JON plus booty-planting

Sept 09 - Written post-event, the memory of our last dinner is hazy but the standout was the simple, uncontrived yet uber-cool setting - Bootleg Bar, Potts Point. Relatively new to the Victoria St scene at the time, Bootleg - 4 months on - has now firmly planted its booty as a much favoured Potts Point haunt.

Small in an intimate and non-claustrophobic way, Bootleg Bar reminds JON of a New-York style bar with a great mix of industrial fittings, chalkboards, low lighting and random photographs of music artists. There are high tables up front and retro-styled chairs, tables and booths at the back (JON's favourite being the small booth in the alcove directly opposite the bar).

JON's visit was pleasant and everything it was expected to be. Minimal wait, friendly bar staff and a simple menu offering various italian dishes on one side, drinks list on the other, specials on the blackboard. Easy. The meatballs were great as was the fusilli with wild mushroom, sage, cream and truffle oil. Cheese plate was a little on the boring side but again, simple enough to please.

The conversation was peppered with New York talk due to Jake and Nat's impending trips - Nat for a 2 month work visit and Jake for a 2 week holiday and Nat visit. Over inexpensively priced but a well chosen wine list and at $30 a head at the end of the meal, JON worked their way through what JON does best - food and conversation.

Sadly, much like a pack of cigarettes, Bootleg Bar comes with a warning from a post-JON Bootleg visit with 4 other friends. The tall, older blonde waitress needs some serious help with customer service. Rudeness will never suffice. Even worse, defiance when addressed about aforementioned rudeness.

Bootleg - On Notice.