On December 20, 2024, Netflix launched the highly anticipated docuseries "UniverXO Dabiz," providing viewers with an intimate look at one of the world's most acclaimed chefs, Dabiz Muñoz. The series showcases Muñoz's personal and professional life, capturing the emotional and psychological struggles he endures as he contemplates the future of his flagship restaurant, DiverXO.
Spanning five episodes and filmed over two years, from the summer of 2022 to the summer of 2024, "UniverXO Dabiz" juxtaposes Muñoz's culinary expertise with his more vulnerable side. Unlike his polished social media presence, this series reveals the chef's self-doubt, familial connections, and the challenging decisions facing his high-pressure restaurant.
Reflecting on his decade-long culinary career marked by award-winning Michelin stars, Muñoz candidly admits, “I don’t know if it’s the right time to close DiverXO and let it go.” This sentiment encapsulates the crux of the series, as viewers are led through his creative process, emotional turmoil, and introspections, all centered around his esteemed dining establishment.
Filmed across multiple countries, including Japan, Mexico, and the United States, each episode intricately combines Muñoz's passion for culinary art with the trials of balancing his personal life and monumental career. Through his travels, he seeks to enrich his palate, experimenting with local ingredients and techniques. One unforgettable moment occurs when he samples exquisite nigiris prepared by renowned sushi master Hiroyuki Sato during his stay in Tokyo.
While the series encapsulates his culinary adventures, it seamlessly intertwines personal narrative as well. For example, family meals at his mentor’s restaurant, Viridiana, play significant roles as both nostalgic moments and reflections of his culinary roots. Muñoz credits both Abraham García, the restaurant’s owner, and Andoni Luis Aduriz, of Mugaritz fame, as pivotal influences throughout his career.
Hearing from his wife, Cristina Pedroche, offers enlightening insights as she notes, “I work more in the ‘XO world’ than on television.” This acknowledgment highlights her significant role within his professional environment and showcases their relationship dynamics. Pedroche provides another layer of depth to Muñoz’s character, as she often pushes him to challenge and reevaluate his approach toward his career.
The show also portrays the dedicated team behind Muñoz, led by CEO Pedro Casado, emphasizing the collaborative efforts necessary to run his diverse group of culinary concepts stretching from StreetXO to GoXO. “DiverXO and Dabiz are deeply connected,” mentions Casado, hinting at the inseparable tie between Muñoz’s personal identity and his flagship restaurant.
Despite triumphs, Muñoz battles inner turmoil continuously, remarking, “DiverXO is my maximum source of happiness and also my worst torment.” This emotional challenge encapsulates the pressure he feels when delivering on the high expectations set by his Michelin star reputation. Whether it's tasting the full menu solo or undertaking self-critique sessions with his kitchen staff, the struggle is palpable as he tries to maintain excellence.
Driven yet emotionally wearied, Muñoz's story reflects the broader challenges facing many chefs today: balancing creativity and business demands, managing staff relationships, and preserving mental health. His quest for sustainability leads him to ask fundamental questions about his future: “I’ve dedicated 18 years only to DiverXO. After this time, I am starting to think it doesn’t all make sense or if I want to change my life approach.”
Yet the series doesn't solely dwell on frustrations; it also celebrates milestones. For example, Muñoz proudly discusses the star award received by RavioXO, encapsulating the joys alongside the struggles. “How do you celebrate a star on ‘UniverXO Dabiz’? Simple, by going for the next one!” His resilience shines through as he continues to push for innovation and excellence.
"UniverXO Dabiz" captures the beauty of culinary creation, the emotional weight behind each dish, and the complex identity of the chef who dreams of building “the restaurant of my dreams.” With its unique lens, the series offers audiences not just food but rather art molded by passion, discipline, and life’s realizations. It culminates with Muñoz emphasizing, “I see myself filled with hope and hunger to make the greatest restaurant ever. Let’s see what happens.”
This documentary gives viewers unparalleled access to Muñoz's life and world, far beyond the glitz of Michelin dining, shining light on the realities and intricacies of operating amid high stakes. It engages with universal themes of passion, struggle, and self-discovery, making it compelling viewing for anyone curious about the world of fine dining.
