Garces test kitchen in Center City is moving forward

The Garces Group got a thumbs-up Tuesday night from the Center City Residents' Association for its planned test kitchen/restaurant, which will occupy the Walnut Street side of Garces' headquarters at 24th and Walnut Streets, at the foot of the Walnut Street Bridge.

A Garces rep says the company in the final stages of development of the still-unnamed project, which has been on the books for a year and a half.

The restaurant portion will seat 150 people inside with a full bar and outdoor terrace overlooking the Schuylkill.

The menu, still in development, is being designed specifically for the neighborhood as well as for businesses. (University City is just over the bridge.)

The restaurant will serve from morning through nighttime.

Sitting behind the restaurant will be the Garces Test Kitchen, where Jose Garces and his culinary development team will conduct research and menu-testing.

Private-dining options and cooking classes are being developed for both the restaurant and test kitchen.

Next step is a July hearing before the city's Zoning Board of Adjustment. Assuming variances are granted, the whole shebang is up for a fall premiere.