Iron Chef Jose Garces' Former Student to Open Cantina Feliz

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Cantina Feliz, a contemporary Mexican restaurant, is set to open its doors in early December. Cantina Feliz will feature creative yet traditional Mexican dishes with an exotic array of margaritas and tequilas. The restaurant is located at 424 South Bethlehem Pike in Fort Washington, Pa.

Tim Spinner and Brian Sirhal are opening their restaurant in Fort Washington, across from SEPTA's Lansdale/Doylestown line of the regional rail. "Opening Cantina Feliz in this community and right across from the metro stop is really exciting," Sirhal said. "We think a Mexican restaurant will thrive in this vibrant Philadelphia suburb."

Spinner has been working as Jose Garces' right hand man for the past seven years and has previous experience with Starr Restaurants, where he worked as a line cook and eventually as Garces' Sous Chef at El Vez. When Garces left El Vez to open Amada, Spinner followed and was Garces' Executive Sous Chef. From Amada, Spinner went with Garces to open Distrito, as Chef de Cuisine. In his time at Distrito, Spinner helped garner reviews for the restaurant in Esquire Magazine's "20 Best New Restaurants" in 2008, Philadelphia Inquirer's "Most Outstanding Restaurant" in 2008, Philadelphia Magazine's "Top New Restaurants" in 2009, as well as Conde Naste Traveler, and the James Beard Foundation. Spinner assisted his mentor on television, when Garces appeared on the Food Network's "Iron Chef America." Having won "The Next Iron Chef," Garces continues to appear on the upcoming season with Spinner at his side.

Sirhal, Spinner's business partner and friend for over 17 years, was previously the Beverage Manager at Distrito, where his beverage program has been featured in Philadelphia Magazine, Cheers Magazine, and Philadelphia Style Magazine. Prior to Distrito, Sirhal was a manager at the famed Rosa Mexicano in New York City.

Sirhal and Spinner have helped develop each other's food service careers. Together, the partners have worked at Distrito since June 2008 and have been friends since they were high school classmates, over 17 years ago. Cantina Feliz plans to open its doors in early December offering competitively priced delicious meals at 424 South Bethlehem Pike in Fort Washington, Pa.

About Cantina Feliz

Cantina Feliz is a Mexican restaurant and bar with a rustic look and feel, which will offer dining for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Dinner entrees will be competitively priced with most items between $15 and $25. Cantina Feliz will offer exceptional service with a menu of creative dishes and delicious flavors.

Cantina Feliz is located at 424 S. Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, PA 19034.

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SOURCE Cantina Feliz