Chef Jose Fernandez joined The Peninsula Chicago team in June 2015, and since then he’s taken advantage of all the city of Chicago has to offer. It’s Fernandez’s passion: using organic, sustainable ingredients to incorporate local inspiration into healthy, delicious dining experiences.

© The Peninsula Chicago
In his role at The Peninsula Chicago, Executive Chef Fernandez oversees all culinary operations within the hotel, including three award-winning restaurants; banquets; The Bar; and 24-hour, in-room dining. Since its 2001 opening, The Peninsula Chicago’s restaurants, spa and 339 guestrooms and suites continue to receive accolades, including the AAA Five Diamond Award.
At only 16 years old, Fernandez embarked on his culinary career as commis de cuisine and chef de partie in small Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona. The Spanish-born Fernandez earned his degree from The Culinary School in Barcelona and worked at Hotel Arts Barcelona before bringing his talents stateside. Joining The Ritz-Carlton in 1997, he worked at properties in Laguna Niguel, Calif.; New York City; Tucson, Ariz.; and Pentagon City, Va.
What three go-to ingredients are always in your home kitchen?
Extra-virgin olive oil, bay leaves and garlic. And I always have dried chilies. In the spring and summer, we usually have a small lemon verbena plant — best sorbet ever!
What’s your favorite season for cooking, and why?
Spring and summer; I am from Spain and grew up by the Mediterranean Sea. The temperatures are mild compared to the United States, giving me the opportunity to showcase produce such as asparagus, potatoes, tomatoes and summer fruits like melons. After long winters, nothing is better than going to the farmers market on a spring or summer morning and seeing the bounty and color of fresh produce.
Aside from your current position, what’s the best job you’ve ever had?
If I look back at my career, I really enjoyed my time in New York. I spent many years in that city, where I learned a lot and had the opportunity to work for great chefs in wonderful restaurants.
What’s the first meal you ever cooked?
When I was 14 or 15 years old, I helped my mother and grandmother create a holiday family meal. We made classic Catalan cannelloni, Spanish ham and Manchego croquettes.
The Peninsula Chicago
108 E. Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 337 2888
peninsula.com
Read This Next
Women in Travel
2016
Sep 22, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedGlobal City Guidebook 2025
Jul 9, 2025Global City Guidebook: Motueka, New Zealand
The town on New Zealand’s South Island is known for, among other things, its distinctive namesake hops used for making beer. Motueka’s beautiful beaches, proximity to parks, cafés and cultural offerings draw visitors for laid-back getaways.
Sponsored Content
Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November
Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.
eFlyer Reviews
Jul 9, 2025The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali Review
Maui’s well-heeled vacationers have long flocked to Wailea, a verdant paradise lined with upscale beachfront resorts. Kaanapali, 45 minutes up the coastal Honoapiʻilani Highway, was the island’s bustling alternative.
eFlyer News
Jul 9, 2025Uber Announces New Features for 2025
In time for summer, Uber announced some new features to make travel smoother and more convenient for personal getaways, business trips and everything in between. Uber continues to expand its reach in the suburbs and areas with limited transit options, and Uber Reserve now grows its offerings to 70 additional airports in the United States and Canada, primarily focusing on smaller airports in suburban towns. This expansion includes airports like Augusta, Georgia (AGS); Green Bay, Wisconsin (ATW); Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (MDT); Knoxville, Tennessee (TYS); Reno, Nevada (RNO); and more.
Sponsored Content
Lech Walesa on Tour: A Conversation with a Man Who Changed the World
Some events change a nation. Some change the world.
eFlyer News
Jul 9, 2025W Hotels Opens in Florence, Italy
W Hotels, part of Marriott’s portfolio, opens its second Italian property with W Florence. Situated on Piazza dell’Unità Italiana, the hotel occupies a building originally designed by Florentine architect Lando Bartoli.
Oman Air Joins oneworld Alliance
eFlyer News
Jul 9, 2025Silver Airways Ceases Operations
eFlyer Lead
Jul 9, 2025London’s Largest Wine Bar Opens … Below Ground
Daily
Jul 9, 2025Daily
Jul 9, 2025Manhattan’s Only Museum Dedicated to Contemporary Art to Open Expansion This Fall
New York City has many museums within its five boroughs, but The New Museum, Manhattan’s only museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art, is the talk of the town these days as it moves closer to opening its 60,000-square-foot building expansion this fall. The expansion was designed by OMA / Shohei Shigematsu and Rem Koolhaas, in collaboration with Cooper Robertson.
Sponsored Content
Smarter Business Travel: 12 Tips from IHG Business Edge
For small- and mid-sized businesses, travel is often a necessary part of growth — helping to strengthen client relationships, explore new markets and attend key industry events. But with rising costs and limited resources, keeping business travel efficient and budget-friendly is more important than ever.
July 2025
Jul 9, 2025Global City Guidebook: Buenos Aires
Travelers visiting Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, will find themselves in awe while exploring the destination’s history, culture, landmarks and European-influenced architecture.
ShareThis