Botekim Brazilian Bistro Review

Dan and I tried Botekim Brazilian Bistro last week, and we absolutely loved it! Chef Alex DeGrossi and operating partner, Romulo Costa, are very authentic, friendly and hospitable. The name Botekim actually comes from the Brazilian word for bistro, and the restaurant's tag line "Authentic Brazilian Comfort Food" describes it perfectly.

What did you order? How was your food?

We ordered Lingüiça de Porco Acebolada for our appetizer, which is Brazilian Pork Sausage, Caramelized Onions, and Toast Points. This is a delicious homemade sausage made from Chef Alex's great-grandmother's recipe. My entrée was Empadāo de Frango, Chicken Breast & Heart of Palms Pie with Frisée Salad, and Dan ordered Picanha com Fritas, Grilled Rump Cap with Fries. We both loved our entrées. The frisée was a perfect compliment for the chicken pie, and Dan's rump cap steak was perfectly cooked. Many dishes feature the flavor of cachaça, an ingredient we had never encountered before. Cachaça is a by-product of sugar made before sugar crystallization rather than after like molasses. It is similar to rum, but has its own flavor.

For dessert, we had Brazilian Flan, and Profiteroles with ice cream and hot fudge. Everything was made fresh from recipes passed down through the Chef’s family, and each dish was delicious! We loved trying the Brazilian flavors, which are a fusion of Portuguese, French, and Italian cuisine, combined with South American tropical flavors. The drinks are excellent as well. We tried the Red Kiss, Lick of Sunshine, and Caipirinha drinks, and they were all wonderfully made with fresh fruit juice. You really must try Romulo's Caipirinhas.


Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received?

Service at Botekim was exceptional! Our beautiful server Natalia was very charming and knowledgeable, and took care of our every need. She was from Brazil, and knew everything about our food.

What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

The décor at Botekim is unique and lovely. It is a bistro atmosphere, but purely Brazilian. The floors are done in Ipanema and Copacabana styles, and there is a fine dining atmosphere. Every detail at Botekim is done the right way, from the chilled water to the authentic Brazilian advertisements that adorn the walls.

Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

Yes, it is a fine dining experience for a mid-range price.

How would you rate this restaurant compared to the other restaurants you visit on a regular basis.

Botekim is an outstanding and unique addition to the local cuisine, and we will definitely be back.

This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)

• Good food • Quick bite • Family-friendly
• Outdoor • Romantic • Special occasion

All of the above!

Botekim Brazilian Bistro

Godiva Coffee - Pumpkin Spice and Caramel Pecan Bark

I recently got to try Godiva Coffee's latest seasonal flavors – Pumpkin Spice and Caramel Pecan Bark - as part of a Foodbuzz Tastemaker program with Godiva Coffee. These flavors are inspired by Godiva's most popular chocolates and crafted with high quality, medium-roasted, 100% Arabica beans for a rich, smooth taste. The indulgent flavors also make it easy to create special fall-inspired coffee recipes. My husband Dan and I loved the Pumpkin Spice flavor, especially since it is so appropriate for Autumn. The Pumpkin Spice Coffee is inspired by Godiva's favorite fall truffle with its creamy and delicious pumpkin spice ganache.

My mom and dad tried the Caramel Pecan Bark flavor, and were fans as well. Here is what my dad, Jim, had to say. "First, let me say that I am not a fan of flavored coffees. I prefer a nice cup of full bodied, medium roasted, real Arabica coffee. That Robusto stuff is a bit harsh. That having been said, let me say that the Godiva Caramel Pecan Bark coffee is very nice. I'm using my usual measuring device to prepare the coffee in my coffee maker with the thermos pot that keeps the coffee hot without direct heating. This maker is supposed to be ten cups, but it's really about six normally sized cups. In other words, each "cup" is about six ounces. So, I use one measure for each two cups. The result is delicious. The flavor isn't overpowering, so the basic nature of the coffee from which it's made comes through. I'm very impressed."

http://www.godivacoffee.com/