What could be better than Sunday brunch with the girls, or even a little brunch with family? A little mimosa, lots of food… it’s a great way to catch up, get your belly full, and enjoy a relaxing day before heading back to work or class on Monday. To me, Sunday brunch has it all, and for those of you who haven’t heard, it has quickly become a staple for bars and restaurants near and far. Now for those of you who brunch, but are looking for a little something extra, have you heard about Bottagra Brunch? I had a chance to sit down with Robert Vicari, co-owner of Bottagra in Hawthorne to talk about this monthly event staple, which combines both a unique dining and nightlife experience all rolled into one!
AK: Tell me a little history about Bottagra, how did you get started?
RV: Bottagra was established in 2008 by 2 partners, myself and Carlo Carbonaro. We are a pair of chefs that joined forces to create a unique, innovative menu. Bottagra seats 300 people, and this hip Italian eatery is set in a historic revolutionary warera house on Wagaraw Road in Hawthorne New Jersey.
AK: What made you start Bottagra Brunch?
RV: New Jersey needed a place where people can get dressed up in red-carpet worthy attire, and enjoy a daytime brunch with good food, entertainment, and music on a Sunday. So we teamed up with Erock Entertainment to bring you and other brunch lovers this event.
AK: What distinguishes Bottagra Brunch from other establishments?
RV: We are the one, and only venue in New Jersey with a split personality. What I mean is once a month we can host a Bacchanalian fest, and the rest of the month it’s a classic Italian Restaurant.
AK: What makes the Bottagra Brunch, the food, the drinks, the experience just stand out from all the rest?
RV: The menu is very creative and has something for everyone. From your classic house made chocolate chip cookies served with milk (cookies & milk), to a delicate french toast with fresh berries and whip cream, steak and eggs, to house made grilled pizzas. If you are looking to pair your Dom Perignon, oysters are served with Champagne Mignonette. Bottle service parades are also carefully orchestrated to what request the guest wants. For example, if we know the guest loves Superman, we dress up in the parade as Superman.
AK: What are your current favorite food and drink brunch menu items?
RV: Food item on the brunch side? House made French toast, whip cream, fresh berries. On the drink side, Bottagra Sangria which we sell by the gallon at brunch in large table top beverage dispensers.
AK: Are there going to be any fall menu changes for brunch?
RV: Bottagra runs seasonal specials through out the year.
AK: Do you need a reservation to attend brunch? Can one book a large group to attend?
RV: Brunch reservations are highly recommended, as we sell out one month in advance. We accept reservations for parties of 8-12 that come with a minimum in the main dining room. We also accept walk Ins at the door. We have 2 side rooms where we accept reservations for smaller parties, and large parties are always welcome.
AK: What can we expect for the upcoming season for Bottagra Brunch?
RV: For this upcoming season always expect the same level of service, food, and ambiance. We also have some special guest djs in store for the season.
AK: What future endeavors should we be on the look out for Bottagra as a whole?
RV: Being in business for 10+ years now, Bottagra has become a household name. We will continue to provide you the highest level of hospitality for every occasion, whether it’s a private event, off facility catering, Sunday champagne brunch, or just Saturday night à la carte dinner service.
If you are looking to combine both good eats and nightlife fun, don’t miss out on Bottagra Restaurant’s upcoming Brunch located in Hawthorne New Jersey! It celebrates Season 10, their 10 year anniversary, on October 13th; this event is booking fast! Call today to reserve your table, and keep checking in on Bottagra’s website, Instagram, and Facebook to stay up-to-date on future dates and information. I can’t wait to see what they have in store, I know you can’t either! Until then, thanks for the brunch hookup Bottagra! Cheers and happy eating to you all.