By Franz Scheurer
A misguided friend of a friend of mine once remarked that she couldn’t understand the fascination with a Crème Caramel, as it was really nothing more than baked custard. Well, she obviously never had the delectable, wobbly, heavenly, creamy revelation that is served at La Botte in Willoughby. It has the best texture of any “baked custard” I have ever tasted. It looks superb, just the right colour, the perfect amount of caramel sauce and a long, lingering taste that is second to none. Now, I generally don’t even like desserts much, so for me to wax lyrical about one is rather unusual. La Botte’s talents to tantalise your tastebuds doesn’t just end with dessert, but starts right at the beginning of the meal. The food is very Italian, authentic, fresh, tasty, well presented and very good value for money. The “Totoni” a dish of garlic cuttlefish in an old-fashioned cast iron pot is creamy, soft and wonderful. The pizzas as thin as you can make them, simply topped and superb. The home made “Salsicce” a northern style sausage served with a rocket salad excellent and the rice pilaf with chicken livers wonderfully tasty and cooked à la minute. The pasta is perfectly al dente and the sauces and presentation, although rustic, are appetising. Service is very efficient and friendly and the restaurant is licensed but you may BYO wine. La Botte is open for lunch Tuesday to Friday and open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday. You will have to book as it is always packed and you may have guessed from my review why this is so. In summing up, all I can say: Eat at La Botte, it’s like a Buon Ricordo on a budget.
Score: 7/10
For more information or bookings:
Tel.: 02 9958 6785