Toro Toro

*Sponsored Post
Toro Toro offers a twist on the contemporary steakhouse experience, artfully blending Pan Latin flavors and creative sharing plates. Acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval has brought his latest concept all the way from Dubai to the nation’s capital. Closest Metro is McPherson Square.

The churrasco and grill feature only the finest meats, poultry and seafood. Working with family owned ranches, Chef Sandoval carefully selects the best cattle raised on small farms in the heartland of America. Indulge in the meat offerings with the unlimited Rodizio Experience.

Photo by Michael Pisarri

We were invited to their grand opening sponsored in part by Washington City Paper, and got to sample items from the cocktail and food menus.  To drink, I first tried the La Bamba Punch.  Made with luxardo cherry liqueur, dark rum, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, cranberry, and champagne, this drink was alright, but I felt the cherry liquor was a bit overpowering.  We also sampled a Tinta Rosa Sangria made with red wine, brandy, licor 43, fresh apple, fresh mango, and orange liqueur.  I liked this cocktail much better as it was sweet and fruity.  In addition, we tried the Malbec wine, which would be great with all the meats.  White wine was also available.

A few vegetarian items were passed and all were very good.  The Heirloom Tomato salad was refreshing with watermelon, heart of palm, herb salad, avocado, and a chipotle vinaigrette.

My favorite bite was the Empanada de Choclo stuffed with sweet corn, aji amarillo, and mozzarella cheese.  I probably had 3 or 4 of these delicious hot pockets.

We also sampled the Ceviche Nikkei, made of ahi tuna, ponzu, cucumber, avocado, quinoa, and sweet potato.  The combination of textures was interesting, and the presentation in a little shot glass was fun for the party, but hard to eat.

Keith enjoyed the Lamb Anticucho Skewers.  Little lamb meatballs were topped with a pickled cucumber and served with a garlic-yogurt sauce and mint.

He also sampled the Beef Filet Anticucho Skewers with aji panca marinade, potato-corn salad, and a spicy aji salsa.

Another favorite bite were the Spanish Ham Croquettes. Served with Chinese mustard for added heat, the croquettes were also topped with a chipotle chili aioli and stuffed with emmental cheese.

The ambience was very loungy with dark lighting and a color scheme of reds and browns.  An actual Toro Toro Lounge with DJ is located on the lower level.  Club chairs line the walls to create a very social and club atmosphere.

All in all, Toro Toro provides an alternative and modern lounge experience to accompany the churrasco steakhouse fare.  The location is very convenient in Downtown and would be a great spot for business meetings and movers and shakers.