Thursday, August 4, 2011

Amada's, By Jose Garces'


Amada’s

By Jose Garces’. Iron Chef; America

This site ~ This Blog is your connection into my world, and the journey, love, style and taste of the culinary creations that are around us and abroad. I am hoping by the words that I write about different places I go, will give you access and bring not only a flow of salivating to your mouth but, refuge and tastes that will captivate you and place a permanent smile on your face.…

 

Hello ya’al

Today’s journey was particularly special to me. One, It was Jose Garces’ Restaurant called Amada’s and two, It was a style of cousin that I have not sampled before, and sampling it was.. It is a Spanish Tapas service style of cousin. Ta~pas meaning.
Small Spanish savory dishes, typically served with drinks at a bar

Tapas is the name of a wide variety of appetizers, or snacks, in Spanish cuisine. They may be cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or warm (such as chopitos, which are battered, fried baby squid).

I had a friend with me and as we entered, to the time that we left. I felt like I was being greeted and served by family.. There was a lot of warmth and sincere love of what they were there to do.. I was grateful to be a part of it.. We called in for our table and, I would say that is the best thing to do.. Although we had to sit at the Bar for a short period, they made it a joy to be there. Starting with very a pleasant, Chipper and welcoming young beautiful lady behind the Bar. My friend was unable to serve an ID because, he was, from out of the country and he left his passport at home.. So, she offered on the house,… a homemade Strawberry Lemonade with mint that was outstanding..
As you look around the Restaurant the, architecture held a very warm old world and contemporary feel to it.
We then were lead to our table. I was very happy, because they gave us a table that was next to the open kitchen. I love to people watch.. And seeing my brothers in culinary arms at work so diligently and passionately doing their work is great to see.

Since it was easier and better on me, because of my diet, we split the cost and menu/We order 4 dishes and a dessert , The waiter came with a complimentary starter. That was Flatbread points with, a olive ~caper spread. Very nice start.. For our 1st Tapas course we started out with ALB ÓNDIGAS Lamb Meatballs & Shaved Manchego with a Foie Gras Sherry sauce… This was so good. The spice between the lamb and the Foie Gras sauce was perfectly balanced. You could taste everything in it, spices, Cheese, mint, Foie Gras. and most of all the lamb

The 2nd course was GAMBAS CON GARBANZOS Shrimp, Chorizo & Garbanzo Bean Purée . WOW.. I get very excited about these kind of dishes. It is more like Italian/spanish comfort food. That was a bit healthier for you.. Again it was balanced in flavor and everything could be identified on the dish..

The 3rd course was a TORTILL A ESPAÑOLA Spanish Tortilla & Saffron Aioli. I felt like it had more of a potato dumpling taste to it.. I would say, without the saffron aioli it would have been very bland. It was very unique and different.. I like it. My friend not so much.

The 4th course was a SETAS Seasonal Wild Mushrooms. It was lined with a basil oil and a wedge of lemon. .This had a very nice fire grilled smoky taste to it, and it was good, but It was a bit too salty for my taste. With the diversity of people in this world, the salt could be a good thing to someone else..



Finally, My Favorite part of the night… dessert… I am a sucker for Chocolate.. And this one takes top billing.. Pastel De Chocolate; Flourless Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Ice Cream & Chocolate-Hazelnut Caramel.. I was bowled over.. The cake seemed to have a little wafer to it, and that with the combination of the mousse and the ice cream.. My eye’s were rolling to the back of my head.. I was totally Wowed from bringing to the end of the dinning experience.. You should have seen me, I was as giddy as a little child.

I am definitely going back to see Amada, by Jose Garces’ . They are located at 217-219 Chestnut Street | Philadelphia PA 19106 | T 215-625-2450 . And the website is..

http://amadarestaurant.com/index.html

Now, Until we meet again~~ Many journey's into the Love, Style and Taste of food around you...
God Bless
Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser

A Journey of Love, Style and Taste
By Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser
Philadelphia, USA