Philadelphia - March 16, 2007

The Tinto Commandments

Tinto Opens

The restaurant gods spoke these words, saying …

1. Thou shalt eat at chef Jose Garces’s new hotspot, Tinto, which opens today.

2. Thou shalt enjoy small plates, called pintxos, from the Basque regions of France and Spain.

3. Honor thy craving for wine by choosing from more than 100 varietals.

4. Thou shalt not eat in vain when offerings are brochettes de gambas (skewered shrimp and grape tomato with a sherry chili glaze) and roasted lamb with truffled artichoke puree and lemon zest.

5. Thou shalt bear witness to floor-to-ceiling windows in the front and a 22-foot burnt orange-stained bar.

6. Thou shalt covet a seat; there’s room for just 68, bar included.

7. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s dessert. There’s enough chocolate salami and cardamom cake for everyone.

8. Honor thy father and mother: Take them there on their respective days.

9. Remember to make a reservation and keep it holy.

10. Thou shalt not steal the silverware.

Tinto, 114 South 20th Street (215-665-9150).