Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe Announces Seasoned Chef Jose Fernandez as New Executive Chef at Terra Restaurant

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe introduces its new Executive Chef Jose Fernandez. With more than 20 years of experience, Fernandez brings his creativity and extensive expertise to the table, to lead the culinary program and talented team at the Resort’s signature restaurant Terra in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Originally from Barcelona, Spain, Chef Jose Fernandez spent his formative years honing his skills in Michelin-starred restaurants throughout his native country. From there he moved to the US, where he has since held various top culinary positions over the years, evolving and perfecting his craft at award-winning restaurants and luxury hospitality establishments in different regions all across the country.

It was Fernandez's early experiences, coupled with memories from his own family’s kitchen, that ultimately shaped his culinary point of view - to use fresh and seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on organic and sustainable whole foods wherever possible. Fernandez also believes the best way to truly experience a destination is to taste it - a philosophy that has influenced him throughout his career as well. He is passionate about incorporating elements of the local culture, authentic flavours and regionally-grown ingredients into his dishes, while also blending distinct influences from his native country and other places he’s explored around the world that have inspired him.

At the helm of Terra's kitchen, Fernandez’s vision, fresh approach and mastery of fusing traditional cooking methods with progressive techniques will be on full display, to create a sense of place that will resonate throughout the Terra experience, and be reflected in his inventive and evolving menus each season.

Fernandez is also excited to further cultivate the chef’s garden on-site, as well as share new forthcoming culinary offerings that are in the works at Terra and the Resort — from a traditional horno oven being built, to new chef-led cooking classes and immersive culinary experiences for guests that will provide original, hands-on learning opportunities.

Naturally drawn to New Mexico’s vibrant mix of cultures, traditions and cuisines, Fernandez is thrilled to be a part of Santa Fe’s thriving culinary scene and community of talented chefs from around the world. He looks forward to pursuing his passions, exploring Santa Fe’s farmers markets and working closely with local purveyors.

When he’s not in the kitchen, Fernandez can be found spending time with his family and enjoying the outdoors, hiking and mountain biking around the region’s diverse, stunning terrain.

Situated in the foothills just minutes outside Santa Fe, the award-winning restaurant Terra at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado is a culinary destination unto its own. Known to locals and guests alike as a place to dine and imbibe in a relaxing, inviting atmosphere, Terra offers the most stunning panoramic views in the region. Featuring seasonally-inspired cuisine with a range of evolving dishes showcasing an inventive combination of distinct flavours and textures, guests can dine indoors at the restaurant; in the intimate courtyard lounge; at the private chef’s garden; or outside on the expansive patio to take in the surrounding high desert-mountain landscape and New Mexico’s iconic sunsets. 

With its large outdoor firepit, Terra Bar offers the ideal gathering spot to unwind and enjoy its progressive selection of original craft cocktails, signature libations and extensive wine options. The Bar also offers live music with local musicians; daily happy hour; as well as a series of curated mixology experiences, tasting and pairing classes led by Terra’s own certified tequila master.