Set to spice up the Wicker Park dining scene, Chef Yanitzin Sanchez and restaurateur Richard Vallejo are gearing up to open Botanero, an agave lounge that doubles as a restaurant offering a unique twist on Mexican culinary traditions. The upcoming establishment promises an engaging dining experience designed to captivate patrons' palates with small bites known as botanas, typically enjoyed alongside libations.
According to a press release obtained by What Now Chicago, Botanero is slated to commence operations this October at 1413 N. Ashland Avenue, where it replaces Caspian—a former casual Mediterranean eatery. The interior is said to boast rich earth tones and gold leaf accents, crafting a dark, moody ambiance meticulously designed by Vallejo himself.
For those keen on exploring the agave lounge's offerings, a unique dining event titled "Bar X Chef" will be held every Wednesday, according to Eater Chicago. This 'Cocktail & Culinary Collaboration' features a 10-course tasting menu, pairing agave-forward cocktails with an array of small bites. The exclusive event will offer two seating options and invites guests to reserve a spot through Tock, with a start date pegged for October 23.
Weekend diners have the bottomless brunch to anticipate starting Saturday, November 9th, where $45 per person affords a 90-minute window to indulge in unlimited brunch cocktails—including house margaritas, Micheladas, mimosas, and brunch spritzers. A brunch entrée and a shared sweet treat for the table complete the experience. Noteworthy mentions from Eater Chicago highlight the taco de negro asada with prime beef ribeye as a potential signature dish to look out for.
Botanero isn't Sanchez and Vallejo's first collaboration; the culinary duo previously teamed up on Taquizo, a casual taqueria in 2022 that has since shuttered, alongside other ventures such as Mercado Cocina and Cine. Despite these closures, the announcement of Botanero has created a buzz, as Mexican tasting menus are rare finds in Chicago, with the exception of notable establishments like Topolobampo and Tzuco in River North. Sanchez's experience also includes a stint at Sabor Saveur and as a consultant for Takito's expansion.
