One of the best restaurateurs in the game is turning his sights towards the Lehigh Valley. Jose Garcez-an Iron Chef and a veritable giant of the hospitality industry-is opening a new location of his Rosa Blanca concept in Allentown this year, reports local media outlet WFMZ.
Rosa Blanca’s Downtown West district home will be the concept’s second incarnation; the rum bar and Cuban cafe lived a short but notable previous life in Philadelphia before shuttering in 2015. The eatery will be getting a second chance to feed and delight patrons in Allentown’s The Nines apartment building.
The ground floor space, located at 950 Hamilton Street, will occupy 1,500 square feet, where it will offer both indoor and outdoor seating options. Rosa Blanca will be able to accommodate 40 customers inside, while offering al fresco dining for another 30 visitors. The restaurant will feature a to-go window for visitors on the move.
A precise opening date is not currently available, however locals may not have to wait too much longer to sample Rosa Blanca’s menu of Cuban specialties ranging from empanadas to soups and sandwiches. Garces and company are aiming to begin serving guests in the first quarter of this year.
Speaking in a press release, Garces expresses enthusiasm about bringing Rosa Blanca back to life in the increasingly vibrant Lehigh Valley neighborhood. “ “I believe in what City Center Group has been doing to make downtown Allentown a strong destination for food, entertainment, and live-work-play, and I share a passion for that mission. I’m excited to invest in downtown Allentown and particularly to be aligned with the Moxy hotel and Archer Music Hall opening this spring.”
Rosa Blanca will offer locals the excitement of two concepts in one location. During the day, the restaurant will be a relatively straightforward cafe and eatery, serving pastries and sandwiches. However, once the sun goes down, Rosa Blanca will transform into a rum bar, complete with delicious Cuban meals and mixed drinks.
