March 7th, 2011
Amada, Andalusian Tapas Bar, Restaurant, Review, Serrano Ham, Boquerones, Gambas, Spanish Cuisine, Old City, Center City, Philadelphia
I told a friend the other day that I had gone to a great restaurant in Old City, Philadelphia. She started laughing and thought I had it wrong. I was not sure since I really do not know Philadelphia even thought it is located at about 2 hours and 15 minutes from the Delaware Beaches.
Well, guess what? Old City is Philadelphia’s oldest neighborhood located in Center City. Walking the streets reminded me of Old San Juan; yes, plenty of cobblestones.
The restaurant that I went to on Thursday is called Amada. It is located at 217-219 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel. 215-625-2450. Website? www.amadarestaurant.com.
This is an only Tapas restaurant. Tapas are small plates, that originated in the most common eateries in Spain; Tascas. Tascas are everywhere; some of them are grand, some have fancy floors; others have floors covered with sawdust and peanut shells and everything else you can imagine. Going to Spain and not eating at the Tascas is unheard of. The best food and the best entertainment.
I am glad that we came in at the time we did. By the time we left Amada, the restaurant was completely full. Reservations are recommended.
The interior looks like a typical Spanish restaurant. Amada has Andalusian influences. Andalusia is in the south of the Iberian Peninsula.
Since it was so early I was able to take some pictures. There is Chef’s table and it can be reserved for parties. Otherwise, anyone can sit there. You are able to see the kitchen at work.
We decided to sit at the bar. We chose a high table. Amy was our server and before I forget, she was great. Gracious, friendly, and knowledgeable.
I really did not know that this particular restaurant is part of the Garces Restaurant Group, whose restaurants are among Philadelphia’s best. Amada opened in 2005.
Jose Garces is the star of the Group. He comes from Ecuadorian parents; raised in Chicago. Please go to the website above mentioned so you can see his bio. Very impressive. He just won the most recent season of The Next Iron Chef. Also his new book Latin Evolution can be purchased through the website.
We had so many tapas; at times we ordered them again and again. A pitcher of Sangria is a must at any Spanish restaurant. Everyone at the table liked it.
Here are the tapas: Since my husband has a gluten allergy we ordered tapas that he could also eat. There were just a few that he could not have like the meatballs and the duck on a flatbread.
Gambas al Ajillo – Garlic shrimp. The bread given was perfect for dipping into that beautiful sauce.
Pulpo Especial – Was a special octupus. It was, I believe, grilled. Very crispy; the sauces added extra flavor.
Pato con Cerezas Coca – Duck breast, Cabrales cheese and a cherry fig marmalade on a flatbread.
Pulpo a la Gallega – Spanish Octupus
Croquetas de jamon – Ham croquettes
Oysters – Strawberry Escabeche and Cava Granita. Best ever; just very unique.
Tortilla Espanola – A traditional tortilla made with potatoes and eggs with saffron aioli.
Albondigas – Lamb meatballs and shaved Manchego cheese. Michael thought they were out of this world.
Boquerones are white anchovies. This tapa had pine nuts and olives. The first time I went to Spain and I had them, I totally felt in love with them. They are expensive and hard to find. At Vic & Angelos in Delray Beach, Florida, they make their Caesar Salad with them. They are so mild.
Someone at the table ordered a specialty drink; Law of Desire. It was made with Spanish Brandy, Absinthe, and Peychaud’s. I had a taste and it was, definitely, one of those drinks you need to sip a little at a time. It was delicious. Absinthe is a flavored distilled liquor and Peychaud’s is a bitter; like Angostura bitters, but lighter.
Had a great evening, in a restaurant full of atmosphere and with good company.
Cannot wait to visit some of the other restaurants of the Garces Restaurant Group. For example, the one called Distrito which is Mexican cuisine, Chifa has Peruvian influences, Village Whiskey is an American Bar with more than 80 whiskies and different bar snacks. And the other one that is attracting my attention is Tinto, which is a wine bar and restaurant inspired by the Basque region of Northern Spain and Southern France. For more info. on these restaurants please visit www.grg-mgmt.com.
The Basques love seafood and food in general. Their food is fresh and perfectly satisfying. Almost everyone is interested in gastronomy. There are clubs in the region where only the men are allow to cook. Sounds perfect!!
Talk to you later…you know I will….How about some Ecuadorian cuisine, Jose?
Tags: Amada, Andalusian Tapas Bar, Center City, Garces Restaurant Group, Old City, Philadelphia, Restaurant, review, Spanish Cuisine, Tapas Bar and Restaurant
One of our FAVORITE spots when we go back to Philly
I really loved it. I am looking forward to trying Tinto next. They themselves said that is is fantastic. Can Paul sell them his wines? See you. Just came back from Philadelphia doing the furniture thing. I am going to blog about it.
Hola Gloria! Next time try Chifa, it’s amazing! And from a different chef but justvas amazing, try 10 Arts by Eric Ripert. One of my new favorites!
Thanks so much. I have Chifa on the list too and I will definitely try 10 Arts. So many places to “blog” about. Thanks so much for your comments.
What an interesting menu. The oysters looked amazing !!
Phenomenal brekodawn of the topic, you should write for me too!