Monday Morning Cocktail, Brought to you by Cucina Enoteca

The Basil Lime Gimlet by Cucina Enoteca.  Refreshing, aromatic and just about as Cal-Ital as it gets.  The inclusion of fresh basil with that classic gin and lime combination just makes my day.

Cucina Enoteca is a funky new restaurant in Orange County, complete with funky, colorful decor, a large amount of bar seating and an eclectic, Italian-inspired California cuisine.

The menu is full of fun, share-able bar snacks like this chickpea hummus and Piquillo pepper relish.  In addition to the long list of hand-crafted cocktails, Cucina Enoteca also offers an impressive wine list, all selections offered at RETAIL prices, to take with you to go, or to enjoy onsite for an $8 corkage fee.  Sounds like a deal to me.

The pizzas at Cucina Enoteca are also delicious, complete with a light and fluffy crust, charred and crusty by the stone ovens.  Equally delicious with a glass of vino, or a Basil-Lime Gimlet.