Paola Bottero

Paola's Restaurant opened in l983 in a small storefront on 85th Street and first Avenue. In l994 after receiving two stars from the New York Times, it moved to a bigger location on East 84th . Paola's restaurant has always had red walls and lots of mirrors, white linens and candle lit tables.

Paola Bottero, the owner was born in Rome, Italy and emigrated to the United States in l961. She went into the restaurant business in her late 30's, after having apprenticed with the Lattanzi family in their " Trastevere "Restaurant, and with her brother Fabrizio Bottero at his "65 Irving Place" Restaurant.

Initially she strived to remain true to her roots in and traveled throughout Italy to bring back the recipes of the local chefs, Pansotti and Trofie from Liguria, Casunsei from Trentino, Macco and Fava beans from Campania , and recipes from other regions.

Recently however, she decided that what she really wanted was to be inspired by "authenticity" rather than rigorously following traditional recipes . The restaurant works with recipes that infuse the traditional cuisine of Italy with a new and creative spirit. Samples of both styles are included in the demonstration of tonight. Roast Pork is a traditional recipe using traditional ingredients. The ricotta gnocchi are a recipe inspired by tradition but not faithful to it, except in spirit.

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