New York Chef Alex Garcia to Open Restaurant in Silver Spring

AG Kitchen to specialize in American and Latin comfort food

Chef Alex Garcia provided photo

A New York chef famous for his Latin cuisine is planning to open a new restaurant in Silver Spring in 2015.

Chef Alex Garcia, who operates AG Kitchen in New York City and oversees a number of kitchens at other restaurants in that city, plans to open a 7,700-square-foot restaurant at a location owned by the Peterson Companies in downtown Silver Spring.

The restaurant will offer a menu featuring Garcia’s signature dishes, such as pineapple and pomegranate guacamole, seafood paella, roast chicken and a Cuban sandwich. The full menu will be similar to the AG Kitchen menu at the New York location. The Silver Spring restaurant will be Garcia’s first outside New York City.

The restaurant will be located in the Downtown Silver Spring development on Ellsworth Drive. It will offer about 180 seats and an outdoor dining patio with views of Silver Spring’s mosaic fountain, according to the Peterson Companies.

“The introduction of Alex Garcia’s award-winning Latin cuisine is a win for Washington-area foodies,” Kelly Price, a Peterson vice president, said in a statement. “We are particularly delighted to deliver on Silver Spring’s desire for a lively independent restaurant that reflects the community’s vibe.”

Garcia is credited with helping to popularize “Nuevo Latino” cuisine in New York City and was previously featured on the Food Network show Melting Pot in the early 2000s.

Pictures: AG Kitchen seafood paella and Chef Garcia's Manhattan Latin Burger.