Chef Thais Fernandes

My love for food began long before I ever stepped into a culinary classroom. It started in my grandmother’s kitchen in Brazil, surrounded by the aromas of garlic, olive oil, fresh ingredients, and, most importantly, love.

Those early moments taught me that cooking is much more than following a recipe. Food has the power to bring people together, tell stories, preserve memories, and create unforgettable experiences. My grandmother’s kitchen was where I first learned that the most meaningful ingredient in any dish is the love behind it.

As my passion grew, I decided to pursue a more formal culinary education at SENAC in São Paulo, Brazil, where I took culinary courses and developed my technical knowledge, from fundamental cooking techniques and ingredient preparation to presentation and the art of creating memorable dishes.

Over the years, my passion for culinary arts has continued to grow through travel, different cultures, and the exploration of regional cuisines. I am especially inspired by the way food connects people to a place — a traditional recipe, a local ingredient, a family technique, or a simple meal around a table can tell the story of an entire culture.