Mario N.
Yelp
I wanted to try Botanero in Gaithersburg, so I took the opportunity to visit the restaurant while I was staying at a nearby hotel. I did not have any problems finding street parking nearby. The place is small and intimate with a bar that seats about 10-12 people. There is number of tables and the decor is simple but cozy. I arrived at the beginning of their Happy Hour (4:00pm), and they do have a separate menu of cocktails, wine, beer and small plates (known as " botanas" in México and Central America, a similar concept of the Spanish "tapas") induring for that time. I sat at the bar as I usually do, to better experience the establishment's service (I will comment about the service later), and enjoy an advantageous view of the place.
There was a flutter of people at the bar as apparently a server shift was occurring at this time; 5-6 people were bahind the bar at different stages of coming or going. There were greetings, hugs and goodbyes, which are all fine and bespoke of camaraderie amongst the personnel. However, it took a good 15 minutes for anyone to greet me and ask me if I wanted something to drink or eat. I believe that if a venue is customer-focused, someone needed to acknowledge the customer already sitting at the bar (there were 1-2 people at the opposite end of the counter when I arrived).
One of the bartenders greeted me and gave me their Happy Hour, Full and Drinks menus, which I appreciated. I ordered a their regular margarita, and three Small plates; Pork Belly Bao Buns, Tostones (green fried plantains) topped with shredded pork "carnitas" and Beef Empanadas. The Bao Buns were also served with fiery hot "encurtidos" (pickled veggies) with a predominant Chinese five-spice flavoring, and were delicious. The two Tostones with Carnitas had very generous portions, but were somewhat bland, and were also accompanied by the same pickled veggies, but this batch was not hot at all. The two fried beef empanadas had a sweet ground beef stuffing that had Asian flavors, which was odd for a South American staple. My second margarita was "maracuya"(passion fruit) flavored, and was much better than the first "basic" one; the bartender suggested if I wanted it with another flavor, and it was a smart choice. On the desert menu i noticed Tres Leches (Three Milks) Cake, which is a favorite of mine. It was light, spongy and full of milky, fluid goodness; a delicious classic. I buttoned the meal with a Pedro Ximenez, a style of port wine.
I thought that Botanero is an intimate space where regular locals meet to have drinks and small plates.
I found Botanero's service à little lacking, specially since I was sitting right at an mostly empty bar at the beginning of their service, and there were, at some point, five or six people behind the bar. I did see that there were a few people that seemed to be regulars that were given focused attention; but if there is a desire to attract more and diverse clientele (they are located in an affluent Gaithersburg/Rockville neighborhood), they may need to focus a little more on service to all patrons.
I found the Happy Hour food that I tasted slightly bland; nothing horrible, but not specially memorable.
I think that Botanero has the potential of offering truly innovative "botanas" mixing Latin American flavors with other cultures and styles. I think that the kitchen needs to decide which direction they want to take, and focus on making a few dishes exceptionally well.
I loved the attention to detail in presenting their drinks, decorated with fresh flowers, pieces of fresh fruit and citrus rinds. The bar was also colorful an elegant, with the "misé en place" for the drink additions and little vases of fresh flowers.
