Chef Jose Garces Introduces Chef Jennifer Zavala of Juana Tamale as Next Chef in Residency at Volver

Chef Jose Garces announces Chef Jennifer Zavala as the next Chef in Residency at Volvér on Kimmel Cultural Campus. Chef Zavala's residency will run from March 16 to May 1, 2022. Funding will help city programs benefiting black and brown youth; with a strong focus on access to resources for our communities dealing with gun violence. Currently, Zavala's menu will include Bunuelos y Caviar, Ceviche Verduras, Mexican Broccoli Tortita, Ensalada de Chickpeas, Bacalao y Tamal, Chile Relleno Nueces, “Friendship” Tacos, Mosaic Jello Terrine, and Corn & Honey Sundae. For the new Chefs in Residency Program, each Chef will showcase their top signature dishes on the Volvér menu for four to eight weeks, alongside Chef Garces' signature French-inspired dishes. Through a special donation program in partnership with the Garces Foundation, each Chef in Residency will have the opportunity to raise money to support their work with their current restaurant, or to use for the start of their next culinary journey. Volvér's hours for the season will be from Wednesday to Sunday, from 4:00pm to 9:00pm, with a special pre-theatre menu served from 4:00pm to 6:30pm, and happy hour from 7:30pm to 9:00pm. Reservations are now available at www.volverrestaurant.com, via Open Table, or by calling 215-670-2302. Celebrate the art of fine dining by following Volvér on social media at @volverphl @chefjosegarces and @garcesgroup. All guests coming to Volvér must be vaccinated per Kimmel Cultural Campus policy. Volver is located at 300 S. Broad Street, in Center City, Philadelphia.

"I'm honored to be able to support Philadelphia's hospitality community through Volver's Chefs in Residency series," said Chef Jose Garces. "One of my hopes for the series was to support these emerging chefs not only in the kitchen but with the business lessons I've learned over my career. I've always been passionate about mentoring the chefs within our group. Extending our resources to help more chefs in the region is a dream come true. I'm grateful to the support the community has provided thus far and hope it continues with each chef as they all bring new talents to the table."

On working with Zavala, Garces said, "I’m so excited to have Chef Jennifer Zavala as our Chef in Residency at Volvér for March and Women’s History Month. From selling tamales out of a truck, to finally opening her critically acclaimed spot on Passyunk, Juana Tamale, Chef Zavala is the epitome of Philadelphia grit, passion and tenacity. Her hustle knows no bounds. In addition to her recent successes, I’m proud to say that Amada was one of her homes earlier in her career. It’s gratifying to see our alumni achieve such great success."

“Volvér's Chef-in-Residency program, and what Jose Garces is doing to elevate local chefs, is remarkable” said President and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. Matías Tarnopolsky. "We are excited to experience the Mexican-infused culinary artistry of Jennifer Zavala, who is dedicated to advocacy work that uplifts women, and youth in the community."

For the continuing Chefs in Residency Program, Chef Zavala is the fourth chef for the inaugural line-up, following Chef Kiki Aranita from Poi Dog Philly, Chef Phila Lorn from Terrain and Jezabel Careaga from Jezabel's and L'Atelier. Zavala's residency runs from March 16th to May 1st. The program will continue in 2022 with Chef Alex Yoon of Little Fish and Chef Dane DeMarco of Sonny's Cocktail Bar, Burger Time and Wine Dive. Please stay tuned as we will announce a final chef added to the line-up in coming weeks.

INTRODUCING CHEF JENNIFER ZAVALA

For Women's History Month:
Chef Jen Zavala (she/her)
Chef and Owner of the newly opened Juana Tamale
March 16 to May 1, 2021

When asked about working with Garces again, Jennifer says, “I’m thrilled to be back in the kitchen with Garces, partly because I have grown SO MUCH since I first started at Amada. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for my community, through my art of cooking. It’s truly a full-circle moment for me. The Garces Group prides themselves on hospitality and aims to create a culinary experience that's next to none. It's a perfect synergy, because I operate the same way.”

Chef Jennier Zavala is an industry veteran, having spent 14 of her 27 year career in Philadelphia. A self-taught chef, Jennifer's inspiration is drawn from her Mexican roots. Her career started in her home state of Connecticut, at a vegan macrobiotic restaurant. Zavala's authentic style of cooking earned her a spot cooking in the kitchens of celebrities, Ozzy Osbourne, Britney Spears (HEY GIRL), Iron Maiden, Snoop Dog and many more. Previous credits include, Cha Chas (Los Angeles) and here in Philadelphia: El Camino Real, Xochilt, The Farmers Cabinet, Underground Arts and Will BYOB. Jennifer's star was on the rise, and included a stint on the 6th season on Bravo's popular cooking competition, Top Chef: Las Vegas. Accolades include, 2017 Billy Penn "Movers and Shakers," Best Cannabis Chef for Philly Mag, Best Tamales-Philly Current Magazine. Jennifer is a proud member of Les Dames Escoffier, an international philanthropic organization. She is also a C.O.R.E ambassador for the Philadelphia region. Jennifer continues to blaze a trail for women by disrupting the food industry with her passion for Mexican cuisine. Chef's current project, perhaps her biggest, as she just opened a brick and mortar fast casual eatery with a cult like following called "Juana Tamale" at 1941 East Passyunk Ave. Known favorites include her famous Birria Tacos, Oxacan green corn tamales, and homemade, Bavarian-filled Churros.

For Zavala's dishes, patrons will find the following additions to the Volvér menu:

Appetizers/ Small Plates:

Bunuelos y Caviar

Fried Flour Tortilla, Honduran Crema, Avocado, Paddlefish Caviar, Scallion

Ceviche Verduras

Dragon Fruit, Hearts of Palm, Mandarin Orange, Serrano Chiles, Cilantro, Wheat Crisp

Mexican Broccoli Tortita

Goat Cheese, Piquillo Pepper, Toasted Pepita & Sesame Crumble

Ensalada de Chickpeas

Carrot, Red Cabbage, Frisee, Roasted Peppers, Chile Lime Vinaigrette


Large Plates:

Bacalao y Tamal

Oaxacan Corn Tamale, Lightly Salted Cod, Tomato Conserva, Anaheim Chile

Chile Relleno Nueces
Roasted Anahiem Chile, Walnuts, Yams, Apricot, Tempura Batter, Salsa Verde, Radish

“Friendship” Tacos
Braised Pork Belly, Duck Fat Carnitas, Mexican White Shrimp, Fresh Corn Tortillas, Kiwi Salsa Verde

Dessert:

Mosaic Jello Terrine – Mango, Coconut, Tamarind, Lime, Chamoy, Oat & Granola Crumble

Corn & Honey Sundae- Corn Milk Gelato, Acacia Honey, Corn Nuts, Honey comb


For inspiration for her dishes, Zavala draws from her Mexican heritage:“These dishes were chosen as a way to honor my culture, while also injecting my personality into the food.” Zavala jokes; “As always, guests should expect the unexpected….when was the last time you had jello at a fine dining establishment?”


As part of the Chefs in Residency Program, patrons will be able to donate funds to support projects for each participating resident chef. Throughout her career, Chef Zavala has donated her culinary talents to supporting healthy eating, sustainability, and cultural awareness initiatives both locally and internationally. Chef wants to use this opportunity to generate visibility for her community. As a Mexican woman, Mom and Chef, she plans to use these funds to put back into the community she is raising her family in. Specifically, Zavala will use funds to support city programs benefiting black and brown youth; with a strong focus on access to resources for our communities dealing with gun violence, such as Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club. The Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club evolved from a century-long tradition of Urban Black Cowboys in the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ and one man’s commitment to provide horsemanship experience in the inner-city. Located in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood of North Philadelphia, the 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, founded by Ellis Ferrell, remains true to its mission in producing an alternative to outdoor leisure activity to the community and engaging urban youth in equestrian sports while teaching life skills, instilling discipline and promoting academic excellence.


Guests wishing to support Zavala's cause can donate during their meal at Volver. Donations can be made, similar to tipping a server, when the dinner check is presented. The Garces Foundation will match up to the first $5,000, giving each resident chef the opportunity to raise at least $10,000. The matching grant will be donated by the Garces Foundation, which offers additional resources for the hospitality industry like medical and educational services that the resident chef can take advantage of for themselves or their staff, and to help them reach their goal/pivot.


“We are thrilled to support these talented chefs and to be a partner in the chefs in residency project,” said Garces Foundation Executive Director Robin Morris. “Philly’s food scene is the best in the country because of the dynamic energy and work ethic of our immigrant food workers and the diversity of chefs and cuisines.”

After Zavala, Volvér's new Chefs in Residency Program will continue with:


For Asian and Pacific Heritage Month:

Chef Alexander Yoon (he/him)
Chef and Owner of Little Fish BYO
May 4 to May 31, 2022
Funding will help build towards Yoon’s next project of opening a bigger restaurant.

Chef Alex Yoon, a Philadelphia native, first started at Le Bec-fin, in his hometown before traveling to work at other fine dining establishments across the world, including Mirazur and Benu. In 2016 an opportunity came calling when he heard Little Fish was for sale.

“This opportunity is a dream come true,” said Yoon. “I have long admired Chef Jose and all of his restaurants, especially Volvér, so to have the opportunity to cook in that kitchen with Chef was something I couldn’t turn away.”

For Philly Gay Pride Month:

Chef Dane DeMarco (they/them)
Sonny's Cocktail Bar and Wine Dive - and new Burger Time in South Jersey
June 1 to July 1, 2022
Funding will help support Hanks Sandwich Co. set to open in 2022 - a long-time new project by Chef Dane DeMarco

Chef Dane DeMarco recently launched the menus for the city’s newest feel good bar sensation, Sonny’s Cocktail Joint, plus the adjacent Wine Dive on South Street. Chef previously worked with LPNG Restaurant Group (American Sardine, Second District Brewing Company and South Philly Taproom), where they started as a Sous and quickly worked up to Culinary Director. Chef was known as Doreen (she/her) while working for LPNG, and Chef is now transitioning and at this stage of the process is using Dane and they/them. Chef hails from Willingboro, New Jersey in Burlington County, where they spent their childhood in kitchens next to their father, who was a chef. They started answering phones and the more they worked with their father, the more their passion for cooking grew. Chef moved to Philly at 19, and worked under some great chefs. They loved traveling and checking out new restaurants and quickly found they had an unquenchable thirst for new flavors and inventive cuisine.

One final chef will be featured between July and August as the grand finale and final curtain call to celebrate this new program. Please stay tuned for the final announcement.

ABOUT VOLVER

Volvér is located at 300 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Inside the Campus, Volvér is located near the Spruce Street entrance of the Commonwealth Plaza. This season at Volvér, patrons will be able to enjoy pre-theater, happy hour and a la carte menus in 80 seats in the lounge and dining room, seven seats at the Chef's counter, and 12 seats around the bar.

For the return of Volvér, Garces fans, foodies, arts patrons, neighbors and visitors will once again come together to celebrate the art of fine dining in the dual-concept space that features a giant oval bar and lush lounge on one side, and a performance kitchen where Chefs bring cuisine to the center stage on the other.

The low-lit lounge and bar are perfect for an intimate pre-theatre dinner, post-theatre drinks, happy hour, girls night out and date night. Patrons will find all the big vibes that include a sleek marble-topped curved bar, plush oversized seats, velvety banquets, sexy mood light, and floor-to-ceiling windows. A bold and colorful mural by artist and designer Conrad Booker cascades across the back wall, with visibility from every seat in the house. Booker spent one year hand-fusing, dying, cutting and stitching the one-of-a-kind mural out of 200 yards of burlap and 4,000 fiber buttons. As guests transition from the bar and lounge to the kitchen area, they will pass floor-to-ceiling wine racks with a sliding library-style ladder that can house 1,200 bottles of wine.

Down the stylish corridor, past the bottles of white and red, patrons will find a sprawling open-island kitchen where Chefs will create their art in front of the entire dining room. Each and every seat has a clear view of the artists at work as they create their magic for eager diners who want not just a meal but a full experience. For those looking for center-stage action, the marble-top Chef’s counter offers seating for seven.

Volvér, which is Spanish for 'to return', will celebrate not only the return of the beloved restaurant after the pandemic shut-down, but it will also celebrate the much-anticipated raising of the curtains across the stages of the Kimmel Cultural Campus.

Volvér’s cuisine will continue to highlight Chef Garces’ culinary travels around the world. The ever-evolving menu emphasizes seasonal ingredients prepared with modern techniques that capture and amplify their inherent flavors. For this grand return, Chef will continue on his global journey and present French inspired cuisine that showcases his roots dating back to his classic training at the Kendall College of Culinary Arts. Dishes will include Milk and Cereal (Bacon, Glazed Chicken, Thyme Marshmallows, Puffed Rice, White Asparagus, Mushrooms), Madai Crudo (Cured Snapper, Champagne Cream, Black Olive Oil, Poppy Seed, Crispy Ginger), and Filet Mignon Philly Style (Caramelized Onion Puree, Toasted Sourdough, Red Wine Braised Shallots, Alpine Cheese Fondue), and many others.

The French menu direction and the idea for the new program was inspired by the 2019-2020 season that was cut short due to the mandatory closures in March 2020. That season, Chef showcased French dishes on the menu, plus Chef hosted pop-up collaboration dinners with the region's top French chefs, including Chris Kearse of Forsythia, Jonathan Cichon of Lacroix and Peter Woolsey of Bistrot La Minette, La Peg and Gabi. After working alongside the aforementioned talented chefs, and after Volvér and Kimmel Cultural Campus were forced to close down, Chef and his team worked during the pandemic to create an innovative new program that would foster new talent, support minority chefs and challenge the palates of diners. It is a new idea nearly 17 months in the making, and is timed to launch for the return of Philadelphia’s indoor, in-person and live performing arts season. The new Chefs in Residency Program starts on October 6th with Chef Kiki Aranita. Patrons will find seven signature dishes by Kiki alongside dishes by Chef Jose Garces.

In addition to the exciting food line-up, Volvér fans will find a well-rounded bar program that is artistically approachable with options for every palate and to pair with every dish. Patrons will find hand-crafted cocktails, non-alcoholic mocktails, beer and cider on draft, and wine and champagne by the bottle and the glass. Cocktail highlights include the Brown Derby, with Old Grandad, Grapefruit, Lemon and Honey, and Pedraza with Corazon Tequila, Grapefruit, Aperol and Rosemary.

Chef Jose Garces will shine the spotlight and support fellow chefs from the city and suburbs with a brand-new season-long Chefs in Residency Program that will feature the talents of seven emerging and minority chefs. Each Chef in Residency will showcase their signature dishes as additions to the Volvér menu during a six to eight week period during the season. Chefs In Residency is Chef Garces' way of taking the idea of featuring chefs at Volvér to the next level.

Patrons will find a special three course pre-theater menu running from 4:00pm to 6:30pm, every Wednesday to Sunday, for $56 per person. The menu will include items from both Volvér's featured menu as well as items from the Resident Chef. For those not heading to curtain call, happy hour will run daily from 7:30pm to 9:00pm with drink and small bite specials that will launch in early October.

To make or cancel a reservation, please visit the website, reserve on Open Table, or call Volvér at 215-670-2303. All guests to Volvér must be vaccinated per Kimmel Cultural Campus policy.

ABOUT CHEF JOSE GARCES

Iron Chef, father, husband, James Beard Award-winner, entrepreneur, and food innovator, Chef Jose Garces is known as a leading culinary authority of Spanish and Latin-American food. From the Spanish tapas at Amada, his first restaurant, to the playful Japanese street food at Okatshe in Atlantic City, Chef Garces continually pushes the boundaries of culinary excellence.

While he maintains his successful career owning and operating full-service restaurants, Chef Garces is also looking toward the future, with an increased focus on bringing restaurant-quality experiences to the homes and businesses of culinary enthusiasts in new and interesting ways. From enhanced home delivery options and virtual online cooking demos, to live online cooking classes, Chef Garces is excited to connect with both fans of his work on television, as well as the home cook who would like to experience “chef life” in their own kitchen. Chef Garces is the author of two cookbooks, Latin Evolution and The Latin Road Home, published by Lake Isle Press. To learn more, please visit, www.chefgarces.com or follow him on social media on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

ABOUT GARCES

Garces is a Philadelphia-based hospitality group specializing in personal dining experiences rooted in the rich cultural traditions and culinary vision of renowned Latin-American chef Jose Garces. Taking a heartfelt and creative approach to time-honored recipes and dishes, Garces, in partnership with New Orleans- based Ballard Brands, operates numerous restaurants including Amada, Tinto, Village Whiskey, Volvér, The Olde Bar, Buena Onda and Garces Trading Company in Philadelphia, and Amada and Distrito in the Ocean Resort Casino. The group also operates Garces Events, a full-service catering and event division; the Garces Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to Philadelphia’s underserved immigrant community. For more information, visit GarcesGroup.com and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

ABOUT GARCES FOUNDATION

The Garces Foundation is a community-based, non-profit organization committed to providing Philadelphia’s immigrant population the healthcare, education, and support to empower them to fulfill their potential as citizens and enjoy the highest possible quality of life. Our programs advance this mission. We provide free or low cost dental care, medical care, education to those we serve. We also run a food pantry program, meeting the food insecurity needs brought on by the pandemic.