The Botanist

 

Named after Englishman Gerard Fothergill, a pioneer in the study of the medicinal qualities of plants and spice, The Botanist provides its patrons with a funky and fresh botanical themed bar in the heart of Kirribilli’s booming café and restaurant scene.

As you approach this establishment, don’t be fooled by the dull paint job given to the exterior, as inside the party is in full swing. The music blasting out of the speakers (yes it was too loud), is a variety of modern upbeat tunes which goes hand in hand with the décor to set the vibe of this establishment.

A relaxed and homely feel is created by the array of indoor plants and lightly dimmed lamps hanging from the foundations, not to mention the rows of coffee cups hanging from hooks next to the bar!

Pleasantly surprised, the menu continued the fresh and modern theme given off by the décor.

An assortment of tacos, sliders, pizza’s and shared plates all appeal, but how does one choose the best of everything?

Simple solution! Order the group feasting menu at $25 per person.

First to come out were the corn chips with guacamole & tomato salsa.

Corn chips salty and crisp, guacamole sweet with a hint of heat from a sneaky chopped up chilli and the salsa which unfortunately lacked a bit of flavour.

Next please

Crunchy fried squid with tahini remoulade.

The squid was oily and chewy with the only upside of this dish being the creamy homemade tahini served on the side.

Unfortunately with the dish as a whole being somewhat lacklustre, all I could think about the tacos being served up for third course.

The chipotle chicken tacos seemed a little lacking in flavour. Thankfully, a variety of hot sauces were provided in a wooden caddy which helped give this dish some needed life.  The homemade flat breads were the winning element of the plate. Thin, crispy with a charcoal wood fired taste worked well with the shredded chicken and smoky chipotle sauce used for the filling.

Fourth dish to be presented was slow roasted lamb salad with capsicum, feta & radicchio

Although the radicchio was nowhere to be seen, this dish had all the elements to provide a flavour sensation for the palate.

Sweetness from the succulent lamb, saltiness from the creamy feta working with the peppery rocket and the smoky chargrilled capsicum left a clean, fresh feeling in the mouth ready to consume the fifth and final dish.

The classic tomato, basil and boccocini pizza was exactly what it said.  A doughy pizza base topped with rich tomato sauce, an overload of cheddar and boccocini cheese and a fresh basil leaf on each slice to continue the fresh theme.

All this food and no drinks you say?

The drinks menu overshadows the food menu. A large variety of cocktails based from tropical summer fruits, ciders based from the sweetest of apples, wines from the best grape growing regions worldwide and craft beers on offer that would make any beer enthusiast happier than a kid at Christmas.

As long as you aren’t the designated driver!

With the freshest of produce in their inventory, the Botanist have entered the industry with a concept in mind to use the freshest produce available to serve up simple, delicious food that has become popular in small bars worldwide.

Gerard Fothergill would be overly chuffed with the way The Botanist has continued on his legacy, sharing it with all patrons that walk through their doors.

 

17 Willoughby St, Kirribilli, NSW 2061

Tel: +61 (02) 9954 4057 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting