Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

What to Drink at Rosa Blanca, Now Open on Chestnut Street

What to Drink at Rosa Blanca, Now Open on Chestnut Street

After a string of minor setbacks, Rosa Blanca, the latest effort from Jose Garces and company, opened to the public on Monday, December 16 at 707 Chestnut Street.

Going forward the Cuban-inspired diner, which replaces the Iron Chef’s shuttered Peruvian-Cantonese hybrid Chifa, will open every morning, bright and early, at 7 AM, and offer breakfast service all day. Afternoons and evenings will also see a host of Latin and Caribbean comforts offered, as well as an extensive bar program that emphasizes rum.

Michael King, Rosa Blanca’s beverage manager, told Drink Philly that Village Whiskey’s huge collection of spirits and clever cocktail list serves as his inspiration for Rosa Blanca’s bar program. A work in progress, he’s pulled together more than 60 different bottles representing the very best styles of rum from all over the Caribbean and Latin America. They are available in individual pours, flights and in a wide variety of specialty drinks, many of which serve as playful riffs on the classics.

Examples include La Tormenta, a mojito and dark and stormy hybrid that’s comprised of Demerara rum, lime, cardamom syrup, ginger beer and mint; Ambos Mundos, a Hemingway variation that’s made with gold rum, Luxardo Maraschino, blackberry and grapefruit; and Dos Gardenias, a daiquiri made with white rum, peach, and lemon.

In addition to the broad selection of rums and cocktails, Rosa Blanca also features 14 wines — representing primarily Spanish and New World varietalsavailable by the glass, four draft beers and 10 more in bottles. Beers available reflect styles popular in the Caribbean, like Caribe, and Presidente, and nautical themes, like Great Lakes’ Commodore Perry IPA, and Heavy Seas’ Small Craft Warning (Über Pils).

For teetotalers Rosa Blanca also offers a bunch of shakes, smoothies, and juices squeezed to order at the bar.

Chef de Cuisine Yun Fuentes, formerly of JG Domestic, is serving a menu with breakfast options available all day. To get the morning started properly, Fuentes offers dishes like Chicharrón de Puerco, pork belly, moro, sweet plantains, and fried eggs; Tortilla, a Spanish omelet with Serrano ham, and saffron aioli; and Revuelto, soft scrambled eggs, spinach, mushroom, queso fresco. Throughout the day, the restaurant will also serve soups and salads, sandwiches, small plates, and larger, entree-sized options, and nightly Paladares-inspired dinners, served family style.

Rosa Blanca, 707 Chestnut St., 215-925-5555
 


Tags: Beer, brunch, Cocktails, Food, Spirits, Wine
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Center City District will close the streets allowing pedestrians to enjoy outdoor seating, music, and activiti...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Sep 6, 2024
Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

We've rounded up all of the must-stop spots for sipping spirits by the beach, whether your vibe is dark and sexy or vibrant and divey....read more ›

by Drink Philly Aug 26, 2024
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

This time on Behind the Bar, we interview bartender and bar manager Jillian Moore of My Loup. We chat with her about her cocktail menu, the effects of...read more ›

by Drink Philly May 13, 2024
Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare is the newest endeavor by Chef Townsend Wentz, located at 2121 Walnut Street, near Rittenhouse Square...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 22, 2024
Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2024

Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2024

We've got your definitive list of where to drink outside in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 9, 2024
Philadelphia Distilling Launching Secret Pop-Up Cocktail Garden for Earth Day, April 11-21

Philadelphia Distilling Launching Secret Pop-Up Cocktail Garden for Earth Day, April 11-21

Philadelphia Distilling is transforming their fourth floor space into a secret garden to celebrate Earth Day, ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 9, 2024
Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails

Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails

Last year, Dizengoff and Abe Fisher decided to join forces and embark on an exciting new chapter. After closin...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 5, 2024
Behind the Bar: Tom Foy of Butcher Bar

Behind the Bar: Tom Foy of Butcher Bar

In this installment of Behind the Bar, we sit down with bartender Tom Foy of Butcher Bar...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 19, 2024
48 Record Bar: An Inside Look at an Audiophile's Listening Room & Cocktail Bar

48 Record Bar: An Inside Look at an Audiophile's Listening Room & Cocktail Bar

48 Record Bar is the newest addition to the growing Listening Room trend in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 19, 2024
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close