Latest news with #Sueños
Eater
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
A Latin-Inspired Steakhouse With Huitlacoche Bordelaise Will Arrive on Randolph Restaurant Row
An unlikely steakhouse will rise from the team behind Diego, the casual mariscos-centric bar in West Town. It wasn't the restaurant that chef Stephen Sandoval and Oscar Sotelo planned on opening next, but the opportunity proved too good to pass up. Trino is targeted for a late July opening in the West Loop, replacing Japanese restaurant Komo along Randolph Restaurant Row. A new basement bar, a cozy speakeasy-style spot called Laberinto, will complement the restaurant. Trino will debut before Sueños, Sandoval's much-anticipated West Town restaurant that grew from a pop-up and recently finished up a residency at Soho House. 'Trino was always in the books but, like Diego, it came about unexpectedly,' Sandoval says. 'The universe works in crazy ways.' To introduce the public to Trino, Soho House will host six pop-ups from June 20 to June 28. Trino draws inspiration from Sandoval's family connections to Northern Mexico and Spain's Galicia, as well as his time in 2014 spent cooking in Argentina with chef Francis Mallman, a live-fire cooking aficionado. 'These are all regions with deep steakhouse traditions,' Sandoval says. Sandoval will also pay homage to the classic Chicago steakhouses, favorites for himself and his grandfather whom the restaurant is named for — Sandoval also shares the same middle name. Appetizers will include a crab salad served on Sandoval's signature tostada made famous at Diego. A savory quemada crème fraiche, which uses a toasting technique to add smoky flavor, will pair with chicharron and potato chips. Pulpo Gallego, a classic octopus dish from Galicia, will be on the menu too. Dinner rolls are served with a sweet-and-fatty browned butter on the side. Pasta, another steakhouse given, looks to Mexico City for Trino's bucatini Polanco, referencing CDMX's upscale neighborhood. It's made with a poblano wine sauce. Mac and cheese comes with a lobster claw, and the refried beans are made with duck fat and topped with a dollop of salsa cruda. Sauces will play prominently at Trino, as they do at Diego and Sueños. For their seafood tower, you'll find a classic cocktail sauce and other 'fun dipping sauces.' Sandoval loves potatoes so much that they earn a separate section on the menu, and Trino will serve a special potato of the day. Sauces also come into play with the beef, including a huitlacoche bordelaise and a cherry-churri, a seasonal play on Argentina's signature chimichurri. For the steaks themselves, Sandoval is still deciding on a specific vendor, but classics like ribeye and a bone-in filet will be on the menu. A bavette steak, traditionally a cheaper cut that can be made tender through technique, will be Trino's substitute for skirt. 'We also want to have more affordable but underrated options to some of the classics,' he says. 'You shouldn't have to break the bank to have a nice steakhouse dinner.' To cook the steaks, which will have spent time in an on-site dry-ager, Sandoval is opting to use a high-powered plancha grill, called a 'chapa' in Argentina, that reaches up to 850 degrees. 'It's one of Mallmann's favorite ways to cook steak,' he says. 'I used one years ago and haven't seen it in Chicago, especially not in a steakhouse, but I think it's exactly what we need to get that deep Maillard crust.' For the design, which is mostly under Sotelo's purview, the group is working with AGN Design's Aida Napoles. The space will seat about 85 at its white tablecloth-topped tables. There will be touches of bright colors and moody lighting, and like at Diego, they'll feature plenty of pieces by artist friends. Beverage director Carolina Gonzalez, who curates drinks at Diego and the Sueños pop-up, is working on Trino's cocktail program. Originally from Mexico City but raised in Chicago, Gonzalez is looking toward Mexico, Galicia, and Argentina for ingredients and inspiration. There's a savory Negroni made with olive oil-washed Campari with mole notes. A yerba mate martini utilizes cold fusion techniques to extract the herb's flavors minus its bitterness. Gonzalez is also experimenting with Fernet Branco for an aperitif or dessert cocktail. For the spirit selection, Gonzalez will focus on small producers, woman-owned when available, and purveyors who give back to their communities. Gonzalez is also in charge of the beverage program for the speakeasy. Laberinto, which means 'maze' or 'labyrinth' in Spanish, will have 10 to 20 seats. Rather than a set menu, the bartenders will work with guests to create drinks for a dealer's choice option. 'There's somewhat of a disconnect with people right now, and we want to have that human interaction at Trino,' she says. DJs and local musicians will also perform. With Trino, Diego, and Suenos, Sandoval and Sotelo are working toward a new hospitality group, 5 Sueños, that offers Chicago something different. 'At Trino, we can start to bring in key players and grow with them,' Sandoval says. 'Our goal is to build a brand that sets a new benchmark for what a thoughtful, culinary-driven, Latin-owned hospitality group can look like within the city.' Trino, 738 W. Randolph Street, planned for a late July opening. Trino preview pop-up at Soho House, 125 N. Green Street, from June 20 to June 28, tickets via Tock Sign up for our newsletter.
Chicago Tribune
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
At the 2025 Sueños Music Festival, Chicago artists get their moments alongside Shakira and Peso Pluma
In the heart of Chicago's Grant Park, the Sueños Music Festival celebrated Latinos over Memorial Day weekend. Thousands flocked downtown Chicago for the fourth edition of the festival that has brought world-renowned names of the Latin music scene to the Windy City and uplifted the culture and identity of many. This time, Shakira and Peso Pluma headlined Day One. Peso Pluma returned after an abrupt cancellation last year due to weather conditions, and Shakira delivered a two-hour set that concluded with a fireworks over the city's skyline. But amid the headliners, there was a new stage that featured some of Chicago's local talent. By featuring local talent alongside international headliners like Shakira and Peso Pluma, Sueños aims to bridge the gap between global fame and local artistry, offering attendees a rich tapestry of musical experiences. For the artists, many young and full of dreams, performing at Sueños lifts up their name and the Chicago music scene. Last year, Ramiro Medina, lead singer of the band Lemanz, attended the festival to see Peso Pluma. This year, Medina said, he was part of the lineup. 'It's unbelievable. It's a blessing,' he said as he got ready to perform. Lemanz, a norteño band that emerged in the Chicago music scene over the last two years, was one of the many local regional Mexican bands that performed on the La Plaza stage. The band started out as a hobby, he said, just some friends hanging out and sharing their love for their Mexican heritage through music about five years ago. They started to perform at family parties and smaller venues. Eventually, Medina said, it became his career. For Medina and his band mates, the opportunity means that more doors will open for them. 'I'm excited and grateful. I feel blessed,' said Alexis Villalobos, the accordion player for the band. 'It's been five years since we picked up this project and it's finally picking up.' As young Mexican-Americans, forming a part of a regional Mexican music band goes beyond music. It is about embracing the culture they love and how much they want others to also appreciate it. 'My parents are very happy, they're more excited than me to be here,' Medina said. Some of his siblings, he said, were there to see the band perform. Though Medina was born and raised in Chicago's South Side, his family migrated from Puebla, Mexico. Efren Vasquez, 34, a founder member of Vanguardia, one of Chicago's most renowned bands, has witnessed the pride for Mexican culture that perhaps was not there before. 'Not only are they no longer ashamed of their roots, there's a whole festival that celebrates us,' Vasquez said. He added that he is proud to see younger generations of Latinos following their love for music. Vanguardia started about seven years ago and quickly rose to the top of the music scene in Chicago because of its unique style. Vasquez said that the new stage gives an opportunity for people to see Chicago's rising talent. Vanguardia performed Saturday to a crowd that slowly started to build up at La Plaza stage, followed by Lemanz and other local DJs. On Sunday, Los K-bros and Grupo Sekta joined the show. This inclusion not only enriched the festival lineup but also underscored the importance of supporting homegrown artists, according to festival organizers. 'Supporting and uplifting Latin culture has always been at the core of Sueños. That's why we're proud to feature the La Plaza Stage this year, fully dedicated to Latino bands and DJs from Chicago,' said Aaron Ampudia, one of the co-founders of the festival. 'The response has been incredible. These artists deserve a spotlight, and we're honored to offer them a platform to connect with new audiences and be part of something that's bigger than just a performance — it's a cultural movement.' In 2024, the festival generated roughly $243.7 million in economic impact and grew from 80,000 to 130,000 attendees. This year, the festival expects to again see 130,000 people over the two-day festival. At Sueños, the next generation of mainstage headliners could get their start on the La Plaza stage.
Chicago Tribune
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
What to do in Chicago: Sueños in Grant Park, lakefront fireworks and the Memorial Day Parade
Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade: Retired Major Gen. William J. Walker will serve as this year's Memorial Day parade grand marshal, honoring his more than 30-year career that included tenure as Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. House of Representatives. Walker served as the commanding general of the Washington, D.C., National Guard, where he led the response to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, as well as President Joe Biden's inauguration. Walker will offer a keynote address at a wreath-laying ceremony before the parade. Sueños Music Festival: Shakira, Peso Pluma, Don Omar and Grupo Frontera headline Sueños, which returns to Grant Park this weekend. Expect more than 100,000 people, as the Latin music festival expands to include a second stage, a larger footprint and a dance zone for even more fun. Fingers crossed, the weather will be better than last year. AC/DC: They're back in black, again, after nearly a decade. Still rocking a schoolboy uniform at age 70, Angus Young continues to lead the band on their 'Power Up' world tour. The tour rolls into Soldier Field this weekend. Matt Berninger: Best known as The National's frontman — you know that voice — Berninger brings his introspective solo work to Thalia Hall. Synth-heavy indie pop artist Ronboy, aka Julia Laws, also performs. Seems an ideal pairing. Vince Gill: The country music star takes a break from performing with the Eagles at the Sphere to play his own songs this weekend at the Chicago Theatre. The tour celebrates Vince Gill's 50th year as a professional musician. The Eagles resume their Las Vegas stand in September. Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest: Hop on the 'L' to Belmont for Lakeview's 40th anniversary Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest. It's a classic Chicago festival: tribute bands, artisan vendors, a community stage and, of course, food and drink. Rockin' in the Park: Rosemont's free summer concert series returns this weekend with alt-rock's Pino Farina Band and post-show fireworks. Throughout the summer, the series features pop and rock tribute bands spanning decades. Randolph Street Market Festival: Browse some 200 vendors as Randolph Street Market kicks off the summer season with a garden party. Live music and DJs will offer a soundtrack for your antique and vintage shopping. 'Marvel's Spider-Man — Beyond Amazing': Look out, here comes Spider-Man, in a Museum of Science and Industry exhibit. Perhaps more industry — as in, the MCU industrial complex — than science, the interactive exhibit promises rare comic books, costumes, props, statues of characters and drawing opportunities. Navy Pier Fireworks: No need to wait 'til Independence Day; summer fireworks are back. Starting this weekend, Navy Pier launches its twice-weekly lakefront display.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Choose Chicago, city's tourism agency, announces Kristen Reynolds as next CEO
CHICAGO - Choose Chicago, the agency tasked with attracting tourists to the city, announced that Kristen Reynolds will serve as its next president and CEO. Reynolds will begin the role on May 5, according to a news release. What we know She comes to Chicago after leading Discover Long Island in New York. During her time leading Discover Long Island, she helped the organization significantly increase tourism revenue and strengthened regional economic development, according to the news release. She has 27 years of experience in destination marketing, strategic partnerships and tourism advocacy. Reynolds will take over the role just ahead of a busy summer season for tourism with music festivals, like Lollapoolza and Sueños, the Taste of Chicago and other big events like NASCAR's Street Race coming to the city. Last year, the city saw all-time records in hotel revenue and city hotel tax revenue. Richard Gamble has been serving as Choose Chicago's interim president and CEO. What they're saying Elected officials praised the hiring of Reynolds to take over the key role. "Kristen Reynolds is a proven leader in the tourism industry and we welcome her to Chicago," said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement. "With major global events on the horizon and our city continuing to break tourism records, Kristen's leadership will be instrumental in strengthening Chicago's position as a top destination for visitors, conventions, and business investment." "Illinois is in the middle of everything and offers some of the most diverse and engaging opportunities of anywhere in the country," said Gov. JB Pritzker in a statement. "I look forward to working with Kristen and Choose Chicago on spreading that message, encouraging people to visit Chicago, and showing businesses why we're the best place in the country to operate."
Los Angeles Times
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Grupo Frontera's fraught online political moments of 2025 explained
Grupo Frontera gets that people want to ask them about the U.S.-Mexico border: look at their name and look at the current political climate. They mostly just don't want to talk about that. But behind the line of questioning have been the rumors swirling online that the Grupo Frontera members and those related to its members voted for and supported President Trump in the 2024 presidential election. The speculation has forced the 'Tulum' performers to deny any affiliations with any political parties several times over. So ahead of the Norteño band's upcoming gig at SXSW on March 14, here's a refresher of turbulent 2025 online discourse the Texas artists have found themselves at the center of. In an interview with Billboard published Tuesday, the group was asked whether or not its felt the effects of the political moment. 'I mean, our group name, Grupo Frontera, I think it feels natural for people to be like, 'You're from the border,' stuff like that,' drummer Carlos Guerrero said in section of the interview that was notably conducted in December. 'We always try to keep that private.' Percussionist Julian Peña Jr. added the group aims to 'talk about music, that's it.' But this was far from the first time the 'No Se Va' singers have been asked about or been placed in a situation where they've been forced to talk about the U.S. political situation. It does, however, follow a pattern of nondescript answers that the group's members have previously been provided. In a now-deleted TikTok video that circulated earlier this year, Grupo Frontera was shown dancing to the Village People's mega hit 'Y.M.C.A.' This concerned fans of the band online because of the song's heavy association with Donald Trump rallies, which the politician has used at his events since at least 2020. Around the time that the 'Y.M.C.A.' video circulated, Grupo Frontera was announced as the headliners at the Sueños music festival in Chicago. Soon after the announcement, a petition was started that called for the band to be removed from the festival lineup and has collected over 10,400 signatures. The Chicago man who started the online campaign said he paid over $800 and wanted a refund due to what he believed was the band's shift in ideology, according to the Chicago-Sun Times. The man admitted that the video of the group dancing to 'Y.M.C.A' did not mention Trump or express any overt political views, but he noted that the timing of the post felt significant to him. Following the circulation of the video, the group's social media posts became filled with comments such as: 'You guys should start singing in English,' 'In Mexico we don't forgive,' and 'Let's stop supporting a group that is anti-Mexican.' The hitmakers seemingly responded to the online backlash they were receiving in a social media post. 'We want to clarify that Grupo Frontera has NO affiliation not alliance with any political party that's against immigrants and the Latino community,' the group wrote in a Feb. 7 Instagram story. 'Like many of you, our families and [group] members have fought and struggled for a better future, and we will always take our people's side, defending our roots and values.' The band continued, 'It's important you know that the opinions of our friends and family don't represent Grupo Frontera. We are immigrants, we are from the border, and Grupo Frontera will always be by and for the people.' (Trump was not mentioned in the band's statement.) A few weeks later while on the red carpet at the Premios Lo Nuestro on Feb. 20, TV presenter Raul De Molina asked Grupo Frontera, 'You guys are named 'border,' what do you think about the what is happening at the border between the U.S. and Mexico?' 'We dedicate ourselves to music. We love everyone and want peace and love. Take care of yourselves,' Peña Jr. responded. Social media personality and immigrant rights activist Carlos Eduardo Espina, who touts 12.3 million TikTok followers, was among the many people upset online and responded to the clip of the red carpet moment with a loud condemnation of Peña Jr.'s comments. 'For me, this was one of the worst responses that I have ever seen to a question in my whole life,' Espina said in a Feb. 21 TikTok video. 'Just like the saying goes, there are times when not saying anything says a lot. ... what an embarrassment.' Following that round of online criticism Grupo Frontera decided to address the situation head-on in a Feb. 22 Instagram video post. 'We are migrants, our parents are migrants. And we want to tell you directly that we don't support any political party that is against migrants,' Peña Jr. began the video. 'With that said, there have been many things said about us that are not true.' The band's bajo quinto player Alberto Acosta then addressed the 'false news' that had been circulated online about the 'un x100to' artists. 'We are doing this [video] because people are putting us against our raza,' Acosta said. 'For example the 'Y.M.C.A' dance, we had a routine before shows during our last tour where we'd dance a huapango or another song,' band accordionist Juan Javier Cantú said. 'We've danced to that song since primary school and it had nothing to do with any political party at that point.' Lead singer Adelaido 'Payo' Solís proceeded to talk about a TikTok video showing his grandmother dancing to 'Y.M.C.A.' in apparent support for Trump. (Trump was not mentioned by name at any point in the video.) 'I want to tell you all that the only opinions that count from Grupo Frontera are those that come from the group itself,' Solís said. 'Any person that's not one of the six members of Grupo Frontera can't have an opinion on our behalf, nor speak for us, nor express our emotions.' Peña Jr. slammed home the group's intents with his closing statements. 'We are migrants. We're for migrants. We always have been,' he concluded. 'You guys know what we've done and have supported our raza in the U.S. and Mexico and wherever we are. That's what this group represents, not what's been said about us.' The Times has reached out to Grupo Frontera's representatives for comment.
