Asian and Latin fare make for the perfect marriage at TÔRŌ. The new restaurant on North Forest Beach Drive is the brainchild of George Casalicchio and his partner and executive chef Eric Golden.
Casalicchio is a Long Islander, and Golden is a San Diego native with a Korean heritage who grew up in a region with a heavy Latino influence.
“We come from different backgrounds, but we both love to play in the culinary sandbox and challenge our diners to expand their palettes,” Casalicchio said.
TÔRŌ offers tacos and tapas. Meat eaters will be wowed by the Bulgogi (Korean ribeye, house made kimchi, charred scallions, bean sprouts and gogujang aioli).
For more surf than turf, enjoy the ahi tuna takaki (coriander-dusted, Japanese lime-crema, shredded cabbage, pickled local sweet peppers). Try the California tako (charred Spanish octopus, guacamole, cilantro, pickled red onion, yuzu-jalapeno-tomatillo salsa and crispy potato) or the Poke and nigiri bowls.
Casalicchio said you must try the Peruvian-Thai ceviche of the day (local seafood, sweet potato, yellow corn, lemongrass-coconut leche de tigre, avocado, plantain and tortilla chips).
Desserts include tres leches, mochi and “Mexican hot” chocolate pot de crème.
TÔRŌ is located at 2 North Forest Drive across from Coligny Plaza on Hilton Head Island. 843-931-8676. torohhi.com. Open seven days a week. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
