Renowned Chef Richard Sandoval continues to expand his culinary footprint with the latest opening of Toro Chicago, a Pan-Latin restaurant, taking residence in the Fairmont Chicago hotel. Eater Chicago reported that this marks Sandoval's second Chicago enterprise of 2024, following the earlier debut of his Nikkei cuisine endeavor Casa Chi.
Chicago's culinary landscape is no stranger to Sandoval’s gastronomic ventures, but the offerings at Toro Chicago lean towards a different appetite. Chef Sandoval's emphasis on the meld of Pan-Latin flavors from Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, and Venezuela promises a new landmark for local and visiting food connoisseurs. As per Chicago Food Magazine, Sandoval stated, "Chicago is a city known for its diverse and dynamic culinary scene. I'm thrilled to bring to the city the rich heritage and bold innovations that define what we do at Toro."
Indeed, the menu is a vibrant showcase of Latino cooking – a symphony of tastes represented in dishes like the shrimp and white fish Peruvian Ceviche Amarillo and the Argentinian Sweet Corn Empanadas. Even with respect to tradition, there’s an eagerness to innovate and play with palates, as seen with the restaurant's selection of craft cocktails. The mixology team at Toro Chicago has concocted exclusive beverages such as the Incan Goddess and Island Oasis, according to FSR Magazine. For instance, the restaurant's showstopper, Flaming Coffee, ignites a flamboyant ending to any meal with its tableside preparation.
Paying attention to the local business ecosystem, Toro Chicago sources ingredients from Midwest farms and purveyors like Heaven’s Honey and Slagel Family Farms, creating a curated culinary experience that honors local produce and protein. Furthermore, the restaurant has aligned itself with Chicago's brewing scene, featuring taps from known local breweries and imported bottles for those looking for international flavors, mentioned Eater Chicago.
The restaurant's operational helm is steered by General Manager Gerardo Garcia, a veteran in the hospitality domain, lending his decades of experience to ensure the smooth sailing of Sandoval’s latest establishment. "Chicago is one of the culinary and hospitality capitals of the world," Garcia told Chicago Food Magazine. "I’m thrilled to bring the passion and heritage of Toro to Chicago, and showcase how we deliver Latin cuisine without borders to serve a multitude of cultures all together, one bite and dish at a time."
Reservations at Toro Chicago can be made via OpenTable, and with its strategic location at 200 N Columbus Drive, it stands ready to welcome diners from 6 a.m. to midnight on most days, and even up to 2 a.m. on weekends, offering flexibility for various dining schedules and late-night cravings.
