Chef Maxi

Chef Maximiliano Pettit: A Culinary Journey Rooted in Passion and Global Influence

Photo Credit: Dawn L. Jones

Born in Argentina in 1975, Maximiliano Pettit discovered his passion for cuisine while studying at the Escuela Superior de Hotelería in Buenos Aires. His dedication and talent quickly set him apart, earning him a position as a chef instructor early in his career.

Max embarked on a culinary journey, beginning at the Inter-Continental Hotel in Hyde Park, London, where he trained under Chef Peter Kronberg and the Michelin 2-star team at Le Soufflé. Seeking an understanding of Mediterranean cuisine, he spent 2000-2001 immersing himself in the culinary traditions of Greece, France, and Spain, refining his knowledge of regional flavors, and techniques.

His passion for flavors led him to the luxury cruise ship of Cunard Ltd Cruise Line, where he travelled through the Caribbean Islands, the Amazon Riviera, Spain, and Portugal. Inspired by his travels, Max returned to Buenos Aires in 2001 to open Baco, a bistro and tapas bar that combined French and Spanish influences...

In 2002, he once again left Argentina for an opportunity at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, where he worked under Michelin-starred Chef David Nicholson at The Park, the hotel’s flagship restaurant specializing in rich Arabic and Asian flavors. By 2003, Max relocated to Dubai, where he joined Thomas Klein International, first as Corporate Chef, overseeing multiple restaurant concepts and expanding his expertise beyond the kitchen into full-scale F&B operations and consulting. In 2006, Max took on a new role as Corporate Chef and Operations Manager at Lenôtre Paris in the UAE, where he played a key role in expanding the brand across the region.

In 2008, he returned to Buenos Aires, bringing back years of international experience to launch Pájaro que Comió…Fonda & Tragos, a ‘porteño’ restaurant in Palermo Hollywood. With a career spanning multiple continents, Michelin-starred kitchens, as a private chef to A-List celebrities, luxury hotels, and innovative restaurant concepts, Chef Maximiliano Pettit continues to create authentic, globally inspired cuisine, rooted in tradition but always evolving.

Sommelier Marisa Pettit

With a deep-rooted passion for food, wine, and hospitality, Marisa Pettit brings warmth and expertise to El Quincho, shaping it into an unforgettable dining experience. Born with an adventurous spirit and a love for the art of gathering, Marisa’s journey has taken her across the world, exploring flavors, cultures, and the stories behind each dish.

Her keen eye for detail and intuitive sense of hospitality make her the perfect complement to Chef Maximiliano Pettit. Whether curating perfectly paired wines, sourcing seasonal ingredients, or crafting intimate, immersive dining experiences, Marisa is at the heart of El Quincho’s soulful, communal atmosphere.

With a background spanning wine discovery, event planning, and culinary exploration, Marísa ensures that every guest at El Quincho feels like family—because to her, a meal isn’t just about food, it’s about connection, culture, and celebration.

Now, as co-founder of El Quincho, Marisa continues to create moments where flavors tell stories, and meals bring people together, just as they do in the heart of Argentina.