Washington City Paper: Seasoned D.C. Chef to Open Tapas Restaurant in Rockville This Winter

A Brazilian couple is trying to capture the essence of a Spanish tapas bar with El Mercat Bar de Tapas opening this winter in Rockville. The inspiration behind the name is two-fold. The bustling atmosphere at the famed Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria in Barcelona entranced Chef George Rodrigues and Wanessa Alveswhen they visited. And Rodrigues’ big break in the restaurant industry came when he landed a job at Mercat a la Planxa in Chicago under Jose Garces.