Garces’ Tinto turns to Tinto Pintxo

If you’re a Philadelphian, you’ve most likely heard of restauranteur Jose Garces, and if you’re a foodie around the city, you’ve probably heard of his Spanish tapas spot, Tinto. What you haven’t heard of yet, is what the team behind the eatery did to transform the Rittenhouse square restaurant into an all new spirited concept. 

Right now, Tinto has become Tinto Pintxo, a Spanish wine shop that currently highlights 70+ wine selections by the bottle to-go, tasting flights, rare/collectible gems, discounted bundles and a wine club on top of a revamped menu.

“I’m excited to bring a traditional pintxos experience to the Rittenhouse neighborhood,” said Garces in a statement. “Our team took advantage of being closed for indoor dining to build out our new wine shop, which features hard-to-find bottles at affordable prices. From a culinary perspective, we have developed a traditional pintxos menu to match the casual vibe. Our hope is that our neighbors pop by for to grab a bottle of wine and some snacks or a light dinner that is affordable and pairs with the wine sold in our new wine shop or pop in and share a bottle with friends or your partner.”

At this time, the new establishment features wines by the bottle, tasting flights, discounted bundles, wine club and rare/collectible wines not available anywhere else in Philadelphia. When indoor dining reaches 50% capacity, which is anticipated for March at this time, diners will then be able to head to the establishment to try out the new menu as well. 

However, Garces fans can get a first exclusive taste of the new menu with a special Tinto Pintxo sneak peek package of chef’s selections on the Garces Trading Company virtual marketplace, ghost kitchen and kitchen hub platform. According to the release, this is available at least through mid-February and features highlights from the forthcoming new menu that will be served at Tinto Pintxo. The package can be picked up at The Olde Bar, at 125 Walnut Street, which is the Garces hub and main ghost kitchen for Amada, The Olde Bar, Village Whiskey, Tinto, Garces Catering and more. The special preview package for Tinto Pintxo includes a variety of selections for $25 per person, with a minimum of two people per order or more, with two days notice requested.

“We wanted a solution for our guests that was thoughtful and sustainable. We saw heaters as a limited time option, as at some point it’ll be too cold to sit outside. Creating unique dining experiences that make being at home, or any location post-COVID, more fun and enjoyable. While we do have a delivery partner to supplement busy times, we are able to service guests who may not feel comfortable coming to the city and create employment opportunities,” added Garces in a statement at the time of the Trading Company launch.

Chef’s selections for the special preview package include: Jamon Serrano (cured spanish ham, egg salad, pickled guindilla pepper and a baguette); Queso Mixto (assorted Spanish cheeses, seasonal accompaniments and membrillo); assorted pintxos consisting of cordero (lamb loin, eggplant, bacon, sherry jus chistorra: spicy pork sausage, parsley bikini, a ham and cheese sandwich, Serrano ham, garlic aioli and mahon cheese); Tins & Toast (sardinias guisadas, fried sardines in tomato sauce, bonito del norte ventresca tuna belly in olive oil, esparragos jumbo white asparagus) and an assortment of sweets with choices including cantunillos, a puff pastry, charred banana, white chocolate ganache and dulce de leche. 

The bites all highlight recipes, flavors and ingredients from northern Spain, notably the Basque region. When Philadelphians order they can also add on a suggested wine package as well to make dining at home an experience in itself. 

The indoor menu with updated selections will be shared when indoor dining returns, but in the meantime, Tinto Pintxo is open for wine lovers Monday through Sunday daily, from noon to 9 p.m. For more information and wine lists, visit philadelphia.tintorestaurant.com or call 215-665-9150.