Making a Difference

   Born to Ecuadorian parents, Jose Garces is a first generation American born in Chicago in 1981.  In his lifetime he has risen with meteoric speed to international fame as a premier chef and restaurateur with more than a dozen restaurants located across the nation in Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Scottsdale, DC, Palm Springs, CA, Chicago, and Moorestown, NJ.  Studying under Chef Douglas Rodriguez the "godfather of Nuevo Latino cuisine" Jose learned his craft well and was soon recruited by Stephen Starr to oversee two of his restaurants: Alma de Cuba and El Vez in the City of Brotherly Love and now Jose calls Philadelphia his home.  In addition to 7 restaurants in Philly he owns a 40 acre organic farm in bucolic Bucks County, Luna Farms, named after his lovable bull dog.  

     On Sunday I had the opportunity to visit the working farm for a Summer Barbecue that benefited the Garces Foundation.  I enjoyed some great food served up by his catering company as well as such well known local culinary giants as Tony Luke's, OwowCow Creamery, Rosati Water Ice, and Fat Jack's BBQ.  There were hamburger sliders served with 2 cheeses melted on top and garnished with caramelized onions, pickled ramps, lima & fava bean salad, gelato and water ice, and even a demonstration on preparing a whole goat for El Cabrito, a goat meat taco.  It was an amazing and fun filled afternoon.



     And it was all for a great cause.  The Garces Foundation is making a difference in hundreds of lives through its multi faceted programs.  They sponsor Community Health Days, a free quarterly event to aid the uninsured and underserved immigrant community with dental exams, cholesterol and glucose screenings and physicals.  They also direct individuals to health professionals who provide discounted services.  

     Another important service provided is the English for the Restaurant program that offers ESL classes to Latino restaurant workers.  The restaurant industry in Philadelphia is the 5th largest employer of Latinos in the city.  The English language and skills program also includes nutrition education classes as well as a computer literacy course.  Student teachers from the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University and Arcadia University serve as interns in approved fieldwork sites.  

     Luna Farms Field Trips is a third program offered by the Garces Foundation and is directed toward the youth introducing them to comprehend the importance of a healthy diet and exercise.  It's a hands-on program involving planting and harvesting of fruits and vegetables that teaches young people how to prepare fresh, nutritious meals and the value of daily exercise and physical activity through nature walks and group games.  They also outline the farm to table process of food preparation and cooking.  Last year over 350 young people from the greater Philadelphia area participated.

     Jose Garces is doing something big.  Not only has he elevated the concept of Latino cuisine and showcased its flavors and style, he is also providing local immigrant restaurant workers and their families an opportunity to share in the American Dream that he has realized in his own life.