PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia's dining scene is getting a flavorful update this season as Chef Jose Garces introduces a wave of new menu items at two of his standout Center City concepts: Amada and Village Whiskey. Spanning both authentic Spanish tapas and elevated Southern-inspired comfort food, the new additions showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients and hearty bar pairings.
Amada: A Fresh Take on Spanish Tapas
At Amada, the culinary focus remains firmly on bold Spanish flavors, with seasonal ingredients and premium proteins introduced to the beloved tapas menu. The new selections lean heavily into vibrant sauces and rich, shareable plates.
New Menu Highlights Include:
- Merluza al Pil Pil ($19): A perfectly herb-crusted hake served with a traditional pil pil sauce, lemon, and parsley.
- Camarones ($16): Roasted jumbo prawns elevated with a bright and herbaceous mojo verde.
- Bistec de Carnicero ($23): Creekstone hanger steak paired with nora butter, guindilla aioli, and a classic chimichurri.
- Torreznos ($22): Crispy marinated pork belly that brings the crunch, complemented by a kick of guindilla aioli.
- Espárrago Blanco ($15): White asparagus finished with truffle aioli and a rich cured egg yolk.
- Seasonal Paella (Market Price): A rotating, chef-driven take on the Spanish staple, utilizing the season's best ingredients.
Village Whiskey: Southern Comfort Meets City Dining
Right around the corner, Village Whiskey is leaning heavily into Southern-inspired comfort, rolling out a lineup of rich, shareable plates that pair perfectly with its extensive bourbon and cocktail list.
New Menu Highlights Include:
- Chicken Fried Steak ($34): A decadent Southern classic smothered in beef gravy and balanced with a fresh arugula salad.
- Loaded Mac & Cheese ($21): The ultimate comfort food, topped with your choice of buttermilk fried chicken or sweet-and-savory bourbon-glazed pulled pork.
- Blackened Market Fish (Market Price): A rotating fresh catch paired with Village Whiskey's famous duck fat fries and a tangy chow-chow tartar sauce.
- Chicken Gumbo ($21): A hearty bowl packed with braised chicken thighs and smoky andouille sausage.
- Bourbon-Glazed Pork Cheddar Fries ($15): A massive, shareable upgrade to the standard fry order.
- House-made Pickles (Starting at $7): Served alongside whipped ricotta and grilled sourdough for a perfect tangy-creamy bite.
Happy Hour Upgrades Village Whiskey has also revamped its happy hour offerings. The updated menu now features hot chicken and pulled pork sliders, a crisp Caesar salad, and new signature cocktails, including the Orange Line and a classic NY Sour.
Whether you are looking for a lively tapas experience or a laid-back evening of bourbon and comfort food, the Garces team is ensuring there is something fresh on the table this season.