We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Navarrete and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I pursued a lifestyle and career of a artist ,painter and a chef , knowing how risky it all was it allowed me to be myself ,be creative. The feeing of giving back to community , to be apart of hospitality, and to be myself. I have thought many times of giving up , but then knowing I would be giving up so many years of hard work and dedication just made me go harder. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
So being a painter I have been in many shows and galleries , I’ve got to meet many famous artist , studio visits which made me 10 times more inspired . Being a chef allowed me to venture a different outlet of my emotions and passion. Be as balanced as I could , whether it was the late nights finishing a deadline for a gallery reception or the heat , sweat vigorous hours of slaying in a kitchen working my way up as a chef. Perseverance, I would say is what sets me apart. I chase dreams and goals . I learned it’s not an east of a trait to carry on.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So I’d have a week long adventure of taking them to many local spots whether it’s a local outfitter gallery show or to a variety of many diverse restaurant and cocktail locations. Of course take my buddy out for a studio visit show them works in progress and even cook for them a evening of Delights. 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Defiantly the late Anthony bourdain and all my chefs and business mentors is where I owe a lot of my success to, especially my great mentors of the kitchen executive Chef Robert Sevaly and Amber young.

Instagram: @erokthelion_art

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