TJ and I were off to a very bad start. Sure, part of it may have been my fault but I highly doubt it.

My annoyance was rapidly accelerating to a sharp level 10 because I was starving and TJ was indecisive about what he wanted to eat. I didn’t care where we went, I was just sick of having gum and coffee in my stomach as my only source of nourishment. Thomas James needed to make a choice quickly.

A silent drive 20 minutes later, we ended at Bottega Louie. It’s a beautiful restaurant with a lovely menu, so it should have alleviated our tension, but our hunger turned rancor overshadowed the aesthetics of the restaurant. The only light to shine over our gloomy table was the kindhearted waiter, Zach. He gently asked what we would like to have and immediately I was ready. TJ on the other hand wasn’t. “God, send someone to rescue me please. Send Your son, batgirl, heck send the Keebler elves, I don’t care just save me from his continued indecisiveness!” No one came, but TJ was finally ready. I smiled at Zach and got straight to the point, “The Cheeseburger ($16) please.”

A few death glares at one another and our food arrived. It was then that TJ disappeared from sight. All I saw was my food. I almost whimpered as I picked it up. The hefty burger is made of juicy medium-rare American Wagyu beef, sharp cheddar, delicate Bibb lettuce, brandywine tomatoes, house made aioli, and red onions and it came with a side of crispy pommes fries. The taste from the first bite sent my mouth into elation. The second bite burst with so much flavor that it calmed my nerves. The bites to follow somehow managed to make me forget how angry I was with TJ. This is what people mean when they say that food can make you feel better! That was until TJ said something so aggravating that I lost my appetite. It was as if it jumped out of my body, picked up a suitcase, and walked out of the restaurant without saying goodbye. “Wait, don’t leave me!” I never knew someone could steal my joy and ruin my beautiful burger, but he did. Soon after, we split the check and left. I was so disappointed in the entire situation from our inane fight on the way to my inability to finish my perfect lunch. So much so, that once I walked out of the restaurant I tried to run to the car and leave TJ in the city. But he has fast legs and I get winded quickly so I let him in the car. But if I was in better shape, I promise he would have struggled to get back home.

This post may not be a happy one, but it’s something I have to share with you because it’s about food and me stuffing my face. But I vow to redeem my gut. This unfortunate day will not be how I remember Bottega. I will go back to the gorgeous space and have a lunch that I can fully enjoy if it’s the last thing I do. A bit dramatic, but I mean it!

Follow Them.
Address: 700 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: (213) 802-1470
Hours: Monday to Thursday – 8:00am to 11:00pm, Friday – 8:00am to 12:00am, Saturday – 9:00am to 12:00am, and Sunday – 9:00am to 11:00pm
Social: Website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.