Evolution comes in many ways, some long, some in between and some just in moments. Ottimista evolves, you can come here on any given night and watch evolution spin before your eyes. One beautiful girl after girl, sipping their favorite Italian wine, without their boyfriends. To share Melissa's knowledge of fine dinning is a culinary journey through many regions of Italy and it's wine domain. Melissa said on this cold San Francisco drizzly night that she wished there was a fireplace. From where I am sitting there are plenty of fireplaces not yet warm. Antique velvet brocade booths, candles, outside dinning with heating, it's a nice blend of feminine compliments, masculine compliments feminine. No matter how quiet Union Street is, there is always someone home at Ottimista. Melissa feels she is inviting people into her home. In fact the walls are speckled with photographs of her Grandmother and family. Melissa's Grandmother Josephina was married three times, she's ninety five an d still living. Her three married names were, Dell'Era Cassera, Gandola, and Lago di Como. Melissa is currently on the show, "In Wine Country" NBC Sunday in Bay Area at 6:30.

Service is young and to the point, Michael, my server is a man for all seasons. Chef, "Mark Young", created all recipes, his inspiration comes from a little bit of everything. No fusion here honoring the region, and keeping it's unique heritage alive. Under the Ottimista roof, you get simplicity and nature's bounty speaks for itself. Great chefs are born of this view. Comfortability is a gentlemen's responsibility, the ebb and flow of emotions should not deter a gentlemen's grace. Melissa's background in corporate PR and marketing, mind numbing just lead to the golden paycheck, was not her cup of tea. She went to cooking school in Rome and this was an awakening. She fell in love with cooking and unpretentious places of dinning. Ottimista is less then two years old and blossoming. From day one it's been love and support from friendly investors and it's rolling on.

Miles a cavalier King Charles Spaniel three months old...Melissa's Christmas present is biting my finger. This only added to Ottimista's flair and it means optimistic in Italian.

The choice bottles of wine are:

'99 Barbaresco Caslello di Neive Santa Stefano Riserva

'97 Quintuelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso

'99 Valentino "Brut Zero" Rochhe dei Manzoni

The meal began with Saffron Aranchini with Fontina (cheese stuffed risotto balls), Pumpkin ravioli, Blood orange salad with shaved fennel, arugula and extra virgin olive oil, and a beech and oyster mushroom lasagna with spinach, truffle ricotta. To finish was ricotta donuts and chocolate soup.

Rating: Ultra-cool

Hours of operation:
Tues-Thurs 2-10pm
Friday Noon-11pm
Sat 11:00-11:00
Sunday Brunch Open to 11:00-9pm

Stay Positive!