Today we’d like to introduce you to Sergio Hidalgo.
Sergio, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and my life has been a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences shaped by family, culture and tradition. From my earliest memories, I was surrounded by the aromas of my grandmothers’ cooking, which sparked a deep-rooted passion for food. Growing up in Phoenix, Seattle and Houston, I developed a diverse culinary perspective, learning the foundations of both Mexican and American home cooking from flour tortillas and gorditas to meatloaf and potato salad. Both of my grandmothers were my first mentors, instilling in me a love for cooking that continues to guide me today.
After pursuing formal culinary training at Seattle Central Community College, I honed my skills in some of Seattle’s kitchens from 2004 to 2009, including time as a chef at Steelhead Diner in Pike Place Market and Salty’s on Alki Beach. Working alongside talented Pacific Northwest chefs shaped my technical foundation, but returning to Phoenix introduced me to culinary star Alex Padilla, who became a major influence in my career. Under his mentorship, I immersed myself in elevated Mexican cuisine, expanding beyond the seafood-driven and French influences I experienced in Seattle.
Through my relationship with Alex Padilla, we partnered with Legacy Restaurant Group to open Taberna in Scottsdale, Arizona. I went on to open two Taberna locations in Scottsdale and Beverly Hills before becoming Executive Chef at Las Sendas Golf Club in Mesa, Arizona, where I spent five years leading the culinary program. Inspired by opening Taberna in California, I later moved into restaurant consulting, creating menus and helping launch multiple concepts across Arizona before traveling to Houston in 2013 to consult on and help open Vida Mariscos and La Marisquera.
In 2019, I relocated to Houston full time and reunited with Alex Padilla, taking on the role of Executive Sous Chef at Ninfa’s Uptown. Through networking within Houston’s culinary community, I was introduced to Chef Chris Williams, which led me to a new chapter as Executive Chef of Lucille’s Hospitality Group’s concept, Late August. Since stepping into this role, Late August has been recognized twice by Michelin as a Michelin Recommended restaurant in Houston and was also named one of the best new restaurants in America by Esquire magazine.
Beyond the kitchen, giving back to the community is a core part of who I am. Through my work with Lucille’s 1913 and the Bezos Foundation, I am committed to supporting underserved children and families by helping provide meals, resources and opportunities.
Outside of cooking and community work, I cherish spending time with my family. I love being a dad — whether that means playing soccer with my kids or taking them on road trips across Texas. With a continued dedication to culinary excellence and service, I am proud to serve as Executive Chef of Late August with Lucille’s Hospitality Group.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has not always been smooth, but that is very much the reality of this industry. Along the way, there have been challenges ranging from labor shortages and supply chain disruptions to navigating the pandemic, managing construction buildouts and continually evolving the menu. Each obstacle required patience, adaptability and resilience, and while the road was often difficult, every experience served a purpose and helped shape growth.
In many ways, the challenges made the successes more meaningful. When positive feedback comes in and guests leave happy, it reinforces why the hard work is worth it. Overcoming adversity creates a deeper sense of pride and fulfillment, and while nothing truly worthwhile comes easy, those hard-earned moments of satisfaction and achievement are what make the journey so rewarding.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently serve as the Executive Chef at Michelin-recommended Late August in Houston, Texas, where our culinary focus blends Afro-Mexican influences with a strong commitment to sustainability. Our menu is deeply intentional. Every dish is crafted with purpose, creativity and respect for culture, which is something I take immense pride in. For me, the food is more than just cuisine; it is an artistic expression and a way to share my heritage and perspective through each plate we serve.
One of the most meaningful parts of my journey at Late August has been collaborating with Chef Chris Williams to reinterpret and elevate recipes inspired by his great-grandmother. Bringing a Mexican influence to those historic, deeply rooted dishes has been a special and rewarding experience. Seeing those ideas come to life, honoring tradition while creating something new has made the work incredibly fulfilling and continues to inspire me every day.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Being part of opening a new restaurant and stepping into the role of a restaurateur was both an exciting opportunity and a significant risk. Launching a restaurant always comes with uncertainty, challenges and major business decisions, but it also requires vision, commitment and belief in the concept. Taking that leap was not easy, yet it was a defining moment that pushed growth both professionally and personally.
Looking back, seeing the restaurant’s success and the recognition it has received makes the journey incredibly rewarding. The accolades, guest support and overall impact validate the hard work, risk and dedication that went into building something from the ground up, making the experience both meaningful and fulfilling.
Pricing:
- Late August offers a Chef’s Tasting Menu with 7-9 courses for $95 per person.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lateaugusthtx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lateaugusthtx?igsh=NWxiM2RmcTNyZzQz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lateaugusthtx?
Image Credits
Rebekah Flores
