Bottega's window display (Photo by Jeff Boykin)
Moving to Wilmington, I expected the sun, the surf and the ubiquitous flip-flops. I expected the nightlife would be indicative of Wilmington’s easy-going, southern coastal personality as well. What I didn’t expect was to find a little slice of my Midwestern hometown in the heart of downtown.
Columbus, Ohio has a famed gallery and nightlife district called (simply) High Street. Hip, eclectic and vibrant, this area attracts hipsters, students and creative types of all kinds. Open minds of all ages make their way to the monthly Art Hop, never knowing what spectacles they might come across.
Entering Bottega, a sliver of a building on North Front Street in Wilmington’s historic downtown, feels a little bit like stepping off of crowded, lively High Street and into this warm, edgy wine bar. So outwardly discreet that it could easily be missed on your way to the more southerly bars and clubs, Bottega’s interior is full of eye candy and not to be ignored.
A soothing interior (Photo by Amanda Heironimus)
We’re greeted by manager and barkeep Elizabeth into a softly lit front room with a candle-lit bar, a couple of inviting couches, and walls strewn with local artwork. We pull up to the bar and start flipping through the extensive wine and beer selection. While Bottega specializes in wine, offering a good selection of whites, reds, sparkling, sake and mead (MEAD?! I’m picturing giant, barbaric mugs and festive winter evenings to come), beer drinkers should not shy away. With more than 35 beers to chose from (strictly imports aside from High Life 7-oz. minis for just $1.25), Bottega carries a little something for everyone, regardless of your mood. (The DD in your party won’t be stuck with Diet Coke all night, either – Bottega’s fruit juices include pineapple-guava and mango-orange).
Keenan Wade and Grace Adele (Photo by Jeff Boykin)
If you’re feeling uber-girly (guys, don’t scoff – you’ve felt it, too), shoot for one of Bottega’s famed mimosa’s (only $4 on Saturdays). Elizabeth whips me up the pomegranate version, and perhaps I’ve had a bit too much wine, but all of these antioxidants floating around in my champagne have me convinced this is practically a health drink. (Right, so probably not, but it hits the spot nonetheless).
Not sure what you like? Try the free wine tastings on Wednesdays. Backed by live music, wine aficionado Steve will talk you through a few good wines – a budget-friendly way to learn your grapes.
And because a little wine calls for a little (or not so little?) snack, Bottega answers with a selection of gourmet small plates, including a Mediterranean Sampler, Cheese and Crackers (not your childhood version – this soft, French cheese is unbelievable, but do pop a breath mint after you’ve polished it off), and the more standard Antipasto.
Bottega is made up of two rooms, each stuffed with the works of local artists. The current exhibit, Miniature Masterpieces (running through September 5th), features a multitude of tiny pieces in a mix of mediums. The space itself is artfully appointed (be sure to check out the skateboard shrine over the beer cooler).
As if the art weren’t enough stimulation, Bottega also enlists a variety of entertainers almost every day of the week. Tonight, Grace Adele and Keenan Wade strum a relaxing mix of bluegrass, folk and jazz that carries us right through ’til two. With ‘nary a dull moment, closing time snuck up out of nowhere.
And still I’m a bit surprised as we exit not into the chilly air of Columbus, Ohio, but into the soft humidity of nighttime in Wilmington.
Bottega
208 N. Front Street Wilmington, NC
910-763-3737
Curbside at Bottega (photo by Jeff Boykin)
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