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Post by Kelly White

Distreeeeeeto. Have fun saying it with a trill of your tongue and then do something useful. Eat there. The marquee at Jose Garces’ long awaited taqueria is lit up just in time for University City Dining Days. Lovers of Amada and Tinto, be forewarned: College kids, a heavy dose of candy colors and spinning rattan chairs, and Mexican street food are a departure from the Garces Norm. Someone has a serious obsession with luchadors. Someone has clearly not forgotten his days as executive chef at El Vez. There’s plenty to be said for this celebration of excess, a culinarian’s playground that needs bi-levels just to contain it.

The funhouse atmosphere extends to the food with playful plates like yellowtail ceviche with sangrita sorbet, tongue tacos, and los hongos huaraches with black truffles. A complex jicama ensalada is a sour punch of lime sorbet, avocado, and juicy mandarin. Tequila is taken more seriously with over sixty selections for drinkers who can still count. If you prefer your street dessert on the solid side, go with the popsicle trio. Assembled to appear as the Mexican flag, the strawberry, coconut, and lime sticks are paired with crushed toppings, like a sophisticated version of Fun Dip.

Check out Distrito during University City’s Dining Days, July 24-July 30.

Distrito
3945 Chestnut St Philadelphia, PA
(215) 222-1657