Fernanda Fuentes
Fernanda Fuentes Cárdenas | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 15, 1983 Quilpué, Chile |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, television personality |
| Known for | First Chilean woman awarded a Michelin star |
Fernanda Fuentes Cárdenas (born June 15, 1983) is a chef from Chile, distinguished as the first Chilean woman to be awarded a Michelin star.
Early life and education
Originating from Quilpué, Chile, Fuentes cultivated a strong interest in culinary arts from a young age. She pursued her formal studies at the University of Technology of Chile, INACAP, completing her degree in Gastronomic Production in 2007. Her culinary expertise was shaped by a blend of self-directed learning and structured education, further enriched by internships in Spain, including experience at Hotel Golf Peralada.
Launching her inaugural restaurant
In 2011, Fuentes moved to Tenerife, Spain, where she met Andrea Bernardi, an Italian chef who would become both her spouse and business collaborator. The duo established Nub in Tenerife in 2014. This establishment earned recognition for its unique combination of Chilean, Italian, and Canarian culinary elements, mirroring the diverse heritage of its founders.
Michelin star achievement
Nub was awarded a Michelin star in 2017, marking Fuentes as the first Chilean woman to obtain this prestigious accolade. The restaurant later relocated within Tenerife, now operating inside the luxury Bahía del Duque hotel in Costa Adeje. Its menu is noted for creative innovation that honors ingredient integrity and authenticity. Fuentes articulates her culinary philosophy as “oficio y amor al arte” (craftsmanship and passion for the art), drawing inspiration from Mapuche Chilean chef Anita Epulef.
Television career
In addition to her work in the kitchen, Fuentes has broadened her public presence by appearing as a judge on Chilean versions of MasterChef and MasterChef Celebrity. In 2024, she joined the judging panel of Top Chef VIP Chile. Through these platforms, she champions female representation in the culinary sector and highlights the obstacles women encounter within this traditionally male-dominated profession.
Novatore Cucina & Bar
Also in 2024, Fuentes and Bernardi partnered with Marcelo Marocchino and Gabriel Mendelzon to open Novatore Cucina & Bar in Miami, Florida. This venue specializes in contemporary Italian cuisine, leveraging their Michelin-level expertise to appeal to the Wynwood area's dining scene.
Activism
Fuentes is actively involved with charitable projects such as "Comida para Todos", which delivers meals to marginalized populations.