North Carolina native, Duane Fernandes has long called Asheville home. As the Executive Chef of Hemingway’s Cuba, Asheville’s premier Cuban restaurant, Fernandes brings the flavors and experiences of Havana to Asheville. He was formerly the Executive Chef of Isa’s Bistro, offering seasonal, fresh menus showcasing the farms of Western Carolina. Raised in Winston-Salem, Fernandes studied at Johnson & Wales University and the Culinary Institute of Charleston. Following graduation, he worked for several Charleston restaurants including the Peninsula Grill before becoming the Executive Sous Chef at Lemaire, a five-star restaurant at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. Following his time in Richmond, Fernandes headed to New York to work alongside culinary legend Thomas Keller at Per Se.