La Botanica Has San Antonians (Be They Vegan or Not) Begging For More!

Wayne Holtz | March 4, 2016 | business, music | No Comments

SATX – I have lived in San Antonio, Texas for nearly 26 years. Businesses come, some go, but many stay. And sometimes an establishment can open that is so fresh (literally) and well put together that you don’t want to imagine a world without it. La Botanica pairs mouth watering, freshly made vegan food and cocktails with crotch watering live music and staff. Located on the strip at 2911 N St. Marys, there’s no question as to where this hot spot gets it’s magic, with owners Rebel Mariposa (who doubles as the chef), Danny Constante and Andrea Vince (Co-Owners of Hi-Tones, Faust, The Phantom Room, Con Safos), and Alan Codd (Co-Owner of Faust) behind the wheel. These guys bring the same mood to La Botanica with a dark but warm environment glowing with neon lights, mexican art, and splashes of color. Mariposa kindly reminds me that the built in experience comes from more than just their collective previous business ventures (successes, really). “Our [grandmothers] were healers and so we all grew up around ‘alternative’ healing methods and we wanted to honor them, our ancestors and our culture,” Mariposa proudly explains. A goal that is definitely reached in this gorgeous space! I have been hanging out with staff member, John Katastrofe (drummer for Bloodfuckers, Klax, So Unloved, Celebrity Sex Scandal, Phantom Rockers) over the past few weeks while he works and have really gotten a feel for how much effort the Entire staff puts into the high standard level of La Botanica. If you see him around, you know you’re in good hands!

John starts me off with a Tequila Pina. Don’t let the freshly ground jalapenos scare you, it’s sweet with a little kick at the end.

Next he serves me up a Tamarita (Tamarindo Margarita). Very zesty.

Ms. Bella’s Red Bean’s and Rice Balls served with La Botanica’s highly praised (and I’m an expert) salsa verde!

Nothing Fishy About These Tacos #vegan fish tacos! Served with black beans, season fruit and salsa verde (here we go again with the great salsa!) — Nothing Fishy About These Tacos #vegan fish tacos! Served with black beans, seasonal fruit and salsa verde (here we go again with the great salsa!)

My PERSONAL favorite, the empanadas! These come PIPING hot and can be filled with either black beans, Enchipotlada (potatoe, sweet potatoe, carrots & chayote cooked in their house made chipotle sauce), or Corn Maque Choux!

Bobby, Breezy and Gemel of the House of Kenzo smelled this home cooking and KiKi'd right over. — Bobby, Breezy and Gemel of the House of KENZO smelled this home cooking and KiKi’d right over.

Crafty cooking makes KENZO happy. Remember that.

To finish me off John brings me a Mi Carino (House Made Pepino Fresca, Cranberry Vodka and freshly muddled mint)

They actually seek to heal your soul in many ways, including through the arts! “We want La Botanica to go beyond a restaurant and bar and also be a community space for events, learning, sharing, [and] gathering!” exclaimed Mariposa. I would say they have been doing a great job so far. I have attended many events at Botanica, all poppin! They really know how to bring together artists that will make the crowd excited about the night. One very memorable evening was when Pink Leche took over the space to premier his newest music video “Strut” (which I happened to dance in 😉 ). He was joined by Pagan Gold and Calico club for one of the most lit and enjoyable times I’ve had in the past year!

It’s easy to see why La Botanica is quickly becoming the go to zone for rest, relaxation, rejuvenation and inspiration! Don’t delay, hit up this space! They are open Tuesday through Saturday 4 Pm till 2 Am (Kitchen closes at midnight), and 12 PM-4 Pm Sundays for brunch! Also, here is a list of their upcoming events. See you there!