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Review content:
The Pioneer Valley is not known for its food, so anything slightly above average is bound to receive good reviews. I have dined at Bottega Cucina a couple of times, and the food is above average for the area. That said, there are some very serious downfalls to this restaurant. For starters, the decor leaves a lot to be desired, particularly when paying for entrees in the range of $17-$25. The restaurant used to be a pizza place, and the decor looks the part: 1950s knotty pine paneling and booths, with brown plaid curtains. But it's not retro in any way; it's simply old and dated. Beware, too, that the beer prices are astronomical. I had a microbrew from NY, which was probably 12 ounces, and was charged $6.50 (beer prices are not indicated on the drink menu). Beyond the slightly-above-mediocre food, unattractive setting, and overpriced drinks, the bigger issue, in my view, is the management. They would benefit from taking Business 101 at a local community college. I received an e-mail for a ""free"" birthday meal. I knew there was some glitch, as my birthday is several months away. But I figured it had been a while since I'd been to Bottega Cucina, and I'd simply tell them the e-mail was sent in error...but to honor the certificate for now and take my name off the list when my birthday comes up. Well, the waiter explained there was a mix-up and that they would not honor the free dinner offer. Because that didn't sit well with me, someone else was sent over. I'm not sure if he was a manager or an owner, as he never introduced himself or revealed his role at the restaurant. He did tell us he was the one who made the error, saying the computer had crashed, it was repaired, and he clicked the wrong list to send the e-mails out. He claimed to have sent the e-mail to the entire list (some 2,000 people), which could not be true as my dining companion did not receive one. I asked if they could just honor the free meal for now, and remove my name from the birthday e-mails. He said no, that couldn't be done. And that was that. It was HIS mistake, but he was not willing to make it right -- not even bothering to offer a free drink or dessert or anything to regain our faith in the business. I felt bad for the waiter, who was probably dealing with angry customers all night (and will no doubt be dealing with them as others who receive the e-mail trickle in). I was promised I will receive another ""free"" meal e-mail during my birthday month, but I won't be back again. HONOR YOUR OFFERS, BOTTEGA CUCINA, (OR MAKE THINGS RIGHT IN ANOTHER WAY) WHEN YOU SCREW UP!
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