January 17, 2023

Iron Chef Jose Garces Announces Grand Opening of Garces Trading Company at Kimmel

January 17, 2023/ Garces Trading Company at Kimmel/ Kory Aversa

James Beard Award Winner and Iron Chef Jose Garces announces the grand opening of Garces Trading Company at Kimmel, located inside the Kimmel Center at 300 S. Broad Street. The reinvented concept is back in an all-new way as a collection of casual cafes that are part coffee shop, restaurant, bakery, marketplace and corporate catering solution. For the new location on the Kimmel Cultural Campus, patrons will find an exclusive coffee roast that pays tribute to superstar conductor Yannick Nezet-Seguin of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Yannick’s Blend joins new food offerings that will include The Spotlight (Braised Short Rib), The Standing Ovation (Chicken Pot Pie) and The Bravo (Country Ham, Amish Butter, Baguette). For aesthetics, Chef has tapped Architect Kieran Timberlake and Marguerite Rodgers Interior Design to create one of the most visually stunning coffee shops and cafes in Center City. The café’s addition continues the transformation of the Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza into a vibrant all-day gathering space that will welcome the public throughout the day into the evening, while also accommodating pre- and post- event crowds. Garces Trading Company opens inside directly from the Plaza and outside from Spruce Street. Garces Trading Company at Kimmel is located across the Plaza from sister restaurant Volvér. The new café will grand open on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 7:30am
with free croissants to the first 150 patrons and visitors until 9:30am.

January 16, 2023

Chef Juan Lopez Debuts as Chef in Residency at Volvér on Kimmel Cultural Campus

January 16, 2023/ Volver/ Kory Aversa

Chef Jose Garces announces Chef Juan Lopez as the next Chef in Residency at Volvér on Kimmel Cultural Campus. Chef Lopez’s residency will run from January 11, 2023 to February 12, 2023. Funding will both help Chef create a new catering division and new culinary jobs, while supporting the next generation of chefs through the Culinary Program at Jules E. Mastbaum High School. Currently, Lopez’s menu will include French Onion Soup, Burrata, Potato Gnocchi, Pan Seared Duck Breast, Butter Basted Scallops, Crispy Short Rib, Poached Meringue "Fargoias Congeladas", Port Custard "Pudim" and Rice Pudding "Arroz Doce." 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 Portuguese-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 OpenTable, 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 to Volver must be vaccinated per Kimmel Cultural Campus policy. Volver is located at 300 S. Broad Street, in Center City, Philadelphia.

October 03, 2022

Iron Chef Jose Garces to Bring Amada to the Main Line with New Location in Radnor

October 03, 2022/ Amada/ Kory Aversa

James Beard Award Winning Iron Chef Jose Garces announces plans to expand one of his most beloved restaurant concepts to the Philadelphia suburbs. Amada will open a new outpost on the Main Line at 555 E. Lancaster Avenue, Radnor, PA 19087 in early 2023. Chef's modern take on Spanish tapas began in 2005 as one of Chef's first restaurants when he went out on his own. Today, Amada operates two locations, in both Old City and Historic Philadelphia at 217-219 Chestnut Street, and in Atlantic City at Ocean Casino Resort at 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. The forthcoming third outpost in Radnor will feature 7,000 square feet of space for indoor and outdoor dining, with seating for an estimated 200+ guests, two outdoor patios, a private dining room for 45 people and a newly renovated bar that will seat around 25. Amada will feature an expanded selection of Amada's signature Spanish tapas ((Tortilla Española, Wagyu Brochettes, Amada's Empanadas), Cochinillo Asado (a whole roasted suckling pig) and Paella Valenciana (rabbit and chorizo paella), plus new dishes exclusive to Radnor developed for the on-site wood fired oven. From the bar, Amada’s wine program exclusively features wines from Spain with over 100 selections from both popular and emerging regions in the country, plus cocktails inspired by Spanish ingredients, and Red and White Sangria. Amada Radnor will be open seven days a week, with hours for lunch, happy hour, dinner and weekend brunch to be announced closer to opening.

August 11, 2022

Chef Jose Garces Announces Grand Opening Of Buena Onda Rittenhouse As Part Of National Expansion

August 11, 2022/ Buena Onda/ Alexander Opont

James Beard award-winner and Iron Chef Jose Garces announces the grand opening of Buena Onda in Rittenhouse Square on Friday, August 12th. The new location is located at 114 S. 20th Street, next to Chef's famed Village Whiskey. Buena Onda is Chef's famed taqueria that is inspired by the spirit and good vibes of Mexico's Baja Peninsula. The new Rittenhouse location features indoor and outdoor seating for 48 guests, Baja-inspired vibes, a new interior design, and a new Buena Onda marketplace. Buena Onda Rittenhouse represents not just a new restaurant and concept for Center City and Rittenhouse, but this is the first location to debut as part of a larger national expansion. Buena Onda will also open a location on the Main Line this September. Additionally, this location is one of the models for franchising of the Philly-born brand that will expand from Philadelphia to America. Each new location will offer Buena's signature dishes such as environmentally conscious seafood tacos, classic tacos, Buena bowls, nachos, guacamole, chips and salsa, rice and beans, churros and many other offerings. Garces fans can also pair their favorite dishes with drinks that will include margaritas (classic, baja, frozen and seasonal), beer, wine, sangria, sodas and more.

August 02, 2022

Wells Fargo Center Partners with Iron Chef Jose Garces for New Culinary Concept Garces Eats

August 02, 2022/ Wells Fargo Center/ Lexie Fleege

Wells Fargo Center and James Beard Award-winning Iron Chef Jose Garces today announced plans for a new culinary concept, Garces Eats, to debut at the arena in October at the start of the 2022-23 NHL and NBA seasons. Garces Eats will replace The Bistro stand on the Broad Street side of the Club Level at Wells Fargo Center and will feature a rotating menu to highlight many of Chef Garces’ most notable dishes from his iconic restaurants throughout Philadelphia.

June 08, 2022

The Balcony Bar at The Kimmel Center Returns with Stunning Views, Summer Sips, DJs and More

June 08, 2022/ The Kimmel Cultural Campus/ Lexie Fleege

The Kimmel Cultural Campus, Chef Jose Garces and Garces Events are pleased to announce the return of Balcony Bar at The Kimmel. Starting June 15th, The Balcony Bar will feature the city's most breath-taking views each and every Wednesday, from 4:30pm to 7:00pm, for Center City SIPS. The pop-up space, located on the second-tier balcony of the Kimmel Center, overlooks iconic Broad Street and City Hall. Guests will enjoy the city's best views, plus beats from weekly rotating DJs, ticket giveaways, discounted drinks and happy hour bites. The Balcony Bar will offer up not just the vibes, but the best sips deals, with offerings priced between $4 and $6 each. Admission to The Balcony Bar is free, with food and drink pay-as-you-go. All food and drink are presented by Garces Events. After SIPS, guests can head downstairs to Volvér for 15% off their check when they mention Balcony Bar at The Kimmel.

June 07, 2022

Chef Jose Garces Introduces Chef Dane DeMarco as Next Chef in Residency at Volvér

June 07, 2022/ Volvér/ Lexie Fleege

Chef Jose Garces announces Chef Dane DeMarco (they/them) as the next Chef in Residency at Volvér on Kimmel Cultural Campus. Chef DeMarco’s residency is timed to coincide with Philly Pride Month, starting June 15th and running through July 24th. Funding raised during this residency will provide start-up funds for DeMarco to open a brand new restaurant concept called Hanks Sandwich Co., which will offer different sandwiches inspired by international culinary traditions. DeMaro’s menu embraces a diverse range of creations such as Oxtail Terrine, Crab Corn Dog Galette, Cannoli Manicotti, Corner Fried Shrimp, Crab Corn Dog Galette, and Vanilla Krimpet. For the new Chefs in Residency Program, each Chef will showcase their top signature dishes on the Volvér menu for six 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.

March 16, 2022

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

March 16, 2022/ Volvér/ Kory Aversa

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.

January 21, 2022

Chef Jose Garces Introduces Chef Jezabel Careaga as Next Chef in Residency at Volvér at Kimmel

January 21, 2022/ Volver/ Kory Aversa

Chef Jose Garces announces Chef Jezabel Careaga as the next Chef in Residency at Volvér on Kimmel Cultural Campus. Chef Careaga's residency will run from January 26th to March 13th. Funding will help support the initiatives of Fuerza for Humans, a non-profit focusing on mental health for the restaurant community Currently, Careaga's menu will include Picada, Escabeche de Berejena Toast, Empanadas, Tamales Saltenos, Vacio con Papas Estrelladas, Estofado, Locro, Queso y Membrillo and Panqueque Con Dulce De Leche.

January 17, 2022

Chef Jose Garces Announces Two New Locations for Buena Onda Coming to Philadelphia and the Main Line

January 17, 2022/ Buena Onda/ Kory Aversa

Iron Chef Jose Garces announces the expansion of Buena Onda across the region with two new locations coming to Center City Philadelphia and the Main Line. Buena Onda is Chef's famed taqueria that is inspired by the spirit and good vibes of Mexico's Baja Peninsula. The new locations will open in early to late spring in the Rittenhouse neighborhood, at 114 S. 20th Street, and in Radnor, at 200 Radnor Chester Rd. Each new location will offer Buena's signature dishes such as environmentally conscious seafood tacos, classic tacos, Buena bowls, nachos, guacamole, chips and salsa, rice and beans, churros and many other offerings. Garces fans can also pair their favorite dishes with drinks that will include margaritas (classic, baja, frozen and seasonal), beer, wine, sangria, sodas and more.