Chef José Andrés is a renowned Spanish-American chef, widely recognized for his culinary innovation, philanthropy, and activism. Born in Mieres, Spain, Andrés developed a deep passion for cooking at a young age, which led him to attend the School of Restaurants and Hotels of Barcelona. His early career was marked by an apprenticeship at El Bulli, under the tutelage of famed chef Ferran Adrià, where he honed his skills and creative approach to cooking.
In the early 1990s, Andrés moved to the United States, where he began to make his mark on the culinary scene. He joined Jaleo in Washington D.C. in 1993, which found an audience with Americans for contemporary Spanish tapas. His success led to the expansion of his culinary empire, ThinkFoodGroup, which includes a range of restaurants across the United States and beyond, encompassing a variety of cuisines and concepts.
Andrés is perhaps equally known for his humanitarian efforts as he is for his culinary achievements. In 2010, he founded World Central Kitchen (WCK), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters. WCK has been instrumental in disaster relief efforts around the globe, from earthquake-stricken Haiti to hurricane-affected Puerto Rico, showcasing Andrés’s commitment to using food as a powerful tool for change.
A recipient of numerous awards and honors, Andrés has been recognized for both his culinary prowess and his humanitarian work. He was awarded a National Humanities Medal in 2015 and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. His influence extends beyond the kitchen; he is an advocate for immigration reform and food policy issues.
Andrés’s impact on the culinary world and his humanitarian efforts reflect a profound dedication to his craft and to the global community. His innovative approach to cooking, combined with his passion for social change, has made him a respected and inspirational figure in both the culinary world and beyond.
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Education
- Escola de Restauració i Hostalatge de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Previously Worked At
- ElBulli, Barcelona, Spain
- El Dorado Petit, New York City, NY
- Paradis Barcelona, New York City, NY
- Quilted Giraffe, New York City, NY
- Café Atlántico, Washington D.C.
Previously Worked For
- Ferran Adrià
- Rob Wilder
- Roberto Alvarez
- Barry Wine
- Richard Melman
- Ann Cashion
Awards
- James Beard, Humanitarian of the Year, 2018
- TIME Magazine, 100 Most Influential People, 2018
- United States, National Humanities Medal, 2015
- TIME Magazine, 100 Most Influential People, 2012
- James Beard, Outstanding Chef, 2011
- James Beard, Outstanding Chef Nominee, 2010
- James Beard, Outstanding Chef, 2009
- James Beard, Outstanding Chef Nominee, 2008
- Bon Appétit, Chef of the Year, 2004
- James Beard, Best Chef Mid-Atlantic, 2003
- James Beard, Best Chef Mid-Atlantic Nominee, 2000
- James Beard, Rising Star Chef of the Year, 1999