Cotswold Cafe - Calgary

The Bottega Trattoria is located in a secluded area, but if you happen to find it, make sure to stop by for some delicious Italian cuisine. I visit this restaurant every week and have always enjoyed their excellent pastas. Lately, I've been obsessed with their delicious calzones, which are made fresh right in front of you in their fantastic pizza oven. The prices are reasonable for the quality of food you receive. Keep in mind that they are only open for lunch service.

We stumbled upon this small restaurant in an industrial strip mall in SE Calgary, not far from Chinook. Feeling hungry, we decided to grab a quick bite to eat before an appointment. To our delight, Bruno, a caterer known for his delicious Italian food, was there preparing meals. It seems he has decided to open a restaurant for lunch only. If you are fortunate enough to visit his Trattoria (located near Bianca Amor's south) during lunch hours, be sure to try the lasagne, tortellini, and other specials which are always fresh and delicious. He also bakes fresh bread daily. Although we did not try the pizza, we watched his staff make one that looked appetizing. For those in Calgary looking to impress their friends at an upcoming event, consider booking Bruno as your caterer - you won't regret it.

We noticed this little eatery purely by accident while visiting Bianca Amor, a deep discount store selling odds and ends from business closures. They share the same lot within an industrial park just minutes from Chinook Mall. Anything Italian catches our eye, and the name...Bottega Trattoria certainly did that. I must admit I didn't expect much, after all, this area isn't where I would expect to find much beyond a coffee shop specializing in cheap breakfasts for factory workers. Upon entry however, the aroma took us back to the trattorias scattered throughout Italy. We could immediately tell that this was home cooking at it's finest. Nothing fancy mind you, just every day dishes prepared by a chef who has a real passion for food. We were greeted by Bruno, the owner and cook, in typical Italian fashion. He explained the menu board, written in chalk, complete with numerous corrections, and extended an offer for us to take our time and look around before we made up our minds. We explained we weren't necessarily hungry, just nosy (read intrigued) about our new find. He didn't push, he let us examine the board, and stood within earshot iin case we had questions. It was after on a Tuesday, well after the lunch rush, and the three remaining patrons chatted easily with Bruno as they completed their meals and settled the bill. Ma and I were hooked by this time, and placed our orders. Bruno warned us that the Lasagna would take at least minutes if we didn't mind the wait (we didn't). I in turn also ordered a small four cheese pizza, perfect size for sharing and comparing. There were a number of smaller sized tables scattered about, comfortably positioned with ample room between to allow for ease of conversation. The tables were covered by plastic red/white checkered table cloths, which, although never found in Italy, seemed quite at home here. The kitchen is entirely visible to the patrons, with a rather ancient pizza oven positioned in the centre. Bruno offers about ten varieties of pizza, both in and plus two types of calzones. Small pizza ranged in price from and the larger pizza from Calzones are per. The pasta dishes are rather unusual. Not your typical dish. This is southern Italian cooking, full of flavour, often with pink sauce, or pesto. Our Lasagna was great, bubbling hot, obvious fresh ingredients, with what appeared to be freshmade noodles. Lots and lots of cheese. Not too spicy, certainly not bland, Ma felt it was just right. The four cheese pizza was baked to perfection, with crust just a tad thicker than what is typically served in Italy. The edges were crispy although not hard or tough, and left me wishing I had ordered the I can always make room for good food. The cheeses used included Mozza, Provolone, Gorgonzola, and Brie. The flavours were strong, and the brie came with rind intact. I always remove my rind at home before eating it, but that is simply a personal choice. Ma liked it, but I found it a tad over powering. We didn't realize that Bottega Trattoria closed mid afternoon on Mondays and Tuesdays The rest of the week it closes at the same time, but re-opens for supper at until They are closed on Sunday. Not knowing, we didn't place our order until after closing, forcing the kitchen to remain open. Not a word was said, much to management's credit. Bruno was most attentive, returning often for a word or two. It turns out he was born in Southern Italy, as was Ma Kettle, and this commonality created an instant bond between them. They both speak with the same dialect, which was immediately recognized by the other when certain menu items were pronounced. It was old home week, and the language spoken from that moment on contained a blend of Italian and English (in order to accomodate me). We really enjoyed our meal. Bruno is a very interesting man, and a passionate cook. He cooks the way he was taught, substituting one ingredient for another as supplies run out. He offers specials when the urge hits him, or when he finds deals at the market. Shopping is done daily, so fresh ingredients are guaranteed. He uses only organic free range eggs while doing food prep, with very distinctive deep orange yokes. He gave Ma and me a few eggs to try at home before we left, and although we usually buy our eggs from a certain vendor at the market, those eggs provided a most delightful treat the next day. We intend to return again real soon, and my eye is on the Penne Arrabbiata, with spicy sausage, or perhaps my all time favourite... Linguine Carbonara. Although there are also many Panini and salad dishes offered, my first love remains pasta, especially with a southern flair. Because the south has been invaded so many times over the centuries, the receipes gradually began to include combinations of spices that are unheard of in dishes found up north. A taste treat for those of you who have never gone further south than Rome. This is the real deal folks. No need to get dolled up, jeans are fine, just be sure to bring your appetite. Say hi to Bruno, tell him Ma and Pa Kettle sent you, and that you are hungry. If you're lucky, Bruno may suggest a meal not found on the menu. BTW, Bottega Trattoria is fully licensed, with both Italian and domestic beer. I didn't notice the selection of wines however.

Bruno will be closing his restaurant within a week. The food was not the issue, nor was the atmosphere. It was likely due to the hours and definitely the location. Despite the closure, the quality of the food was always excellent with a touch of love in every dish. The lack of customers and low table turnover made it difficult for the staff to earn a decent income, leading to a lack of investment in the establishment. The restaurant, located in an industrial area, struggled to attract a regular customer base and was not well-known outside of the area. The limited hours made it challenging for customers to visit, leaving many disappointed with the closure. We will miss the great food at Bottega Trattoria, but will now have to search for a new favorite spot.

It's a small place in the industrial area off Ave SE. simple décor, seats, all beating to the enthusiastic people that work there. Reasonable pricing, decent portions, tasty food... pizzas, Calzones, pasta dishes, panini, salads, and daily specials... thumbs up,,, will repeat