Trattoria Bolu is a Hit

Located at 25 Mountainview Boulevard in the 100 Marketplace Plaza, Trattoria Bolu is a real treat.  Residing in an upscale strip mall, it is conveniently located and feels like coming home when you arrive even if you've never been there before. 

A small waiting area has a comfy modern leather love seat with a coffee table that features vintage Life magazines, making the swift arrival of the hostess almost a shame.  A vintage UK phone booth repurposed to work function adorns the waiting area as well, providing a funky postmodern feel to the space.

The exposed beams and brick of the walls and the aged wood of the floors also makes for a comfortable atmosphere.  You can see the evening's antipasto offerings in the flickering glow of the wood-fired oven whose digital thermometer reads 700 degrees.  You know the food will not only be beautiful but also piping hot.

Our hostess sat us past the hi-top table bar area adjacent to the open kitchen.  Our server Lisa, dressed in soccer jersey and jeans, provided the one-page menu.  We then took our time looking through the myriad of choices.  People who need gluten-free choices need only call ahead, and vegetarians will find more on the menu as well. 

We decided upon an antipasto triptych of Roman-style artichoke hearts, the Eggplant Torta and the Rice Croquettes with home ground sausage, broccoli rabe and just the merest hint of fennel.  Lisa is a fount of information on every aspect of preparation and ingredients and with everything made fresh and to order, the taste difference is immediately evident.

My companion chose the Pizza Bolu Originale for an entrée featuring whole wheat crust (by request), fresh San Marzano tomato and fresh mozzarella.  It arrived perfectly done and each of the flavors remained separate yet harmonious. I chose the Porcini Tortelloni with Walnut Crema and a hint of gorgonzola.  The gorgonzola was flavorful but not overpowering, and the chopped walnuts and fresh cream were delicious.  I ordered the small plate portion and still took some home.  It was superb.

Bolu features a great selection of small plates from which a light or heavy meal might be made.  This is especially attractive since the atmosphere is comfortable.  Casual dining is the order of the day.  You are there to enjoy a meal, not to get back to a mall. 

The restaurant is BYOB and if you haven't brought anything with you, there is a liquor store right down the arcade for which your server will provide a coupon.  So convenient!  We chose to enjoy a Palmer - the concoction of home-made fresh brewed ice tea with a hint of mint doubled with an equal portion of fresh lemonade - delicious and piquant.

While there was plenty of food, it's always worthwhile to check out the dessert menu.  Our choice was to share the freshly made Belgian waffle with carmelized bananas, a hint of Nutella, a dollop of Dulce de Leche ice cream crowned with a sprig of fresh mint.  The waffle arrived crispy on the edges and soaked with ice cream in all the right places.  A perfect finish to a great meal.  We're already planning a return trip with friends.

Cash and major credit cards accepted at Trattoria Bolu.  Make sure to make reservations for four or more people on a Saturday evening so you won't be disappointed.