Asian-Peruvian restaurant Botika, an acclaimed culinary fixture at the Pearl, will shut down early next month.
"Closing this chapter is bittersweet, but I'm incredibly grateful for the dedication and passion of my Botika staff and the support Pearl has shown throughout this eight-year journey,” said Lopez, a native of Venezuela who worked as an executive chef and instructor at San Antonio’s Culinary Institute of America campus before launching Botika.
The colorful and stylishly decorated Botika drew critical accolades for its innovative mix of sushi, small plates and entrees that highlighted the Chinese and Japanese influences on Peruvian cuisine. The James Beard Award-nominated Lopez also drew on his French training and globetrotting experience as a chef to incorporate a broad array of techniques and fresh ingredients.segment looking at the challenges faced by Texas businesses reopening during the pandemic.
In his Facebook post, Lopez said the closure will allow him to spend more time with his family. He added that he's honored to be part of San Antonio's culinary community.