A new restaurant has opened on the Sunshine Coast, inspired by Spanish cuisine and tapas-style dining.
Hailing from Spain and drawing a parallel between the Sunshine Coast and Spanish way of life, Jaime Badia has created a space that fuses “spectacular” food and service in a laid-back atmosphere.
Toro Bar and Kitchen has opened in Maroochydore’s Kon-Tiki building, in the former Uptown Social space, serving tapas and main course dishes designed to be shared.
Menu items range from corn ribs and fried chicken to lamb shoulder and chargrilled cauliflower.
With extensive hospitality experience around the world and nine years on the Coast, Mr Badia said Toro – meaning ‘bull’ in Spanish – was his chance to bring customers together with food.
“I believe the Sunshine Coast has a similarity to the way we live in Spain in the fact that we like to enjoy life and people like to go out and have a good time,” he said.
“I wanted to create a space where people could come in and somewhere you can enjoy good food at a good price and share with everyone around you.
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“If you are here for an hour, two hours, three hours, you are actually enjoying the entire experience.
“It’s a warm, cosy atmosphere. It’s a place you can feel relaxed.”
Mr Badia said the menu was “different but approachable”, inspired by Spanish culinary traditions and crafted with passion and creativity.
“Everything is pretty amazing,” he said.
“All the dishes are a little bit different.
“Personally, the fried chicken is a must, and the beef tartare.”
Mr Badia comes from Seville in Spain’s south and said Toro was a chance to showcase his passion for the hospitality industry.
“This is a chance for me to do my own menu and the chance to (run the restaurant) how I want to,” he said.
“I’m focused on customer service and I’m a believer that this industry is special.
“I think we create some really good times for staff and customers, and I love every second of it.
“When you come to Toro we are happy to see you, we are happy to serve you and we are happy to create a good time for you.
“I’m pretty proud of what we put in behind what we are doing.”
As well as food, Toro has a selection of beverages including fine wines, craft cocktails Sunshine Coast beers.
Toro Bar and Kitchen is open from 11am to 10pm daily at 55 Plaza Parade, Maroochydore.
