Santiago Fernandez is a Venezuelan born chef (Caracas, October 4, 1995). His passion for cooking ignited at a very young age, leading him to join the culinary world at just 15 years old, working at some of Venezuela’s finest restaurants like Alto and Le gourmet. At the age of 17, Santiago made a significant move to Spain, where he continued his culinary education at the Basque Culinary Center University in San Sebastian. During his time in Spain, he gained invaluable experience by staging at renowned 3-Michelin-starred restaurants such as Aponiente and Cocina by Hermanos Torres. Following the completion of his training in Spain, Santiago ventured to Peru, where he worked under the guidance of Chef Virgilio Martínez and Pía León at Restaurant Central. He ascended to the position of Creative Chief, contributing to the development of innovative ideas and dishes for a period of five years, and played a fundamental role assisting Virgilio Martínez through his events, collaborations and projects all over the world. Eager for new challenges, Santiago seized the opportunity to lead MAZ, a concept directed by Central Restaurant in Tokyo, Japan. Serving as the head chef, MAZ Restaurant achieved 2Michelin stars shortly after its opening, and 69thposition at the extended list of Asia’s 50 best restaurants.