Dabiz Muñoz, one of the most celebrated chefs globally, is experiencing significant moments both personally and professionally. Recently, on December 20, he unveiled his documentary ‘UniverXO Dabiz’ on Netflix, which provides viewers with unmatched insights not only on his culinary prowess but also on his intimate family life with television presenter Cristina Pedroche.
Following the birth of their daughter, Laia, on July 14, 2023, Muñoz has publicly expressed his intentions to expand his family soon. During conversations with friends, he stated, “Ha sido un año increíble. Ahora iremos, en breves, a por el segundo. No quiero que se lleven mucho tiempo entre uno y otro,” meaning, “It’s been an amazing year. Now we are going to aim for the second one. I don’t want there to be too much time between them.” This indicates his desire for his children to be close in age, ideally hoping for just one and a half years apart.
Muñoz’s professional life sees him at the helm of DiverXO, Madrid’s groundbreaking restaurant which has earned him three Michelin stars—the only restaurant to hold this recognition within the city. Established in 2007, DiverXO is celebrated for its avant-garde approach to cuisine, merging inspirations primarily from Asian gastronomy with local products. Diners at DiverXO can expect to pay around 450 euros for the tasting menu, aptly titled 'La cocina de los cerdos voladores' or 'The Kitchen of Flying Pigs', which promises guests “a spectacular trip through various world cuisines.”
Despite its accolades, tales of the intense kitchen environment have emerged, casting light on the grueling conditions faced by staff. Former employee Pablo Colmenares shared his experiences on the podcast 'Con los pies en el suelo', describing the kitchen atmosphere as “a true hell.” Colmenares recalled, “My day was to arrive, change, and start running. I only remembered running, running, and running. We didn’t have time to think.” He emphasized how the rapid pace left no room for breaks, and any downtime came only when he was thoroughly exhausted after demanding shifts.
Colmenares detailed the extreme stress associated with preparing for service, claiming, “The most stressful part of all was before starting the service. There was immense pressure for everything to be perfect.” This relentless environment contributed to the making of not only extraordinary dishes but also extraordinarily weary staff. “When my days off arrived, I was totally KO. I was young at the time, full of energy, but I’d lie down as if I’d just run a marathon,” he added, painting a vivid picture of the demanding lifestyle.
Muñoz’s future plans for DiverXO could be as uncertain as the atmosphere within. Recently, he hinted at potentially closing the restaurant, stating, “Es algo que llevo pensando mucho tiempo,” or “It’s something I have been thinking about for quite some time.” This contemplation arises from his struggle to balance the thriving culinary career he has built with his family ambitions. He suggested the decision would be more apparent during the second season of his Netflix documentary, reflecting his indecision over the restaurant’s future.
The documentary sheds light on the personal side of Muñoz, allowing him to share the unfiltered experiences of being both a culinary innovator and a dedicated family man. Pedroche plays a significant part within the series, often conveying her hopes of having more children with Muñoz, stating, “Es que yo quiero tener muchas hijas,” or “I want to have many daughters.” This perspective underlines the couple's mutual desire to nurture not just their culinary empire but also their growing family.
All these elements combined make Dabiz Muñoz’s story remarkably compelling, intertwining the challenges and triumphs of his high-pressure profession with the joys and aspirations of family life. It reflects the multi-faceted nature of his existence—where Michelin stars meet family dreams as he continues to navigate both roles as chef and father.
