Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village Welcomes Acclaimed Executive Chef Jose Fernandez

Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village announces the appointment of Jose Fernandez as the new Executive Chef of the Southern California property. Chef Fernandez will oversee the Hotel’s many restaurant kitchens as well as catering and in-room dining. 

A 19-year veteran of hospitality, Fernandez brings a wealth of culinary knowledge and experience to the AAA Five Diamond hotel. Originally from Spain, he received his degree from the Culinary School of Barcelona, and began his professional career as a commis de cuisine and chef de partie in smaller Michelin-starred restaurants, including El Reco de Can Fabes, under prominently known avant-garde chef Santi Santamaria. 

Prior to his appointment at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, Fernandez served as executive chef at The Peninsula Hotel Chicago, overseeing three of their critically acclaimed restaurants. He was also an established chef at several Ritz Carlton properties including Laguna Niguel, California; New York City; Tucson, Arizona; and Pentagon City, Virginia. 

Fernandez joins the health and wellness resort with an aligned philosophy and passion for utilising organic, local and sustainable ingredients, creating healthy dining experiences inspired by the destination. His food is rooted in bringing together diverse cultures to craft seasonal dishes and menus. He holds true to the values and techniques he was taught as a child, stating, “I always remember the smell of my family’s kitchens; the simple and powerful smell of fresh ingredients was truly inspiring.”

When Fernandez is not leading in the kitchen, he can be found spending quality time with his family. He also leads an active lifestyle, favouring cycling around the beautiful surrounding Santa Monica Mountains, and as a Spaniard, he is a fan of fútbol or as Americans refer to it, soccer.