By Flavor & The Menu
May 5, 2020

Geronimo Lopez

Comfort food comes from all parts of the globe, offering its universal cues of warmth and restoration while also promising a flavor-forward experience. The Sweet & Spicy Braised Short Rib Noodles at Botika, a restaurant that celebrates South American and Asian fusion, offers up a soul-soothing signature bowl that also compels guests with its intriguing, inviting flavor play.

Geronimo Lopez, Chef/Owner, slow braises the short ribs in a flavorful liquid that stars cane sugar, allspice, Szechuan pepper and star anise. “It’s got lots of fatty goodness and pungent Asian flavors that are sweet and spicy,” he says. “The Asian noodles are a perfect vessel to drive all the flavors bite by bite.” He adds crispy fresh vegetables for contrast and refinement. “The pickled chile peppers add pop and are both surprising and refreshing,” says Lopez. “It’s a simple dish—one that all kinds of palates can relate to, yet it is not your everyday treatment of either short ribs or noodles.”