A minor setback has put a hold on the debut of La Calaca Feliz, Tim Spinner’s and Brian Sirhal’s, follow up to Ft. Washington’s well-received Cantina Feliz, which the two opened last year. The two originally wanted to open their Fairmount Ave. Mexican restaurant and bar on Wednesday, January 18, but that’s been pushed to Thursday, January 19. It opened Wednesday, after all.* The new spot will feature a creative and contemporary approach to Mexican food, and margaritas and other specialty cocktails in a cozy space that’s decked in colorful murals depicting Dia de los Muertos scenes. Spinner, you may recall is Jose Garces’ former right-hand-man, and worked closely with the Iron Chef in his ascent from restaurateur to celebrity chef. For La Calaca Feliz, he’s put Lucio Palazzo, formerly of Xochitl, in charge of the kitchen. Grub recently got a peek at the restaurant while it was still coming together, check out the photos we shot to see what’s in store there.
*This post has been corrected to show that La Calaca Feliz opened on Wednesday, January 18.
Muralist Allison Dilworth puts the final touches on the large Dia de los Muertos mural that greets guests upon entry.
Punched tin fixtures like this one illuminate the restaurant from above.
Two TVs, a whole lot of tequila (as much as 50 different varieties) and more Dia de los Muertos motifs make up much of the bar back.
While freshly-made margaritas and other specialty cocktails will most certianly be in order, the bar also boasts six taps dedicated to mostly local and craft beers.
Former Xochitl chef, Lucio Palazzo and his kitchen crew will turn out La Calaca Feliz’s dishes from behind the glass of this open kitchen.
Left over from the previous tenant, Illuminare, Chef Palazzo and company will use this pizza oven to fire various tlayudas (masa-flour Mexican pizzas), nachos and rellenos.
Dilworth’s murals also line the walls of the dining room.
This one also plays on a Dia de los Muertos theme.
Cozy banquettes provide seating in the dining room. Additional seating is available at tables and chairs.
These traditional Mexican stone serving vessels will be used for a variety of dishes.
The Mexican religious icon is celebrated with this shrine over the dining room.
This painted longhorn cattle skull will adorn one of the dining room’s walls.
