Which two Jose Garces restaurants should I choose?

[dellaz]

I am in the somewhat enviable position of having 2 gift cards with substantial value that I can use at any of the Jose Garces restaurants. I have already rejected Distrito because I am not a huge fan of Mexican food. Also, I don't eat pork and I tend to prefer fish, poultry and/or well cooked vegetarian options on a menu. I would love to know fellow Chowhounders' opinions on which 2 Garces restaurants would best suit my needs.

[BelgianBeerMistress]

If you like burgers, no question...village whiskey. Hands down best burger in the city. Otherwise tinto and amada have wonderful veg & fish dishes plus lovely cheeses. Always a great experience there.

[Mr. Peabody]

I would try Amada and Garces Trading Company (I'm obsessed with their potted duck with foie gras and elderflower caramel). I have been to Chifa a few times and would rather try a new restaurant than visit it again. FYI: it is sometimes difficult to find a free table at Amada and GTC on weekend nights--I would suggest making a reservation in advance. Enjoy :)

[AmblerGirl]

I second Amada and Garces Trading Company. I am not sure if they still do it but a few years back Amada hosted flamenco nights which were to fun. Both Restaurants offer a tastin menu which I would recommend. I am sure the chef can accommodate your food preferences. Garces Trading Co is more casual and they have a reasonable wine list and an attached wine shop.

[yummykimmy]

My absolute favorite is Amada. I still loved it after a trip to Barcelona. For the record, I take Barcelona anyday, but Amada will do since this is where I live. My next Garces choice would be Tinto - definitely not my favorite - but not because of the food, but the restaurant atmosphere. I HATE eating at high top tables. I feel like I should just have a drink and go. The food is great, but I am always uncomfortable there. GUAPOS Tacos are totally fun and totally yummy!

[bluehensfan]

I like Amada but was not all that big of a fan of Chifa. It was decent but that's it. People seem to like Village Whiskey for burgers and pickles. Garces Trading Co. falls between Chifa and Amada but is just ok if you ask me.

[barryg]

I don't like the high tops either, but there are other sections of the restaurant with normal tables and booths.

[Misha]

I love Amada. I wasn't wow'd by Chifa (maybe I went too soon after it opened?) and only went to Tinto during Restaurant week so that wasn't a fab experience. I do enjoy Distrito but since you're not a fan of Mexican, Garces Trading Company could be an option, especially on a Friday. Their paella was my favorite dish of the night and it had plenty of seafood. Personally, I loved the rabbit that was in it.

[Bob Loblaw]

the best fish i had at a garces restaurant was at.... distrito. sorry. the ceviches there are very good.
if you include non-fish seafood, though, the scallops at amada were excellent.

[DaisyM]

My two favorites are also Distrito followed by Amada.

[InSearchOfTacos]

i also vote for distrito and amada- i also like the idea of going to the trading co and buying charcuterie and cheese. and their macarons are awesome- as are some of their condiments.

[urbanfabric]

I would suggest looking at JG Domestic. Lots of protein options, and a great place to go when you're not footing the bill.

If it were me I'd probably spend the other one on charcuterie and cheese at Garces Trading Co.

[Buckethead]

Tinto is the most seafood-centric of his places. Chifa is not my favorite Garces place but they do have some very good chicken (the Chifa Chicken) and fish (ceviches) dishes on the menu.