Jose Garces’ newest venture

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Posted by Wendy / no comments » / Restaurants

My favorite chef has opened another fabulous restaurant. Chifa, located in Philly at 707 Chestnut, opened a few days ago. The menu is a hybrid of Peruvian and Cantonese cuisine. The layout is similar to Tinto with an upstairs dining area and lower level lounge.

As I would recommend with any Garces’ restaurant, order the chef’s tasting menu. Based on the meal I received, this place is perfect for the seafood lover. Unfortunately, my seafood palate is limited to a select few items that were not on the menu tonight.

For those like me, there were plenty of other options to chew on. By far my favorite item on the menu was the Pork Belly Buns. The menu lists it as grilled pork belly, hoisin glaze, pickled daikon (whatever that is) and carrot, and togarashi mayo – I just call it super-delicious.

Finish it off with the Banana Picarones and call it a great meal.

The service was attentive and fast, though I would have enjoyed more time between courses. That said, we never wanted for anything and never felt smothered.

The cost of the meal, plus a bottle of wine, can be expensive – the most expensive of the Garces’ restaurants. As they say, “you get what you pay for” and Jose Garces has yet to disappoint.

Check it out for yourself: http://www.chifarestaurant.com