Global restaurateur Chef Richard Sandoval is bringing his elevated Latin fare to the bright cities of Marrakesh, Morocco and Athens, Greece – and expanding an already impressive international footprint – with two new stand-alone concepts slated to open this summer.
Chef Richard Sandoval’s Culinary Expansion into Africa and Greece
Both openings will serve as Chef Sandoval’s first foray into the African and Greek hospitality markets.
“With over 50+ restaurant concepts across the globe, our aim is to introduce the powerful and vibrant flavors of Latin cuisine to all corners of the world,” said Chef Sandoval. “Our new concepts in Greece and Morocco will bring authentic Latin ingredients and new innovative techniques to two thriving markets we haven’t yet tapped into.”
EXPERIENCE FOR THE SENSES – TORO DEL MAR ATHENS
Toro Del Mar Athens by Chef Richard Sandoval is Chef Sandoval’s first upscale beach club concept come to life located in the heart of Greece and stretching along Voula Beach in Athens, Greece.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a lush eclectic garden backdrop of dense greenery and a boutique retail experience – with private label sun and skincare, totes, towels, and key beach essentials available for purchase. The club comprises several interlinking areas, namely the feature restaurant, bar pergolas, and the terrace deck dining, all thoughtfully connected by a geometric catwalk. Careful attention has even been given to the seductive washroom and changing facilities. Canopied by large existing trees, the property illustrates multiple lounging areas catering to large groups, as well as more intimate spots that have been nestled between the exotic landscaping. As the property leads guests toward the shoreline, private cabanas and a vast beach lounging area, allow days of sun worshipping and serenity to commence.
Toro del Mar’s show-stopping show kitchen, located in the center of the club, puts the food on display, allowing guests to be part of an interactive experience throughout their time at the club. The sumptuous menu will boast classic Mexican and Peruvian Latin flavors such as anticuchos, fish tacos featuring the day’s local catch, and empanadas mixed in with a touch of the Mediterranean Sea for the ultimate culinary experience. Local catch will include octopus, prawns, sea bass, red mullet and more. The restaurant’s beverage program will feature specialty-crafted Latin-inspired cocktails including Mercado Margaritas – a Richard Sandoval Hospitality staple that blends Jalapeño Tequila, agave nectar, passion fruit and lime juice, and is topped with a hibiscus-rosemary foam; Caipirinhas made with passionfruit and strawberry for a refreshing take on this classic citrusy Brazilian favorite; Spanish Gin and Tonics crafted with three large ice cubes, Spanish gin and specialty tonics; and classic favorites like the Aperol Spritz all adorning the menu.
Toro Del Mar will also feature a collection of Old and New World wines that highlight Greece’s immense vino history including Diamantaki Estate’s Diamanotepetra Red, and a beer menu that puts the spotlight on local purveyors and favorited Greek sips such as Mamos Beer – one of the country’s oldest and most historic beers.
While during the day, Toro Del Mar is an ultimate rest and relaxation getaway, its nightlife scene boasts a vibrant atmosphere with live DJs, boozy cocktails, and a late-night menu for guests to enjoy.
Designed by LW Design Group, the beach club takes inspiration from the existing retro architecture within the development and pairs it with woven screens and rich, vibrant patterns that connect each space. Foregoing the typical blue palette color schemes often seen throughout Greek architecture, Toro Del Mar instead boasts rusted amber hues and dusty pinks accented by rich green stone, textural rattan and a subtle brass detailing – ensuring a destination with its own rich and unique design language woven throughout.
“The design pays homage to Toro Del Mar’s origin and roots, while taking on an identity entirely its own,” said Gina Munro, Interior Designer at LW Design Group. “Each design element, from the materials to the integration, flow, and zoning have been carefully tiered to create a space that effortlessly transforms from day to night.”
Toro Del Mar Athens is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 12 a.m. and holds up to 500 guests. Lunch is served every day from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and dinner is served from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
A CULINARY DESTINATION – TORO TORO MARRAKESH
Chef Sandoval’s leading Pan-Latin Steakhouse concept, Toro Toro is hitting Marrakesh’s thriving foodie scene this summer. The Pan-Latin Steakhouse, which first launched in Dubai in 2011 and has since opened concepts in Miami, D.C., Dallas Fort Worth, Houston, and Doha, is rooted in a celebration of vibrant flavors and offers guests a twist on the contemporary steakhouse experience with Pan-Latin flavors from Rodizio-style Churrasco and creative shareable small plates.
Inspired by Latin traditions and the art of cooking with fire, Toro Toro Marrakesh features wood-burning grills, meats presented and carved tableside, family-style ceviches, tiraditos and antojitos. Exceptional beverage options will complement the bold flavors of each dish with an expansive wine list highlighting Latin wines and classic Latin cocktails – mojitos and margaritas, all hand-muddled with the freshest ingredients and artful garnishes. The eatery is heightened by brass accents, playful heritage patterns, and layered with references to Latin America – from where Chef Sandoval has grounded his flavor profile. The grand bar and elegant lounge create the perfect meeting area for arriving guests, while the open kitchen creates a fun and lively focal point inspired by the passion, sounds, smells and energy of Latin America.
As Chef Sandoval’s first concept in Africa, the design is inspired by the vibrant city boasting a sultry and sexy vibe, incorporating dark walls and moody lighting alongside chic leather and velvet furniture. A feature bar anchored with a decorative floor pattern and ceiling canopy creates an energetic feel at the center of the restaurant. The dining room is silhouetted by a warm color palette of rich walnut timber and earthy tones accented with bespoke light features, decorative wall coverings and terracotta tiles, while the washrooms showcase all the elements of timeless refinement with traditional ceramic washbasins and decorative mirrors adorning the space.
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Toro Toro Marrakesh is open for dinner daily from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. and holds up to 148 guests at a time.
Aside from his international expansions, Chef Sandoval is also growing his concepts in the U.S with three new openings set to hit this spring and summer. Adding to Newark Airport’s foodie scene, Chef Sandoval will be opening a new Mexican street food quick service concept, D’taco Joint, in the United Airlines terminal one in August 2022. Chef Sandoval is also slated to open his first American restaurant concept, Stoke & Rye in Avon, Colorado on June 9th. Additionally, Chef Sandoval is opening a restaurant in New York City at the much-anticipated opening of The Radio Hotel this June, bringing Dominican Republic culinary hotspot, Jalao, to the States.
