THE LOOP — Latinicity, Block 37's Spanish food market, finally has an opening date.
The big food court highlighting cuisines from Spanish-speaking countries led by celebrity chef Richard Sandoval will open with a private preview Nov. 4, and open to the public Nov. 5, on the third floor of the Downtown mall, 108 N. State St., officials with the restaurant confirmed Tuesday.
Like the unrelated Eataly in River North, Latinicity will offer imported groceries and fare from 12 food stands and even a full-service tapas restaurant. Guests can get a sneak peek of the food when Latinicity's Loncheria, a "grab-and-go" mini-version of the food hall, opens Oct. 19th in the Pedway level of Block 37.
The Loncheria is near the Washington Blue Line stop. [DNAinfo/David Matthews]
The endeavor is five years in the making by Sandoval, who has 40 restaurants across the world, but is making his debut here with Latinicity. For the project he's partnering with Jose Garces, a onetime "Iron Chef" and mastermind behind the Rural Society restaurant in the new Loews Hotel.
"I always wanted to do a food hall where I can showcase all my restaurants," Sandoval said. "I've always liked Chicago," Sandoval said. "It's a market I always wanted to enter."
Once open, Latinicity will serve food ranging from tacos and tortas to seafood dishes, smoothies and Latin desserts. All food items will be $10 or less. The 20,000-square-foot market — which also includes a full bar — seats about 500 with views of the Goodman Theatre and James R. Thompson Center. Guests will pay for their food with a charge card that a cashier will ring up when customers are ready to leave. Visitors will also be able to enter Latinicity directly from an entrance on Randolph Street.
A more specific opening date for the main food court should be known by next week. Until then, scroll down below or check out our slideshow for a peek of Latinicity in its final days of construction:
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