Originally from a small Argentinian village in the Patagonia region and having a mother of Spanish origin, Fernando grew up in a culture rich with social Sunday Asados and Mediterranean-inspired home-cooked food. In a country of 40 million people with 60 million cattle, Fernando was no stranger to using beef as a key ingredient to many meals and has been grilling steaks from an incredibly young age.

After finishing secondary school, he moved to Buenos Aires and started working in a small restaurant. Quickly discovering a passion for cooking, he undertook a two-year culinary course after which he worked at various Italian restaurants, widening his skill set and experience and eventually worked his way up to being a Head Chef.

Seeking new experiences in Europe, in 2007 Fernando moved to Europe to head up Argentinian restaurants in Madrid and then in Marbella. In 2009, he moved to London and joined Gaucho. In 2012 he was appointed Master Griller for the restaurant group. Responsible for educating Gaucho’s front and back of house on everything beef related. He also run the company’s cookery school for 8 years.

After 11 years, he left to open Sucre in London and Dubai. This year he has finally opened his own place, OK13, an open fire steakhouse.