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Chef Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran are poised to open their latest restaurant, Jamonera, this Sunday, an ode to southern Spain and named after the traditional stand that holds jamon — ham — so that chefs can hand-slice it, pictured lower left.
(Photos by M. Edlow for GPTMC)

We were kind of bummed when we heard Bindi, power pair Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran’s delicious modern Indian spot, was closing last fall.

But now that we’ve gotten a sneak peek at its replacement, Jamonera (which translates to the traditional stand that holds jamon — ham — so that chefs can hand-slice it), we’re completely thrilled to welcome it to Midtown Village. It’s opening this Sunday, January 22.

Check out a few highlights of the Spanish tapas bar, below.

The Inspiration

Chef Turney and Safran took a recent journey across southern Spain to gather intel for Jamonera. They hired a local guide, and Marcie asked tons of questions along the way to make sure to be able to recreate Andalucía’s tiny, tucked-away tapas joints upon her return to Philly.

Fun fact: Val was an 8th grade Spanish teacher for three years, and still speaks passably fluent Spanish.

The Location

Jamonera, in Bindi’s former location, is situated smack in the middle of Turney and Safran’s 13th Street Empire. It’s sandwiched between Grocery and Open House, and across the street from Verde, Lolita and Barbuzzo.

The Food

Jamonera will serve dinner from 5-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.

The menu will reflect the Andalucía region’s multi-cultural culinary styles, with influences that range from other Spanish regions to broader Mediterranean flavors to Moorish influences from northern African immigrants.

Continue reading, and check out another photo of the space, below.

Menu items will range in price from $4 to $36, spanning everything from small snacks to composed plates, all ideal for sharing. There are 13 vegetarian plates.

One of Marcie’s favorites is the Crispy Calasparra Rice with heirloom pumpkin, chestnuts and La Quercia Acorn Edition jamon.

As Chef Turney puts it, “Jamonera is a comfortable slice of Spain brought to life in Philadelphia.”

The Drinks

Jamonera has a whopping 20 sherries, more than any restaurant in Philly and any serious Spanish spot in New York. It’s an under-appreciated beverage that the restaurant aims to bring to the forefront of Philadelphia drinkers’ awareness.

Chef Turney and Safran also selected a group of wines that are the best expression of Spain’s terroir, with earthy reds and bright, crisp whites ideally suited to sipping alongside the varied flavors of the food.

Chef Marcie Turney crafted the collage visible in this shot, set inside the gorgeous gold frame recycled from Bindi's decor. You can also see the traditional jamonera in the forefront, with a giant jamon ready to be sliced and served. (Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC)

The Decor

The space is intimate and cozy, outfitted in in dark Rioja-stained wood and amber lighting, with antique mirrors on the walls and a 20-foot copper bar top that will age slowly and develop a patina through use. (There are already a few worn water rings.)

New York-based artist Tory Novikova created a 7- by 8-foot vintage illustration interpretation of “Carmen,” which will greet guests as they enter the space. Marcie herself also contributed to the decor, with a giant 8- by 8-foot collage crafted from a 1970s bull-fighting magazine she found in Ronda (see above photo). Paper coasters, cut into squares from the same magazine, will litter the bar-top.

Basically Jamonera is set to be a super exciting addition to Philadelphia’s dining scene, and Midtown Village in particular. Bonus: they’re participating in Center City Restaurant Week! Call (215) 922-6061 for reservations.

Jamonera
105 S. 13th Street
www.jamonerarestaurant.com