The contestants: Stephen Starr, who owns this town. Jose Garces, whom Stephen Starr brought in to cook at Alma de Cuba and El Vez. Garces left to create a restaurant empire of his own; he's now busy with Amada and Tinto (which is expanding, by the way), and a new joint in his hometown of Chicago.
Garces (left) also is working on a Mexican resto-lounge called Chilango in University City and it's on target for next spring.
Starr (right) now says he's going into University City with a Mex spot of his own. He's cagey on the location, but says it will be "not far" from Garces' restaurant. It's about a year away.
Comments (2)
I can pretty much guarantee you that the Garces establishment will be far superior in every aspect except for "trendiness".
Posted by Joe | September 13, 2007 11:03 AM
Posted on September 13, 2007 11:03
Even though not mentioned in this specific blog, the fact that starr is going to open up a contrived gastropub at 7th and chestnut is pathetic.
Why can't he leave a successful concept alone.
Let the gastropub founders continue to do what they do, half of them used to work for Starr anyway. They just decided to do the food they wanted to do in a fun, casual atmosphere celebrating local food and drink. I don't think STarr would know how to run an establishment like that, something pure and simple. He couldn't even be able to hire the right people to do it for him. You can't create authenticity.
Posted by eileen | September 19, 2007 9:13 AM
Posted on September 19, 2007 09:13