Chef Darwin was born in the jungles of Peru. He came to the United States at the age of 13, first to Miami, then to Sarasota for his last years of high school. He returned to Miami to attend Johnson & Wales Culinary College. He and his wife Lellys Santa Maria decided it was time to open Darwin Peruvian eatery where he considers it’s The spot to share the perfect blend of urban, local and global traits with Sarasota in an intimate and comfortable upscale setting just south of Tamiami Trail Sarasota.

Darwin Santa Maria, the chef and owner, is the original founder and creator of Darwin Brewing Co and Selva Grill, places to which he is no longer affiliated with, but is still sharing and creating at his new home Darwin’s Peruvian eatery. Chef Darwin has always been known for authentic Peruvian specialties such as ceviche, and his special techniques with seafood and beef. He brings his original recipes with him to his new home along with a new concept he’s excited about, which he calls “Kitchen without borders”.

Darwin’s creations are the reflection of his personality and energy materialized in each one of his masterpieces all done with creativity and passion; It is a travel experience from a point of departure that includes spices and scents taking him back to memories throughout his life; an adventure that starts new, each and every day, in a creative process inspired by everything that surrounds it, relishing the purity of every ingredient. Aside from his vast knowledge of French Food, Darwin incorporates the inborn taste of Peruvian Cuisine always with following his philosophy: Experimentation is the base of his creative work. It is a constant search in which a main ingredient is revealed while rescuing its simplicity when surrounded by others, helping highlight its presence, creating an experience in which a surprise element is added to moderated flavors. A small explosion, starting from diversity, each creation finds its own balance.

Chef Darwin and his wife invite you to join them for happy hour or for dinner and be part of the “Darwin experience” at Darwin’s Peruvian eatery and El Curandero Cocteleria by Darwin.

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