Early Life
Jose Garces grew up in Chicago, raised by his Ecuadorian parents. He credits his interest in cooking to his mother, whom he vividly remembers helping in the kitchen after school when he was young. After graduating from local Kendall College for culinary school, Garces went on to apprentice at La Taberna del Alabardero in Marbella, Spain. He later moved to New York and to work in the kitchens of some of the City's most well known restaurants, such as the Rainbow Room, the Four Seasons, 57/57, and Bolivar. Garces emerged as a true talent under the tutelage of Chef Douglas Rodriguez, often cited as “the godfather of Nuevo Latino cuisine.” While working with Rodriguez at his two popular restaurants, Pipa and Chicama, Garces earned the respect of both his peers and the dining public.
Education
He studied in the Gordon Tech and graduated from there on 1990. He also studied in Chicago in the Kendall College from where he graduated in a degree of Culinary Arts.
Cuisine
Chef Garces’ Philadelphia ventures are each counted among the city’s best bars and restaurants: Amada, an authentic Andalusian tapas bar; Tinto, a wine bar and restaurant inspired by the Basque region of Northern Spain and Southern France; Distrito, a spirited celebration of the vibrant culture and cuisine of Mexico City; Chifa, a Latin-Asian restaurant named after the Peruvian eateries of the same name; Village Whiskey, a classic American bar with more than 80 whiskies and world-class bar snacks; Garces Trading Company, a European-style cafe and gourmet market; and JG Domestic, an ingredient-focused restaurant serving artisanal American food and drink. Also based in Philadelphia are: Guapos Tacos, his mobile truck serving modern Mexican street food; and Garces Catering, a full-service event planning division that designs and executes gatherings ranging from casual business luncheons to dramatic black-tie weddings and everything in between.
Fame
Since opening his first restaurant in 2005, Chef Jose Garces has emerged as one of the nation’s leading chefs and restaurateurs. Today, he is the owner and operator of more than a dozen restaurants across the country, a thriving event planning division, and a 40-acre organic farm. He is a 2009 winner of the James Beard Foundation’s prestigious “Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic” award and one of only a few chefs in America to hold the coveted title of Food Network’s Iron Chef. Chef Garces is the author of two cookbooks, The Latin Road Home (Lake Isle Press, October 2012), a culinary and cultural tour of Ecuador, Spain, Mexico, Cuba and Peru; and his stunning first cookbook, Latin Evolution .Chef Garces’ eponymous Garces Group operates in multiple cities: Philadelphia, PA; Chicago, IL; Scottsdale, AZ; Palm Springs, CA; Washington, D.C.; and Moorestown, NJ. His award-winning concepts range from authentic Andalusian tapas and modern Mexican street food to European bistro fare and artisanal American food and drink, including Amada, Buena Onda, Distrito, El Jefe, Garces Trading Company, JG Domestic, Rosa Blanca, Rural Society, The Olde Bar, Tinto, Village Whiskey, Volvér, and in partnership with Sage Hospitality, Mercat a la Planxa, as well as Distrito Taco Truck and a full service event division, Garces Events. In addition, Chef Garces is the owner of Luna Farm in Bucks County, PA, where he and his team grow produce used throughout his East Coast restaurants.
Accomplishment & Awards
He is a 2009 winner of the James Beard Foundation’s prestigious “Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic” award and one of only eight chefs in the country to hold the prestigious title of Iron Chef. Garces is the author of two cookbooks, The Latin Road Home (Lake Isle Press, October 2012), a culinary and cultural tour of Ecuador, Spain, Mexico, Cuba and Peru; and his stunning first cookbook, Latin Evolution (Lake Isle Press, Fall 2008).
Interesting Facts
He defeated Bobby Flay on an episode of Iron Chef America in 2008
He was born in July 6, 1981
he is 35 years old
In 2005 Jose opened his first restaurant in pennsylvania called Amanda
He was born in July 6, 1981
he is 35 years old
In 2005 Jose opened his first restaurant in pennsylvania called Amanda
Work Cited
Food Network.com/José garces
Garcesgroup.com
Garcesgroup.com