ALLENTOWN, Pa. \u2014 Famed “Iron Chef” Jose Garces announced Wednesday that his second planned downtown restaurant will open in fall.<\/p>\n
The new eatery, Okatshe, will open at 947 W. Hamilton St., connected to The Moxy Allentown Downtown Hotel in mid-September, Garces announced in a release.<\/p>\n
Garces, who won the second season of Food Network\u2019s \u201cIron Chef,\u201d said the business now is hiring to fill all positions in advance of the opening.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur experience in downtown Allentown has been wonderful. Our second concept, Okatshe, is going to add a unique food and bar experience to the Lehigh Valley\u2019s growing culinary scene.” <\/p>\n
Chef Jose Garces<\/p>\n
Okatshe, which the release said is based on one of Garces\u2019 popular restaurant concepts, will be a modern take on traditional Japanese izakaya. <\/p>\n
The restaurant will feature Japanese small plates, sushi and sashimi with a lively cocktail and Japanese whisky bar. <\/p>\n
More details on the restaurant\u2019s design, menu and cocktail and sake bar will be announced soon, the release said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur experience in downtown Allentown has been wonderful,\u201d said Garces, who opened the Cuban caf\u00e9 and rum bar Rosa Blanca at 950 Hamilton St., in March.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur second concept, Okatshe, is going to add a unique food and bar experience to the Lehigh Valley\u2019s growing culinary scene. <\/p>\n
“We can\u2019t wait to reveal more details over the next few weeks, but we are thrilled with the location, which is connected to The Moxy Hotel, next to Archer Music Hall and across the street from Rosa Blanca.\u201d<\/p>\n
Positions sought, chef’s history<\/p>\n
The release said Garces\u2019 team is hiring for front- and back-of-house roles, including hosts, bartenders, servers, food runners, line cooks, sous chefs, dishwashers and more.<\/p>\n