Inside Garces' new Rosa Blanca

Inside 707 Chestnut St., crews are converting Jose Garces' Chifa into Rosa Blanca, a Cuban/Caribbean diner that will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Rosa Blanca's menu will offer such comfort food as empanadas, Cubano sandwiches, and ropa vieja, plus signature cocktails such as mojitos made with pressed sugar cane juice, as well as milkshakes. There also will be a malta fountain.

At the entrance, there will be a cafeteria-style counter where Cuban coffee, pastries and more will be available for takeout. Behind this area, the restaurant will also feature a full-service dining room and bar.

Downstairs, there will be a lounge.

Opening is targeted to early November.

Garces, by the way, tells me that he would like to revive Chifa somewhere else.