Garces said he considers GTC "my culinary epicenter that embodies all things that get me really excited about food." Details: http://go.philly.com/gtc.
Garces, who started with Amada in late 2005 and then rolled out Tinto, Distrito, Chifa, and Village Whiskey (before joining Iron Chef America), said his next project would be a still-unnamed farm-to-table restaurant at the Cira Centre, the former Rae, opening in late spring or early summer. He's also moving his corporate offices into the Cira. He says "early summer" for the opening of a beer-and-brats concept at the former Letto Deli at 13th and Chancellor Streets.
What's new
Doma, a sleek-looking, ambitious Japanese-Korean BYOB, opened last week at 1822 Callowhill St. (215-564-1114) on Franklintown's little restaurant row. Robert and Patti Moon, who also own Shiroi Hana on 15th Street near Locust, have gone the Zen route in their narrow storefront, with clear globes suspended from the ceiling, a wave pattern carved into plaster on one wall, a curtain of wooden rings, and a service-type sushi bar. It's now open for lunch and dinner (till 9:30 p.m.) Mondays through Saturdays. Menu is at http://go.philly.com/doma.
Ekta, the Fishtown Indian BYOB, is due to open its second location today at 1003 Lancaster Ave. in Bryn Mawr, which until very recently was Cafe Fresko. Chef-owner Raju Bhatari says it will be open for lunch and dinner daily, offering Fishtown's menu (www.ektaindianrestaurant.com). Bhatari previously worked for Tiffin, the Indian BYOB also on Girard Avenue. Tiffin owner Munish Narula recently opened in Elkins Park and is developing Tiffin locations for the spring on the Main Line: at 847 Lancaster Ave. in Bryn Mawr as well as 50 E. Wynnewood Rd. in Wynnewood.
Alex Plotkin of the Bala Cynwyd meatery Chops has opened his second location, at Seventh and Walnut Streets (215-922-7770), the former Oceanaire, serving weekday lunch and dinner nightly. Details: http://go.philly.com/chops.
The green-leaning Falafel Factory is now turning out healthfully prepared falafel (as well as fried) at 32 S. 18th St. (215-564-0064), from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Details: http://go.philly.com/falafel.
Briefly noted
The burger chain Five Guys is adding a second Center City location: 1109 Walnut St., opening in April.
Domaine Wilmington - as Domaine Hudson at 1314 N. Washington St. in Wilmington is now known - has added weekday lunch under new chef Abde Dahrouch. Sunday dinner will start this month.
Contact Michael Klein at mklein@phillynews.com. Follow his blog at http://go.philly.com/insider and on Twitter @phillyinsider.
