Pubbelly

As a child, Sergio Navarro trained at his Basque mother’s side, learning first-hand about the specialties of the region’s fresh, seasonally-focused country fare. He knew his calling was food which subsequently turned into a culinary arts degree from Spain’s prestigious Hotel Escuela Comunidadde Madrid after which he cooked in a variety of renowned Spanish kitchens including La Broche, with Chef Sergi Arola. The restaurant was awarded two Michelin stars under Navarro’s guidance as souschef and pastry chef. Steeped in the rich imagination of the Basque culinary avantgarde, Navarro explored how different ingredients and techniques can manipulate texture and temperature. He developed a passion for uniting precision and humor on the plate, deftly turning familiar dishes into new and exciting flavor pairings. The opening of La Broche in Miami brought Sergio to the United States in 2001. Working alongside rising star opening chef Angel Palacios, La Broche Miami immediately made an impact on the city’s vibrant mix of Latin American, European, and American cultures. Sergio continued to explore the bold fusion of disparate ingredients and technique, but this time with a focus on ensuring that each new dish was delicious, not simply a feat of kitchen pyrotechnics. He proceeded to Mundo with Norman Van Aken and then had a stint as sous chef of Nobu Miami. Before coming to Mercadito Restaurants, Navarro was the corporate pastry chef for the Sushi Samba restaurant group where he fused Brazilian flavors with Japanese technique and Peruvian culinary traditions. As chef de cuisine of Mercadito, Navarro took his signature style and translated it seamlessly to Mexican cuisine. He seeks to provide diners with imaginative dishes that inspire the senses. In his new role, Navarro brings an innovative culinary perspective to the menu and presents traditional ingredients with contemporary flair and articulated flavors. He later joined The Mercadito Restaurant Group and has been a vital part in the success of Mercadito Midtown Miami opening in April 2010.