With the title of best bar cuisine in Rio by Veja Comer&Beber, Botica, award-winning bar in Botafogo celebrates the meeting between food, drink, music and art. With a creamy, well-drawn draft beer, portions to share and refreshing drinks, Botica is certainly one of those typical carioca bars. And we love it! The menu, created by chef Cezar Cavaliere (with experience at Irajá and Grupo Troisgros), has suggestions that change weekly, which can be seen on a chalkboard menu, and during this summer, the bar in Botafogo has new features. So, check out all the details below!
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But first, a little history
Before the modern pharmacies we know today existed, Boticas were places where medicines and products for therapeutic purposes were sold, generally herbal. Furthermore, it was an establishment for meeting and exchanging ideas, therefore, a place of socialization, where meetings and conversations took place. Little by little, these businesses evolved into taverns and taverns.
Award-winning bar in Botafogo
The room is small, but full of memories collected from other times, paying homage to the entire bar culture, from São Jorge on the wall to Cartola on the record player. But you also have space for new artists with exhibitions and book launches. What’s really cool are the tables on the sidewalk! One of the highlights of the bar in Botafogo is the charming cold appetizer counter, where portions are ideal for sharing, such as, for example, pepperoni potatoes (R$9/100g), roast beef with salsa verde and hazelnuts (R$25/100g ), hummus with broccoli and roasted garlic (R$21/100g) and the classic octopus vinaigrette (R$42/100g).
One of the new products that won my heart was the VM shrimp with pumpkin and peanuts (R$42/100g)! The melon with capers and basil (R$42/100g) pleased everyone, and not just vegetarians.
Hot cuisine and desserts
Some hits from the hot part of the menu have already gained a permanent place, such as, for example, the sensational garlic bread (R$ 19) and the heart with aioli and farofa (R$ 39). Maybe many people don’t even look at the desserts in a bar, but at Botica I guarantee they don’t disappoint! There’s coconut cake with popcorn mousse and creme anglaise (R$27), chocolate pie with coffee cream (R$29) and milk pudding with banana jam and whipped cream (R$19).
Lunch at Botica
Furthermore, the lunch menu, served on weekends, from 1pm to 5pm, also gained new dishes, inspired by beaches in Brazil and around the world. Among the options, for example, are the yam bobó with okra, gherkin, black-eyed pea vinaigrette (R$48), the roast chicken with coconut rice and plantain salad (R$59) and the beef steak. chorizo with potato salad, vinaigrette and farofa (R$ 65). In addition to the four fixed dishes, every weekend, chef Cezar Cavaliere prepares a special recipe for two people to share, such as octopus rice or pasta with seafood.
To drink
In addition to the cold, creamy and well-drawn draft beer (R$8.90), there are also great signature and classic drinks. The Maria Bonita (R$37) is a version of the bloody mary with Botica cachaça, which contains tomato juice, tar brandy in celery, caper brine and celery salt. I loved! Also popular are the classic caipirinha, with cachaça and lemon (R$ 19), or the one with tangerine and ginger, tangengibre (R$ 19).
In fact, Botica is the perfect place for those who like a typical Rio bar! Worth knowing.
End: Rua Fernandes Guimarães 30, Botafogo.
Because of Doubt Vetere.
Photos: Duda Vétere and Gabriel Savary
