Third Coast Cuisine

Those of us who have watched Next Food Network Star the past few years have long lamented the disappointing finale of season 3. JAG (Joshua Adam Garcia) was sure to be a runaway star, much in the mold of Guy Fieri who won season 2. Well, that didn’t happen but all who watched NFNS 3 knew that JAG was far too talented not to be a cheflebrity.

Food Network’s loss is Tampa’s gain as JAG is heading up the kitchen at POSH 27, an exciting new restaurant and night club opening later this year in the Cigar City. Chef JAG was kind enough to give Edible TV a few minutes of his time via e-mail and here’s what he had to say:

ET: The menu at Posh 27 appears to take flavors from all over Latin America and the Caribbean. Was this planned or did it just evolve?
JAG: This was definitely planned out to showcase a hot new culinary style all on its own. My Latino Fusionè will be tasted in every culinary aspect of Posh 27.

ET: What dishes on the menu are you most proud of? Which ones most accurately proclaim, “This is JAG?”
JAG: It would be unfair to the other dishes to proclaim “This is JAG” or that is not JAG enough! LOL… I stand behind every crumb laden morsel and cannot decide or discriminate towards which dish best represents myself or my cuisine. The whole damn menu is all JAG’ed up!

ET: What is the scope of your influence over the operations of Posh 27?
JAG: I am currently the Corporate Executive chef and culinary mind of Posh 27’s restaurant concept.

ET: One of the stated goals of Posh 27 is to seamlessly transition from restaurant to nightlife. What exactly does this mean? How is this accomplished?
JAG: That is our little secret… All I will say is that the changing of the lighting and ambiance alone will reveal an atmosphere specifically designed to tantalize your senses.

ET: JAG, you remain one of the most popular contestants in the history of Next Food Network Star. How has that popularity translated into your post NFNS career?
JAG: Well… Lord knows I don’t see myself as Mr. Popularity but God has definitely blessed me with a loyal post-Food Network following and the much deserved opportunity to showcase my cuisine; for that alone, I am humbled and truly grateful.

ET: With a name like Posh 27 and a celebrity chef manning the kitchen is it safe to say that the restaurant will be a “place to see and be seen?”
I would say so… You be the judge… If I were you, Stuart, I’d start making some plans to be in Tampa Bay surrendering your senses to the hottest combination of Dining and Nightlife to hit the restaurant scene since Emeril went green! To answer your question… YES! It will most definitely will be!

ET: Is there an opening date yet for Posh 27 Tampa?
JAG: Our current opening projection is scheduled for the summer of 2009.

Photo courtesy of Posh 27.


Originally posted at Edible TV on February 17, 2009.