Review: Garces Trading Company

It’s that most wonderful time of the year again-- Restaurant Week! The first week may be over, but through January 28th the city of Philadelphia is still hosting Center City District Restaurant Week. Now is the time to indulge in some of the finest dining that the city has to offer, without having to spend an arm and a leg. Most restaurants are offering a three-course menu for only $35 at dinner and $20 at lunch.
I had the wonderful opportunity to visit one of Philadelphia’s finest eateries this past week, as I hunted for the best discount meal in town. It all started on Thursday the 20th, when a friend and I decided to venture off campus in search of a girls' night out on the town. Luckily, we discovered the great dining deals on OpenTable.com and opted to try out Garces Trading Company. Neither of us had heard of the restaurant before, but the website was enticing, to say the least, and we simply could not resist. We quickly made reservations, which are a good idea during this very busy time.

Garces Trading Company specializes in European cuisine, focusing on Spanish, French, and Italian culinary styles. As I walked through the charming entrance, I immediately fell in love with the atmosphere. There was one intimate dining area surrounded on both sides by a real, working charcuterie, a small wine shop, a cheese counter, a small patisserie, and an extensive display of balsamic vinaigrettes and olive oils. The setting was not formal, however the restaurant itself was the very essence of taste and simple countryside elegance. The service was impeccable. The staff was kind, attentive, and efficient. As special as the service and the setting were, the food was the crown jewel of the evening. The meal was impeccable, from soup to nuts (well actually from aged artisanal cheeses and imported Serrano ham slices to a caramel pumpkin mouse butterscotch pudding and a mint chocolate bombe). The variety, in terms of the selection offered that evening, was incredible. As an entrée, I had a hanger steak with sautéed vegetables and mini pearl-like potatoes that were almost too cute to eat. I highly recommend a visit to Garces Trading Company, even after Restaurant Week has ended. The food is well worth the expense.