date night dining: Birmingham’s Bottega
“Frank’s Favorite Cake” is one of Bottega’s many decadent dessert options. (Photo by Jackson Hyde)Jackson Hyde - Features Editor
features@insideuab.com
Bottega is an Italian restaurant in Birmingham known for its high price tag, masterfully prepared food and distinguished atmosphere. It is a sister of two other well known, sophisticated restaurants in Birmingham, Chez Fonfon and Highlands Bar and Grill. Although Bottega’s cafe opens at 11 a.m., its dining room doesn’t open until 5:30 p.m., where the more expensive meals are served.
Preparing to dine at Bottega is a trial of its own. The official dress code is business casual, but when people in Birmingham get an opportunity to dress up, many do. As long as you don’t wear shorts or sandals, you’ll be admitted to Bottega. However, may feel awkward wearing a T-shirt and a pair of khakis while other diners are eating in jackets and dresses, so I’d recommend wearing something that makes you feel sophisticated. Also keep in mind that Bottega has mandatory valet parking in their lot, so if you don’t want to pay for that make sure you can survive a trek from wherever you found a free spot. -
Fine dining with a taste of history in a living room
Marco Morosini, the owner of Silvertron, presents a platter of free food in his restaurant. The cafe recently added vegetarian and vegan options to their continuing, dynamic menu. Photo by Gavin Gilliland
- Gavin Gilliland, Staff Writer
gjgill@uab.eduThe Silvertron Café, a restaurant unlike any other, sits quietly tucked away among the Forest Park neighborhood in Birmingham. The café has been serving customers for over 30 years. Looking around inside, it is cozy, but open. It feels like someone could be living there, and you can sense the history of the place because all the furniture is vintage. Chairs are set up so that you sit in close proximity to other customers, almost forcing you to be neighborly.
