Chef Sanae Youns is an accomplished culinary leader specializing in contemporary fine dining. Blending her Moroccan roots with Mediterranean expression and classical European techniques, she brings a rich, multicultural perspective shaped by luxury hospitality in Mexico and internationally.
Professional Background & Experience
Chef Youns has built a diverse career spanning luxury hotel operations, fine dining kitchen management, restaurant openings, and culinary education:
- Restaurant Chef – Fantino, Kempinski Hotel Cancún (January 2023 – Present) Leads kitchen operations, service standards, and team performance. Responsible for developing seasonal tasting menus, overseeing plating and product quality, and managing production, inventory, and food costs. Recently recognized with the Golden Star (2026) award from Kempinski Hotel Cancún for professional excellence.
- Executive Chef (Project-based) – Forno Bravo, Cancún, Mexico (2025 – 2026) Directed culinary development for a Mediterranean restaurant, providing opening support, menu creation, standardized recipes, plating standards, purchasing controls, and team training.
- International Culinary Task Force – Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, Jordan (August – December 2023) Provided high-level culinary operational support during an international company assignment within a luxury hotel environment.
- Culinary Instructor – ISU Universidad, Puebla, Mexico (August 2021 – December 2022) Designed practical lessons, recipes, and learning materials while guiding students through essential kitchen techniques and academic evaluations.
- Sous Chef – World Luxury Zaytun, Cancún, Mexico (March – June 2021) Supervised kitchen production, staff, inventory, and food safety protocols, stepping into Executive Chef responsibilities in the chef’s absence.
- Head Chef – Restaurante Tlaxko, Mexico City (February 2018 – October 2020) Oversaw food preparation, plate presentation, service flow, kitchen scheduling, and supply requisitions.
Entrepreneurship & Special Projects
Beyond her corporate and restaurant leadership roles, Chef Youns is an active entrepreneur:
- SY ATLAS | Atlas Catering Boutique: Her private-dining and catering project that brings her distinct Mediterranean and Moroccan culinary influences to bespoke events and intimate dining experiences.
Industry Recognition & Leadership
- International Culinary Judge (2026): Served as a jury member at the fourth edition of the Professional Chef Olympics in Rabat, Morocco (June 6–7, 2026).
- Golden Star (2026): Received individual recognition from Kempinski Hotel Cancún for dedication and professional excellence.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Gastronomy: IEU University, Mexico (2026 – present; in progress)
- Culinary Arts Technical Diploma: Private Vocational Training Institute, Morocco (2011)
- Professional Development: Culinary Leadership (2024); Excel Basic & Advanced (2025); Entrepreneurship Diploma (2017); Distintivo H food-safety training.
Languages
- Arabic: Native
- Spanish: Advanced
- French: Advanced
- English: Intermediate
