David Politis

So I’m down in San Diego this weekend as a representative of SOAR Communications to attend the 11th annual Bicycle Leadership Conference, a three-day event presented by the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association. (The weather is fantastic, by the way: mid- to upper-60s every day. Nice!)

Anyway . . . last night, my wife (Allisha) and I headed off for a little local cuisine with my cousin, Brad (and his wife, Leslie). In the end, we selected Sambuca, an Italian Bistro, for our dining adventure.

Located at 3888 4th Avenue, Sambuca is a white linen tablecloth, sit down restaurant where the meals are prepared behind glass to the side of the dining area.

They served a wonderful antipasti sampler plate, and each of us raved about our respective meals: shrimp primavera, filet mignon and chicken marsala. I had the marsala, and it was delectable. Total cost, without alcohol, was around $100.

Although the Website is weak at best, the food is not.

So if you’re in lovely San Diego and have a hankering for Italian food, check out Sambuca, an Italian Bistro. I give it a strong THUMBS UP!

If you’re looking for great Italian food, you need to head to Ottavio’s in Provo.

Nestled in a modest location on Center Street just East of University Avenue, Ottavio’s Ristorante Italiano was a wonderful recent find for me.

Everything, the festive old world murals painted on the walls, the piped-in Italian music, to the prompt and attentive service, adds to the dining atmosphere. But it is the food where Ottavio’s excels.

I happen to love veal, so I try it often. And at Ottavio’s I was not disappointed as the Vitello Parmigiana was fantastic! Definitely five stars.

Come hungry, however, as the serving plates are actually platters that arrive heaped to overflowing — big meals that require carrying with two hands (or ample “to go boxes” once you’re done eating.)

And yes, I’ve been back, twice in fact.

In other words, I give a big THUMB’S UP to Ottavio’s in Provo.

[DISCLOSURE: My daughter, Alexi, recently began working as a server at Ottavio’s, as explained here. My sister-in-law Linda also works for the owners of Ottavio’s. The food is still great, however, as attested by these other reviews for the restaurant.]