In this edition of The Dish, we head to La Jefa in Center City Philadelphia to make one of their signature drinks.
The Dish: Tepache from La Jefa in Center City PhiladelphiaThursday, April 9, 2026 2:50PMIn this edition of The Dish, we head to La Jefa in Center City to make one of their signature drinks. The eatery was a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service.
They're known for their cocktail program, and today, we're making something you can sip with or without alcohol. It's a slightly fizzy, slightly tangy fermented Mexican beverage called tepache, similar to a kombucha, and very easy to make.Owner Dan Suro calls La Jefa a slice of "Guadaladelphia," where Guadalajara meets Philadelphia."The whole thing is based off of the whole mission of Tequilas, and what it was trying to do," says Suro. "Now we just have a new space and a new fun bar to do that in."A kitchen fire in 2023 shut down the location, but last year, they reopened and added La Jefa right behind it, with an entrance on Latimer Street.He named it in memory of his mother, Annette."She was the mother figure to a lot of people who worked here for a very long time," says Suro."You could literally come here and have three different dining experiences," he says. "You could stay here all day and all night." From homemade pastries and coffee drinks to breakfast dishes, dinner options, and cocktails, the options are endless.The sign on the wall says: "You've come a long way, baby." And truly, the Suro family has done just that.Ingredients:- 2 piloncillo cones - 1 pinch each of clove and star aniseDirections:2. Add the piloncillo cones, spices, and a cup of freshly squeezed pineapple juice4. Cover that with a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and tie a string around it to hold it in placeNote: To make it a cocktail, just add tequila!
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Report: DHS Under Kristi Noem Overpaid for Empty Warehouse Intended as Immigration Detention CenterA report reveals that the Department of Homeland Security, under then-Secretary Kristi Noem, overpaid significantly for an empty warehouse in Utah intended to be an immigration detention center. The purchase price of $145.4 million was nearly 50% more than the property's assessed value. The deal was finalized shortly before Noem left office, and her replacement, Markwayne Mullin, paused the conversion plans.
Read more »
Officials break ground on Black midwife-led Chicago South Side Birth CenterExpectant moms on the South Side of Chicago will soon have a new facility to bring their babies into the world.
Read more »
‘It’s a nice day’ for Billy Idol to come to Blossom Music CenterRock & Roll Hall of Fame 2026 Nominee Billy Idol released dates Tuesday for the second leg of his “It’s a Nice Day to... Tour Again!” world tour and one show will be at Blossom Music Center.
Read more »
Minneapolis medical center's survival threatenedAs a dire financial outlook has pushed Minneapolis’ Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) to the brink of closure, health care workers and union leaders are calling for legislative action, which could be introduced at the state Capitol as soon as Tuesday.
Read more »
ShipMonk Launches Apparel-Specific Fulfillment Center to Tackle Returns, SKU ComplexityShipMonk opened an apparel-specific fulfillment center in Louisville, Ky., making it the first ShipMonk facility built to serve a single category
Read more »
Recipe: Goat cheese lends some flavor bling to cauliflower in this tasty dishLisa Hix is the Bay Area News Group's features editor overseeing Mercury News and East Bay Times coverage of restaurants, food and drink, as well as arts and entertainment. Previously, she was the copy chief at the San Francisco Standard and the arts and culture editor at Bay City News Foundation’s Local News Matters.
Read more »