Compare the following quotes.

Guitarist Pepe Romero:

Since my birth, I have felt the guitar to have such a strong unifying force in our family that it impossible for me to imagine how I would have developed outside of my family. We have learned together, played together, lived together and become part of each other.

Chef Jose Garces:

My passion for cooking comes from my early memories of preparing meals for my family with Mamita Amada.  Even when I was a child, I was drawn to the joy of cooking a great meal.  I have always loved the way that food can transform a person’s whole outlook and really make their day.

This similarity in how both chef and musician came to love their art through their family is what seems like a suitable combination for this week’s dinner and a concert recommendation.  Garces started his first Philadelphia restaurant in 2005 and named it after his grandmother – Amada.  Serving traditional tapas, he combines the wealth of flavors found in Spain’s unique position between Africa and Europe and its dual Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines.  This unique blend brings an ever-rotating menu of options and will make every return to the restaurant a new experience.

The same goes for Pepe Romero and his PCMS debut recital at the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater.  He never ceases to amaze audiences with his technical flourish and his thrilling interpretations have inspired a number of distinguished composers to write works specifically for him, including Joaquín Rodrigo, Federico Moreno Torroba and his father, the famous Celedonio Romero – all of which will be on the program this Friday, January 20^th.

Once again, here’s to fine food and magnificent music!