Michael Bottigliero

Gonna go out on a limb and say the superheroes would win in a throw down 😆

Just hosted a #Tequila tasting for a virtual client and we were able to get this 5 bottle variety pack out to guests around the country to join in. Blanco, Rose, Mezcal, Reposdo, Añejo. Hosted by yours truly, it was a success!

Pasta Night. Rigatoni with Vodka Sauce, mini Chicken Parms, homemade giardiniera, @Crispellis baguette, @CastellodiVolpaia 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva. Comfort food for September.

Pulled these from the garden. Always leave your jalapeños on the vine longer- this one is gorgeous. And can’t wait to pop those tomatoes.

My chili was kickin’, thick & spicy. Yans made the honey cornbread and I popped 2018 Lucía Victoria Rioja Reserva, excellent after breathing for 30 min, so much red juicy fruit with vanilla, mocha, and fresh cut flowers. Insane buy at Costco for only $7.99.

Strawberry Basil Smash. If you haven’t done it yet, what are you waiting for? Summer is half over! 3 strawberries and 5 basil leaves in a shaker, muddle. Add 2 oz Gin, 3/4 oz lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, + ice and shake 15 seconds. Strain into a coupe, garnish with strawberry and basil. Cheers!

Me & Yans at Pine Knob VIP section getting set to move on and see Neil Young. Oh yeah, and she needs to catch the Taylor Swift podcast about the new album 🙄. Young and old generations coming together I guess!

Grabbed Léa French Cafe for lunch. Gotta be the best baguette sandwich around. Seasoned chicken breast, avocado, bacon, lettuce, tomato, Swiss, Dijon. Great Lakes Potato Chip for the win.

Had to grab some tourist ‘za this trip, and Lou Malnati's has the best deep dish. Got The Lou: buttery garlic crust, spinach mix (spinach, garlic, basil, onion), tomatoes, and added crumbled sausage. Cheesy.

Stopped at @NorthPierBrew to grab a couple 4packs of one of my top Summer beers, the ‘Oh My Guava’ Kölsch. Soooo refreshing!

The best franchise sub shop, no doubt. Number 9, double meat, add cherry pepper relish and banana peppers. Miss Vickies Salt & Vinegar for the win. How do you get your Jersey Mikes?

Yesterday was National Tequila Day! Whether you enjoyed Silver/Plata, Reposado, Añejo, Cristalino, or Rosa, disfrútenlo mi gente! Tell me your fav brands and how you like your tequila- shots, cocktails, with soda, etc.!

Niko wanted a Steak Night so I made it happen. Grass-fed NY Strip medium rare, cheesy cauliflower and broccoli, mashed potatoes. Paired with Cadence Winery Coda red blend ($30)- smooth, dark & red fruit, lengthy- but needed decanting to hit that peak. Worth the wait.

Giardiniera (jar-deen-yair-ah authentic or jar-din-air short Americanized). My fav condiment. Put on salads, sandwiches, pasta, breakfast eggs. I just made this batch in 1.5 hours. Organic veggies- cauliflower, celery, carrots, bell peppers, Fresno peppers, Serrano peppers. I love all that color!

The Porn Star Martini. Great balance with some fruity sweetness. Pour 1.5 oz Vanilla Vodka, 1/2 oz Passion Fruit Liqueur, 1 oz Passion Fruit puree, 1/2 oz like juice, 1/2 oz vanilla syrup into a shaker, fill with ice and shake for 10 seconds, strain into a coupe, top with sparkling wine. Cheers!

Burgers & brews with the fam at Oakwood Proper Burgers then fireworks on the beach. Great stuff! Austin Brothers Dad Shoes is a tasty brew and there was loads of different Veteran-owned Grand Traverse Sauce Company bottles to go thru.

Just rolled into Traverse City and hit up @TheFillingStationTC. The brews are outstanding- Blagica with the Mango Kolsch, I got the Tieton River Hazy IPA. And the ‘Za is beyond solid- really thin crust and tasty. Even had vegan cheese for lactose intolerant Yans- she loved it.

Virtually hosted an outstanding crew of 16 from around the country via our good friends at IGT Solutions thru this outstanding trio I selected: Schramsberg Mirabelle, Failla Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Post & Beam CabSauv. Contact me for your corporate virtual gathering!

Smooth Jazz on Juneteenth. Getting the kids out for music/culture is always a good time. Big thanks to RJ SpänglerJazz Quartet!

We came to see Skenes, but we get Skubal instead. We’ll take it! ⚾️

What did you drink for Father’s Day dads? I popped this @LemelsonWinery 2018 ‘Gravity Flows’ Pinot Noir. Grilled pork chops and salmon (perfect with Pinot) with lemon caper sauce (not perfect with Pinot, but still loved it). Tell us what you grilled too!

Grabbing dinner on the way back from another amazing Chicago business trip. I always look forward to a Raising Cane's visit- got the Box Combo with an additional tender and sauce. So simple yet so frickin tasty. These guys always do it right.

Hosted this Bottles Nation cocktail class for a River North client and it was so fun! Taught the crowd of 30 how to make Margarita and Negroni cocktails- the right way. Hit me up if your crew needs a cocktail tasting- In Person or Virtual!

Went full-on TraderJoe’s dinner: Lemon Torchietti Pasta, Lemon Pesto, Argentine shrimp. Tossed it with spinach & garlic. Paired it up with Champagne Drappier. Super easy and delicious- just make sure to save some pasta water for the sauce or it’ll be too dry. Bon Appetito!

The Gin & Tonic. A classic cocktail formally used to cure Malaria. Nowadays, we just pour 2 oz Gin over ice in a Collins glass, top with Tonic Water, garnish with lime. Optional- add bitters- I used Angostura this time. Cheers!

Hi- great to see you on Bluesky!

Always- I’ll be back!

If I’m around Elmwood Park, you can bet I’ll be grabbing Johnnie's Beef. Dont be intimidated by the line- I was walking out with Italian Lemonade in 15 minutes and a Beef, Dipped, hot & sweet. Look at all them herbs on the paper- the beef is so thin, juicy, and tasty. Don’t forget to bring cash.

Rolled into Chicago late, hit Fatso's Last Stand for dem skrimps. They have the best fried shrimp in Chicago, no doubt. That spicy cocktail sauce was kickin’ too. Could’ve used some slaw, but a half pounder was more than enough. Gonna have to bring the Champs 🍾 next time 🤪

Just grabbing lunch at AlpineFoodShop, a longtime staple of Italian deli sandwiches. Got 3 meats- turkey, mortadella, prosciutto- with provolone, lettuce, tomato, and that delicious oil & vinegar, on delicious Turano bread. Always a great sando.