Distrito Debuts In July

This July, 40th and Chestnut will see the opening of the long anticipated Jose Garces restaurant, Distrito. Named for Mexico City’s “Distrito Federal” the 250 seat Mexican restaurant will feature the Amada and Tinto owner’s take on Mexican fare. Garces of course first made a name for himself at Stephen Starr’s El Vez.

The bi-level restaurant promises a festive, over-the-top atmosphere with a vending machine that dispenses Mexican action figures and toys plus seats that swing and rotate. Expect vivid colors and patterns throughout.

Among the menu highlights are scallops al pastor, skewers of al pastor-marinated scallops with fresh pineapple, grilled and served over sweet pepper and grapefruit salsa. Oh man we’re drooling. Guindilla chili-marinated lamb chops with smoked bacon etole, chanterelle mushroom escabeche and pasilla-lamb jus has our heads spinning as will the 60 varieties of tequila and specialty cocktails and margaritas.

Tim Spinner who has most recently worked at Amada will be Chef de Cuisine.

Also on the Garces beat, Jose was recently chosen to appear as a challenger on the Food Network’s Iron Chef America.