We’ve all been missing some citywide staples when it comes to culinary treats in Philly and one restauranteur is helping to combine a variety of favorites into one in the face of the pandemic.
Garces Trading Company from chef Jose Garces will officially make a grand return and debut this week as a brand-new, advanced ghost kitchen, restaurant hub and online marketplace. What this means for Philadelphians is that they will be able to order some of their favorites from Amada, The Olde Bar and Village Whiskey all in one complete order for either take-out or delivery on top of other take-home specialties that simply are not offered anywhere else. Garces made the switch when indoor dining was once again banned in the city, and this new ghost kitchen concept will be running out of The Olde Bar in Old City, which sits in the once-wildly popular seafood spot Bookbinders.
Essentially, the menu now spans a slew of favorites from some of Garces’ most favored and sought after spots. Menu highlights include The Olde Bar’s Crab Cake, Jeff’s Fried Chicken, and Crab and Corn Chowder; Amada’s Pulpo a la Gallega, Albondigas and Jamon Serrano; and Village Whiskey’s Village Burger, Baby Back Ribs, Golden Hot Wings and the new Bing Crosby Burger of the Month. Spirits will also be available to purchase to pair along with your meal and Philadelphians will have an assortment of libations to choose from ranging from beers, cocktails and even cocktail kits to go.
The new concept is also offering a selection of family meals to go, online catering options priced and designed for your current household (two or more), and an assortment of Garces pastries and baked goods that were only available before in the various restaurants. Plus, those who order can also sink their teeth into dishes from Volver and J. G. Domestic with other options from some of Garces’ other spots to be added in the near future as well.
“We are excited to give new life to our beloved brand, Garces Trading Company,” Garces said in a statement. “We started catering out of GTC back in 2010, which grew into our full-service catering and events division, Garces Events. It’s fitting that our guests can now order their favorites from our restaurants and try our new heat and serve packages created out of this new massive ghost kitchen and restaurant hub. Just because indoor dining has caused a major impact on the city’s restaurants, we wanted to continue to bring our customers their favorite dishes and continue to operate as many brands as we could during this delicate time.”
According to the release, Garces has consolidated all kitchen operations for The Olde Bar, Amada and Village Whiskey into their space in the former Bookbinder’s Restaurant — at 125 Walnut Street, in the heart of Old City. The kitchen will operate ghost kitchens for the various Garces brands in this giant kitchen hub that will showcase 8-12 dishes from each restaurant. All items for dinner week, through the website will be available for take-out, pick-up and delivery through the Garces Trading Company website, which is then executed through Door Dash. Delivery is available for one fee no matter how many restaurants you order from. However cocktails and beer are through The Olde Bar and must be picked up in person as they can’t be delivered.
“We wanted a solution for our guests that was thoughtful and sustainable. We saw heaters as a limited time option, as at some point it’ll be too cold to sit outside. Creating unique dining experiences that make being at home, or any location post-COVID, more fun and enjoyable. While we do have a delivery partner to supplement busy times, we are able to service guests who may not feel comfortable coming to the city and create employment opportunities,” added Garces.
There are also a few specialty options that diners can choose from when ordering from Garces, including specialty “party” packs. Options range from a Holiday Cocktail Party kit which boasts a selection small plates from Garces restaurants for the perfect cocktail hour; the Burger Brawl from Village Whiskey that lets customers build their own gourmet burger; the Date Night option from Amada boasting an assortment of their most popular tapas; the Seafood Fest from The Olde Bar offering some of their most coveted dishes from the seas, and much more.
To end things on a sweet note, those who order can also add any baked good to their meal with options ranging from a chocolate caramel layer cake to citrus olive oil cake to bourbon pecan pie to a sourdough baguette and much, much more.
While in-person events are not possible, Garces is also presenting the debut of new hybrid experiences that Philadelphians can enjoy at home with everything you need available for either pickup or brought right to your front door. Experiences range from Chef’s Table Experience with a Garces chef; a Garces Last Minute Santa Visit package; and an assortment of holiday dinners ready to go.
All you have left to do is decide what you want to try.
A full list of offerings and more specialties for Garces new ghost kitchen is available at garcestradingcompany.com. To engage Garces on social, follow @garcestradingco on Instagram, and Garces Trading Company @garcestradingcompany-philadelphia
