The spirit of Latin America charges into Downtown Chicago with the arrival of Toro at Fairmont Millennium Park. A collaboration between Strategic Hotels & Resorts and Richard and oval Hospitality, the venue is designed by KTGY to be as rich in color and texture as the pan-Latin cuisine of Chef Sandoval.
Located at street level, the restaurant’s dramatic new entry vestibule is characterized by monumental wooden doors framed by a brick archway. Inside, a custom host station welcomes guests into a carefully choreographed layout that unfolds across an L-shaped footprint.
“The design is a reflection of the F&B concept, the rich tapestry of pan-Latin cuisine and its integration into Chicago’s vibrant personality,” says Sara Talleux, Associate Principal at KTGY. “Our challenge was to tell the story of how these culinary influences come together to create a dining experience that resonates with the city’s dynamic character.”
The fusion springs to life through a palette of earthy terracotta hues and nods to Latino culture. The dining room is reminiscent of a traditional Mexican dance hall thanks to its geometric flooring, while walls clad in Chicago brick-style tiling are a nod to local architecture. Vaquero motifs alongside decorative bull’s horns add rugged energy, and above a live-fire ‘suviche bar’ – where sushi and ceviche meet Central and South American flair – a straw thatched ceiling evokes vernacular roofing techniques. To the rear, a private dining room is partially concealed behind sheer drapes and a floor-to-ceiling totem partition, where vibrant artwork and curios are accompanied by a chandelier comprising pieces of wood carved in the shape of traditional cacao grinders.
“We are particularly proud of achieving a balance between texture and pattern. Using Chicago as a canvas, Toro transposes modernist architecture with influences from Latino heritage,” Talleux concludes. “Our design truly celebrates Pan-Latin styles and cultures, creating an experience rooted in one location.”
Owner: Strategic Hotels & Resorts
Operator: Richard Sandoval Hospitality
Architecture: GREC Architects
Interior Design: KTGY
Kitchen Consultant: Stuart Davis Design
Concept Chef: Richard Sandoval
Executive Chef: Alexander Quintero
Head Bartender: James Van Der Bosch
www.torochicago.com
