Buena Onda: Garces' secret new Latin restaurant

Can an Iron Chef open a restaurant in total silence?

That seems to be the case surrounding Jose Garces' latest project.

During an interview last year, he mentioned a slew of forthcoming restaurants, including a spot at the Granary, the building on the 1900 block of Callowhill Street that also houses Pizzeria Vetri and Gyu-Kaku. Pressed for details, he smiled and remained silent.

Meanwhile, Garces and friends opened The Olde Bar at what was Old Original Bookbinder's and announced a deal to open a Chicago version of Rural Society - his Argentinian steakhouse now in Washington, D.C.

All the while, work has been slowly going on at the Granary, and last week a liquor application appeared on the window. But still, his organization and PR machine are maintaining radio silence.

I hear it's a Distrito-ish establishment called Buena Onda - an Argentinian slang term meaning "cool vibe." (The Garces Group registered the domain buenaondarestaurant.com and buenaondatacos.com.)

Fish tacos will be a specialty. The look evokes Latin languor - birdcage-type light fixtures on high ceilings, reminiscent of the oversize fans hanging over the front room of his Rosa Blanca, cream-colored walls, and lots of vertical slates of wood around the seating areas. There will be a bar.

It's also fairly close to completion, and Garces has taken to Craigslist to fill job openings.

Stay tuned.