Award-Winning Chef and Restaurateur Richard Sandoval, Founder of Toro Toro, will make two special public appearances in Fort Worth this month. On Wednesday, March 30, Chef Sandoval will host a special Latin American Experience dinner in partnership with Clase Azul at Toro Toro to introduce new Toro Toro Fort Worth Executive Chef Jonathan Esparza. On Thursday, March 31, Chef Sandoval will appear with Chef Esparza for the very first time to represent Toro Toro at Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival’s Tacos + Tequila signature event at The Shops at Clear Fork.
Chef Richard Sandoval said, “We were thrilled to open our first Texas Toro Toro, in none other than the city of Fort Worth, and I am so grateful for the community embracing us. This year, Jonathan will offer his unique sense of creativity to Toro Toro’s menus and our seasonal programming and events. We are excited to collaborate for the first time at the Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival and create one of our favorite taco and tequila pairings for Fort Worth foodies,” said Sandoval.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Sandoval has earned many accolades over the course of his career including Mexico’s “National Toque d’Oro,” Bon Appétit’s “Restaurateur of the Year,” Cordon d’Or’s “Restaurateur of the Year” and was a James Beard Semi-Finalist for “Outstanding Restaurateur.” Sandoval is known for elevating Latin American dining in every market where he has a presence. He has been regarded as the ‘Father of Modern Mexican Cuisine’ since 1997 from his critically acclaimed restaurant Maya in New York City that was created as an homage to his grandmother and culinary heritage.
Toro Toro Executive Chef Jonathan Esparza
At the dinner on March 30, Sandoval will formally introduce and collaborate with new Toro Toro Fort Worth Executive Chef Jonathan Esparza. Chef Esparza is a culinary graduate of Universidad Tegnologica De Bahia De Banderas and Culinary School of Nayarit, Mexico. He comes to Fort Worth after serving as Chef De Cuisine and Banquet Chef and creating menus for Four Seasons Rancho Encantado in Sante Fe, New Mexico.
Rooted in a celebration of the vibrant flavors and convivial dining culture of Central and South America, Toro Toro 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, the concept feature open kitchens with wood-burning grills, meats presented and carved tableside, and 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.
In addition to Tacos + Tequila with Chef Sandoval on March 31, Esparza will also join top Fort Worth Chefs and as they show off their grilling talents at Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival’s Closing Event, Ring of Fire: A Next-Level Cookout, on Sunday afternoon April 3. The Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival will feature over 100 exceptional wines, craft beers, and spirits from near and far to pair perfectly with food from the best chefs and restaurateurs Panther City has to offer. Tacos + Tequila and Ring of Fire are 2 of 6 special signature events.
Ticket Information
- Toro Toro 3-Course Latin American Experience Dinner with Clase Azul Pairings and Cocktail Reception featuring Chef Richard Sandoval on March 30, 2022, 6:30 p.m., Tickets are $220 (includes tax, gratuity and donation) limited seats available via Open Table Experiences, click here for tickets-a portion of the dinner proceeds will additionally benefit humanitarian efforts of World Central Kitchen
- Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival (FWFWF) Tacos + Tequila on March 31, 2022, 8 to 10 p.m., featuring Chef Richard Sandoval and Toro Toro Executive Chef Jonathan Esparza, Tickets are $50, at the Shops of Clear Fork, click here for tickets
- Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival (FWFWF) Ring of Fire: A Next-Level Cookout on April 3, 2022, 2 to 4 p.m. featuring Latin barbecue presentation by Toro Toro Executive Chef Jonathan Esparza at The Heart of the Brand at The Shops at Clear Fork, Tickets are $65, click here for tickets
