(Dania Beach, FL – April 12, 2024) TORO Latin Kitchen & Tequila Library, the tantalizing and contemporary culinary destination inside Le Méridien Dania Beach Hotel, congratulates Executive Chef Juan Mateo for winning First Place in the Best Chef Competition last weekend at Savor Soflo Food + Wine Festival in Hollywood, Florida. This is the second year in a row that Mateo nabbed the Best Chef title at this sensual and exotic culinary event with nine years of delicious history throughout Florida.

“It is truly a remarkable achievement for TORO’s executive chef to be the repeat winner in such a prestigious competition,” boasts Doug Hope, General Manager of Le Méridien Dania Beach. “Chef Juan’s shining talent and superior culinary skills captured the hearts and tastebuds of both the judges and festival attendees with his amazing Ceviche de Coco and Com Cake.”

“Everyone at both TORO and Le Meridien Dania Beach congratulates Executive Chef Juan Mateo not only for this outstanding accomplishment but for what he does on a regular basis to elevate the dining experience for our guests by making the restaurant a go-to destination for culinary excellence,” he adds.

Chef Mateo joined TORO in December 2022 and has been widely hailed for his innovative approach to traditional dishes that are intended to be shared family-style and paired with classic Latin cocktails all hand-muddled with fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables to create a celebration of Latin cuisine.

In fact, the very name of the stylish and comfortable restaurant is a play on the Japanese word for tuna and the Spanish word for bull. The ”TORO” concept originated from acclaimed chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval, recognized as the “Father of modern Mexican cuisine,” who has a collection of 40 award-winning Latin American-inspired restaurants worldwide.

Located at 1825 Griffin Road in Dania Beach (33004), TORO Latin Kitchen & Tequila Library is open 5 to 10 pm, Tuesday-Sunday. To make a reservation or for more information, please visit www.torodaniabeach.com.

About TORO Latin Kitchen & Tequila Library

TORO by Chef Richard Sandoval aims to create an elevated but approachable, contemporary, and global expression of Latin cooking without borders, using ingredients from both Central and South America. Internationally acclaimed for his innovative combination of Latin ingredients and modern culinary techniques to create thrilling and sophisticated flavors, Sandoval’s restaurant in Dania Beach caters to the adventurous at heart and mind—a unique culinary destination that can be transportive and local at the same time.

Attached Image:

Juan Mateo, Executive Chef at TORO Latin Kitchen & Tequila Library, winner of the Best Chef Award at the Savor Soflo Food + Wine Festival 2024

Available for Interview:

Doug Hope, General Manager

Le Méridien Dania Beach

954.686.1210

[email protected]

Media Contact:

Gary Schweikhart

PR-BS, Inc.

561.756.4298

[email protected]