Courtesy / City Center Group
Courtesy / City Center Group

Chef José Garces to Open New Dining Venues in Allentown and Launch "Como Como" Line at Costco

Iron Chef José Garces announces new restaurants in Allentown and a product line launch across Northeast Costcos.

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In a significant boost to Allentown's culinary and economic landscape, renowned Iron Chef José Garces has announced plans to open two new dining establishments in the city's downtown area and launch his new Como Como product line at Costco stores throughout the Northeast.

Garces, who gained national fame after winning the second season of Food Network’s “Iron Chef” competition in 2009, will introduce his popular Rosa Blanca and Okatshe restaurant concepts to Allentown's Downtown West district. According to City Center Group, the real estate developer spearheading the project, Rosa Blanca, a Cuban café and rum bar, will open in the first quarter of 2025 on the ground floor of The Nines apartment building at 950 Hamilton St. Okatshe, which offers a modern take on the traditional Japanese izakaya, is slated for a second-quarter opening at an as-yet undisclosed downtown location.

Rosa Blanca is described as transitioning from a "breezy café offering classic Cuban coffee and pastries by day to a tropical rum bar serving mixed drinks by night." The lunch and dinner menus will feature hearty Cuban specialties and comfort food, including soups, salads, empanadas, sandwiches, and entrees, all prepared with Garces' signature Latin-style hospitality. The 1,500-square-foot venue will seat approximately 40 guests indoors and provide additional sidewalk seating for around 30 more, plus a walk-up window on Hamilton Street.

City Center Group Vice President Jill Wheeler emphasized the significance of Garces' decision to invest in Allentown, stating, "For Chef José Garces to choose downtown Allentown for his two newest restaurants is a testament to our city's incredible transformation and success. Attracting a restaurateur of his caliber shows that downtown Allentown is a place where culture and innovation can thrive."

Parallel to this exciting development in Allentown, Garces is expanding his culinary reach to retail, with a launch of his Como Como line at 97 Costco locations across the Northeast. This line features Como Como's Yucatan Chicken, a dish that showcases the bold, authentic flavors of Latin cuisine, making it easier for families to enjoy these tastes at home. The Yucatan Chicken is described as tender and slow-braised, infused with the bright, earthy flavors of onions, garlic, sweet peppers, and dried chilis.

 

Como Como By Jose Garces

 

"Launching Como Como products at Costco allows us to bring the rich, complex flavors of Latin cuisine to an even wider audience," Garces said during the announcement. "With our Yucatan Chicken, we're making it easier than ever for families to savor authentic, bold tastes in the comfort of their own homes."

The Como Como line represents a fusion of traditional ingredients with modern convenience, offering a premium range of chef-crafted, ready-made meals inspired by the vibrant traditions of Latin American cuisine.

As a James Beard Award-winning chef, Garces is celebrated for his exceptional ability to merge tradition with innovation. His commitment to authenticity and quality has earned him a revered place in the culinary world. With these new ventures, both in Allentown's dining scene and through accessible retail products, Garces continues to influence the gastronomic landscape, promising exciting new dining and cooking experiences for food enthusiasts across the region.

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