Chicago Gourmet Grand Cru sparkles & introduces new Latin restaurant Toro

On Saturday, September 28, Chicago Gourmet put on its chic, star-studded Grand Cru events—presented by United Healthcare and BMW—atop the Harris Theatre Rooftop. Keeping to this year’s “Fashion, Plated” theme, its Grand Cru events were broken down into two sessions: “Party in Black” and a “White Party.” While each session boasted its own sea of simplistic yet elegant monotone fashion, both featured an extensive list of world-class chefs and brands. 

Among the list of highly revered names in Chicago’s culinary scene was Chef Soo Ahn from Adalina, Chef Dominique Leach from Lexington Betty Smokehouse, Chef Richie Farina from Adorn, Chef John Manion from Brasero, Chef Mike Morales from Sunda New Asian, Chef Drew Keane from Gibsons Italia, and Chef Helmy Saadon from Miru at award-winning hotel The St. Regis.

Aside from restaurants, Grand Cru also featured almost fifty exhibitors and over thirty sponsors. Some of those popular brands included Perrier Jouet, Lalier Champagne, Patron Tequila, IWA Sake, Proximo Spirits, St. Supery Vineyards, Destination Toronto, South Walton Florida, Gibsons Restaurant Group, and Acqua Panna Tuscany.

Part of the glamour of Chicago Gourmet isn’t just tasting dishes from iconic Chicago staples—and pairing them with generous pours of wines, champagnes, and spirits—but also getting to experience brand new restaurants coming to Chicago.

Making its first appearance at Chicago Gourmet was Toro Chicago—a new Latin restaurant by Chef Richard Sandoval that officially opens next month inside the Fairmont Millennium Park. Executive Chef Elton Ambrose represented Toro at the Grand Cru’s “White Party” event. 

“The experience at Chicago Gourmet was fantastic this year!” Chef Ambrose told Chicago Star, also adding how he previously participated in last year’s event. “Just letting people know about Toro and giving the community a taste of what we’re going to offer in the restaurant was our goal and we were successful in doing that. We had a lot of people say they’re excited for the opening during the event.”

Toro replaces the Fairmont Hotel’s former restaurant Columbus Tap. According to Eater, the new restaurant will bring signature dishes from other Toro locations—including the Nikkei-inspired angry scorpion Toro sushi roll, and corn and ají amarillo-filled empanadas garnished with chimichurri sauce. The restaurant’s interior design has also been revamped to feature Latin American textiles.

“At Toro, you’ll be able to taste Asian-influenced foods but from places throughout Latin America—places such as the Caribbean, Brazil, and Mexico,” said Chef Ambrose. “Many people don’t realize there’s such a large Asian community in Latin America like Chile and Mexico, and the blend works so beautifully in the cuisine. For instance, we took sushi and added flavors like jalapeno, mango, and several other ingredients not traditionally on sushi but that work very well.”

Toro is expected to make a soft opening over the next few weeks, but its Grand Opening is currently planned for Thursday, November 14.