Richard Sandoval Restaurant News – More Info on Toro Toro Opening at 13th and I St, NW in March, and Reports of Mango Tree, Thai Restaurant, Coming to City Center

1300 I Street, NW

From a press release:

“Acclaimed Chef/Owner Richard Sandoval is pleased to announce the March anticipated opening of his Pan Latin steakhouse concept, Toro Toro, which will be located at 1300 I Street, NW, 20005. Toro Toro is a play on the Japanese word for tuna and the Spanish word for bull. The restaurant will offer a twist on the contemporary steakhouse experience by artfully blending Pan Latin flavors and creative sharing plates. Those dining at this handsome new restaurant will enjoy the 140-seat dining room and the 40-seat seasonal outdoor patio. A 70-seat lounge will be located on the lower level and offer late-night hours for those who wish to dance the night away.

Sandoval latest concept for Washington has a sister restaurant in Dubai, UAE. Guests can anticipate a spin on South and Central American ingredients and flavors through a variety of hot and cold small plates including arepas and ceviches, steaks served a la carte and savory side dishes meant for sharing. Fans will also be able to enjoy Toro Toro’s “Rodizio Experience,” which features unlimited amounts of perfectly grilled meats carved tableside. Endless eats and free-flowing cocktails will take center stage every Saturday and Sunday during the restaurant’s bottomless brunch.

The restaurant will also pour from an expansive beverage program. Guests can anticipate innovative, handcrafted libations made with ultra-premium Latin spirits. Two barrel aged cocktails will also be available, the Buena Vida and the Manhattan de Toro, along with a well-curated collection of 130 wines from around the world, and 35 wines by the glass.

LW Design Group LLC of Dubai, UAE, is responsible for designing the 12,400-square foot space, which draws inspiration from Japanese and Latin interior design elements. The main dining room is open and organized into distinctive sections, making the space feel intimate and inviting. The high-backed chairs and family-style dining tables give the room a comfortable, homey feel and are a striking contrast with the cool lounge space, which features a modern fireplace with burning amber flames. This warm light echoes throughout the space with golden pendants, stage lighting, metallic chandeliers and reflective backsplashes. Other design elements include gold leather tufted couches, lounge seating made of velvet upholstery with patterned silk cushions, copper tiles, cowhide accents, black marble floors, a sculptural metal cage staircase, eye-catching artwork and spiral horn wall accents, which combined create a sophisticated and sultry ambiance.

Toro Toro is located at 1300 I Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20005, less than one block from the McPherson Square Metro accessible on the Blue Lines, and three blocks from Metro Center Metro accessible on the Red Line. Toro Toro will open for lunch, dinner and late night and then add weekend brunch in the coming months.”

CityCenterDC

And Washington Business Journal reports:

“Mango Tree, an upscale Thai restaurant from restaurateur Richard Sandoval, will be among the new dining offerings at CityCenterDC, a spokesman for Sandoval confirmed.”

Mango Tree will join Chef Daniel Boulud’s DBGB Kitchen & Bar as the other known restaurant in CityCenterDC.