Food

If you’re looking for a place where food, culture, and color come together in Chicago, Little Madrid is a must-visit spot in Andersonville. Recently, I had the chance to photograph some of their most delicious dishes, and the result was as vibrant as the flavors themselves.

With the restaurant’s brightly painted walls as a backdrop, I focused on enhancing the natural colors of each plate—the deep reds of fresh tomatoes, the crisp greens of herbs, and the golden textures of perfectly cooked Spanish-inspired recipes. These details made the food photography session not only visually appealing but also a reflection of authentic Spanish cuisine in Chicago.

For me, food photography is about more than just taking pictures—it’s about capturing the story behind every dish. At Little Madrid, that story is one of tradition, flavor, and artistic presentation. The restaurant’s atmosphere, combined with its unique menu, creates a dining experience that feels both welcoming and inspiring.

If you’re in Andersonville, Chicago, and searching for a restaurant that celebrates Spanish culture through food and design, Little Madrid should be at the top of your list. Come for the Spanish flavors, stay for the vibrant setting, and leave with memories worth savoring

Spanish tapas dish with bacon-wrapped dates.

Grilled fish tapa with a mayonnaise drizzle and paprika.

A slice of Spanish potato omelet with bread and aioli.

Roasted red peppers with anchovies, olives, and onions.

Spanish croquetas with ham on a white plate.

Spanish snails tapa with chips and a crisp garnish.

Spanish ham sandwich with chips on a wooden board.

Red cocktail in a martini glass with a strawberry garnish.

Chef and owner in a professional kitchen, holding a honing steel.

SPANISH:

En mi visita a Little Madrid, un restaurante en Andersonville, Chicago, aproveché las coloridas paredes como fondo para fotografiar sus platos más vibrantes. Cada imagen resaltó la frescura de los ingredientes y la esencia de la cocina española en Chicago.

It’s a true honor to share this news with you: I’m officially opened my first-ever photography exhibition, and I couldn’t be more proud that it’s happening here in Chicago, the city that welcomed me with open arms.

This show, titled “Chicago in Pink,” is not a typical display of cityscapes or urban photography. It’s a creative reinterpretation of Chicago through a digital artistic lens. Each photograph in the series captures an iconic or personal view of the city—but with a twist: I’ve digitally altered one element in every image, unifying them all under a single, vibrant color theme.That color is pink.

Why pink? I chose it intentionally. Pink doesn’t clash with the natural tones of the sky or trees—it softens, it highlights, and it creates a visual harmony that transforms the familiar into something fresh. For me, pink is also symbolic. Historically, it has carried shifting meanings—from strength to tenderness, from protest to celebration. In this project, it represents beauty, courage, and a touch of whimsy in a city known for its strength and character.

“Chicago in Pink” is not just photography; it’s photo art—a blend of traditional photography and digital intervention, where color becomes a storyteller.

Thank you for being part of this chapter in my journey. If you’re in Chicago, I hope you’ll come see the collection in person.

Flyer for "Chicago in Pink" photography exhibition by Adrian Sanchez-Iorio, featuring pink-themed Chicago landmarks and event details

Adrian Sanchez-Iorio standing in front of his "Chicago in Pink" photography exhibition at The Lanzaga Restaurant, displaying framed prints of pink-themed Chicago landmarks.

Three sample images from "Chicago in Pink" exhibition, showing Chicago's Jay Pritzker Pavilion, city skyline, and river, all digitally enhanced with pink hues.

I had the opportunity to travel to Carmel, Indiana, for a special photography project at Le Petit Gâteau, a charming French bakery that offers an irresistible variety of croissants, scones, muffins, bagels, and artisan breads.

It was a truly enjoyable experience to highlight the artistry behind each pastry and showcase the inviting atmosphere of this wonderful bakery. Here are some of my favorite shots.

They are located in 525 North End Drive, Carmel, Indiana 46032, and you can visit their website

🗣 Español: Tuve la oportunidad de viajar al estado de Indiana para hacer fotos a una pastelerìa francesa. Les dejo una muestra de mis capturas favoritas.

I’m glad to share with you my first photography project in the U.S.A. Last year, Lanzaga Restaurant opened its doors in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. This vibrant spot offers a fusion of South American cuisine, featuring dishes from Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and influences from Argentina and Ecuador.

I had the pleasure of capturing the essence of their menu through photography. Here’s a small sample of my work, showcasing the flavors and artistry behind each dish.

To get more info about this restaurant, you can find them at thelanzaga.com

🗣 Español: El año pasado el restaurante de comida sudamericana The Lanzaga abrió sus puertas, y tuve la oportunidad de hacer fotos gastronómicas a sus platos.