Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Types of Cuisine
Experience
Languages
Timeline
Generic
MARIA ESTEFANY  RIOS RODRIGUEZ

MARIA ESTEFANY RIOS RODRIGUEZ

San Francisco,Spain

Summary

I am a highly skilled private chef, born in Colombia, I lived in Europe, in Spain, for 11 years and worked in France, Italy, and in different places in Spain such as Ibiza, Zaragoza, and Madrid. with a Master’s degree from Le Cordon Bleu Madrid and over six years of experience in fine dining restaurants, private residences, and luxury yachts. My culinary journey has taken me from the vibrant flavours of Latin America to the refined techniques of European gastronomy, allowing me to develop a versatile, globally inspired cooking style. I trained in French cuisine, pastry, confectionery, and bakery at Le Cordon Bleu and have honed my skills in Spain’s prestigious kitchens. I specialise in Latin American, Mediterranean, and contemporary international cuisines, and I am passionate about delivering exceptional, tailor-made dining experiences. Whether preparing multi-course meals, family-style dishes, or high-end yacht events, I combine creativity, precision, and a true love for gastronomy to elevate each dining experience.

As a private chef, my goal is to provide families with personalised, high-quality dining daily experiences that focus on nutrition, flavour, and culinary excellence. I specialise in creating meals that are tailored to individual preferences, dietary needs, and cultural influences, ensuring that every dish is both nourishing and memorable. Beyond cooking, I strive to foster a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making mealtime a stress-free and enjoyable part of the day.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Pastry Sous Chef

Bijou Restaurant
06.2025 - Current

Estefany is our Sous Pastry chef , She responsible for both restaurants at Table Culture Provision and Bijou. She also does private catering cakes and pastries for off site events that we have. Her Techniques are phenomenal in French, Italian and Spanish. She’s very responsible and time consumer on getting assignments done in accordingly time.

Executive Chef

Xapo Restaurant
01.2023 - 01.2025
  • As the Executive Chef at Xapo, I’ve had the opportunity to lead a talented team and consistently deliver innovative, beautifully executed dishes that define our fine dining experience. My role has allowed me to focus on maintaining high standards of quality, ensuring kitchen efficiency, and fostering a collaborative, professional environment. I'm proud to have set a high bar for excellence in both the kitchen and team dynamics.
  • Developed and executed seasonal menus, enhancing culinary creativity and customer satisfaction.
  • Led kitchen team in food preparation, ensuring high standards of quality and efficiency.
  • Implemented food safety protocols, maintaining compliance with health regulations and enhancing sanitation practices.
  • Trained and mentored junior chefs, fostering skill development and teamwork within the kitchen.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and optimizing ingredient usage.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery and guest experience.
  • Reference: Julia Partner at Xapo | +44 7821-225376

Private Chef

Tamara Falco
10.2022 - 04.2023


  • Created customized meal plans based on dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
  • Managed kitchen inventory, ensuring availability of fresh produce and supplies.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen space per health regulations.

Private Chef

Contacto Cocina
09.2022 - 12.2022
  • During my time at Contacto Cocina, I was able to work closely with the Head Chef, where I refined my skills in a variety of cuisines. I enjoy creating dishes that balance flavour with creativity, whether preparing fine dining experiences or more casual meals. My dedication to my craft, attention to detail, and ability to remain calm under pressure made me a strong addition to the team.
  • Prepared and presented high-quality dishes using seasonal ingredients.
  • Developed recipes that enhanced client satisfaction and dining experiences.
  • Reference: Luis Centera, Executive Chef | +34 636-237 067

Private Chef Yatch

MY Signe, Bluewater Yatch
06.2022 - 08.2022
  • As a private chef on board 25m MY Signe, I had the pleasure of crafting meals that catered to the diverse tastes and dietary needs of the owners. I took pride in designing dishes that were both nutritious and indulgent, ensuring every meal was exciting and tailored to the family's preferences. The experience of working in such a dynamic environment taught me the importance of organisation, flexibility, and personal connection with the clients.
  • Created personalized meal plans catering to dietary restrictions and preferences.
  • Prepared and presented gourmet dishes utilizing seasonal ingredients.
  • Managed inventory, ensuring freshness and availability of all culinary supplies.
  • Collaborated with yacht crew to coordinate dining experiences for guests.
  • Reference: Captain Jorge | +34 618-713 211

Pastry Chef & Lead Chef

Sunset Ashram Restaurante
02.2022 - 06.2022
  • In this role, I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge of international cuisines and work closely with the Head Chef to create a diverse menu. I especially enjoyed the creative freedom I had in the pastry section, where I was able to blend traditional techniques with contemporary flavours. My ability to work under pressure and collaborate seamlessly with the team was crucial to ensuring smooth service and high-quality dishes.
  • Developed seasonal pastry recipes, incorporating local ingredients for freshness.
  • Maintained high standards of cleanliness and organization in pastry station.
  • Monitored inventory levels of baking supplies, ensuring optimal stock availability.
  • Determined quantity of product to prepare for next day operation by maintaining detailed production schedule.
  • Reference: Carlos, Executive Chef | +34 608 603 317

Pastry Chef

19.86 Restaurant at Canalejas Gallery
11.2021 - 02.2022
  • At 19.86, I contributed to the pastry programme, crafting innovative desserts that complemented the restaurant's modern dining style. I focused on creating desserts that were not only visually stunning but also full of flavour, showcasing my understanding of textures and contemporary pastry techniques. This role further refined my ability to work in a high-end kitchen, where precision and creativity are essential.
  • Crafted a variety of pastries, ensuring consistent quality and presentation.
  • Managed inventory of ingredients, minimizing waste through effective stock rotation.
  • Trained junior pastry cooks on techniques and best practices for baking and decoration.
  • Reference: Ruben Arnanz, Executive Chef | +34 911 92 64 28

Line Cook

Coque Restaurant (Two Michelin Stars)
10.2021 - 12.2021
  • Working at Coque, a two-Michelin-star restaurant, was a defining moment in my culinary journey. I had the chance to master the fundamentals of Spanish cuisine and work alongside some of the best chefs in the industry. My focus was on executing dishes with consistency, paying close attention to detail, and maintaining a high level of discipline in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. This experience deepened my respect for both tradition and innovation in gastronomy.
  • Prepared ingredients and assisted in meal assembly for timely service.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen stations to ensure food safety compliance.
  • Reference: Marga Dominguez, HR | +34 91 604 02 02

Education

DIPLOMA - FRENCH CUISINE

Le Cordon Bleu Madrid - Francisco de Victoria University
09.2021

DIPLOMA - CONFECTIONERY, BAKERY AND CREATIVE PASTRY

Jessica Cakes, Zaragoza - School of creative pastry, bakery and confectionery
06.2020

School - undefined

Our Lady of the Castle Institute: IES Conde Aranda
06.2018

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Certification

  • Personal safety and social responsibilities
  • Personal survival techniques
  • Basic first aid
  • Fire prevention and extinction
  • Training course on crowd management on passenger ships
  • Training course on crisis management on passenger ships and human behaviour
  • Safety Awareness Training for All Sailors

Types of Cuisine

Spanish, Colombian, Italian, French, Peruvian, Venezuelan, Ecuadorian, Thai, Japanese, Mediterranean cuisine, special diets, vegan, ketogenic, for people sensitive to allergies and for children.

Experience

Seasonal dishes | Meal preparation | Catering | Multicultural recipes | Cost control | Quality control | Menu development and design | Event management | Culinary creativity | Food allergies | Pastry shop | Bakery | Custom cake making | Social media

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Professional Working

Timeline

Pastry Sous Chef

Bijou Restaurant
06.2025 - Current

Executive Chef

Xapo Restaurant
01.2023 - 01.2025

Private Chef

Tamara Falco
10.2022 - 04.2023

Private Chef

Contacto Cocina
09.2022 - 12.2022

Private Chef Yatch

MY Signe, Bluewater Yatch
06.2022 - 08.2022

Pastry Chef & Lead Chef

Sunset Ashram Restaurante
02.2022 - 06.2022

Pastry Chef

19.86 Restaurant at Canalejas Gallery
11.2021 - 02.2022

Line Cook

Coque Restaurant (Two Michelin Stars)
10.2021 - 12.2021

DIPLOMA - FRENCH CUISINE

Le Cordon Bleu Madrid - Francisco de Victoria University

DIPLOMA - CONFECTIONERY, BAKERY AND CREATIVE PASTRY

Jessica Cakes, Zaragoza - School of creative pastry, bakery and confectionery

School - undefined

Our Lady of the Castle Institute: IES Conde Aranda