Matt Garcia made a culinary pivot. He left a top sandwich shop, GiGi’s Deli, to help open a new cocktail bar and bistro, Miles.
Between departure and launch, Garcia won a CultureMap Tastemaker Award for Rising Chef of the Year.
“It was a shock to me,” said Garcia, who claimed the award on May 14. “There are so many great chefs in that category who I revere and respect. I was a B-team kid my whole life in football and basketball. It’s the starters and the bench kids. You’re used to showing up, doing the work and not getting any credit. So to say this was a shock is an understatement.”
Garcia’s new venture places him outside the kitchen. He will serve as hospitality director when Miles opens Friday on the East Commerce corridor.
Led by Garcia, curator Tatanka Guerrero and chef Steven Lopez, Miles debuts with a 360-degree expansive central bar and a curated menu of small plates meant for sharing.
“Miles is a high-energy cocktail bar and social spot,” Garcia said. ”I’m beyond excited. It’s a collection of ideas and emotions that my business partners and I have been working on for months.”
To launch the concept, Garcia put GiGi’s Deli on hiatus in April. Once Miles finds firm footing, Garcia promises to re-open the deli inside El Tigre Coffee, owned by his business partner, Guerrero.
“I don’t know if I’ll be the one in the kitchen,” Garcia said. “But we’ll have it moving and shaking again.”
Miles opens in the space once occupied by Francis Bogside, and later Blessed Bogside, in historic St. Paul Square. It will debut a menu that combines nostalgic comfort food with chef-driven touches. Featured dishes include snapper ceviche with agua chile and summer melon; a Miles burger with fried egg, mayo and white cheddar; fried chicken with “sexy slaw”; and a butcher’s cut with gochujang carrot butter and soy-glazed potatoes.
Bar offerings include wine, elevated cocktails and caviar bumps. Also featured is a “Happy Meal” with filet ‘o fish, American cheese, tartare sauce and pickle served with a choice of High Life pony beer or gin martini.
Miles represents the latest venture for Guerrero, founder of Dreamers & Doers Hospitality Group. His portfolio includes successful projects in Miami, Los Angeles, Austin, Marfa and San Antonio.
“Miles in three words – funky, authentic and different,” Guerrero explained in an Instagram post. “I think San Antonio is super ready for this concept.”
