José Andrés is a renowned chef and founder of World Central Kitchen. He has won numerous awards for his cooking and humanitarian work. Andrés is also a professor and the founder of the Global Food Institute at George Washington University. He has been recognized for his contributions with awards and honorary doctorates from several universities.
José Ramón Andrés Puerta, a Spanish-American chef and restaurateur, was born on July 13, 1969. He is known for owning restaurants across the United States, winning awards for his cooking and humanitarian work, and founding the Global Food Institute at George Washington University.
1988
José Andrés attends Escola de Restauracio I Hostalatge de Barcelona
José Andrés started his culinary journey at a young age, attending the prestigious Escola de Restauracio I Hostalatge de Barcelona at the age of 15.
1990-12
José Andrés Fired by Ferran Adrià
In December 1990, José Andrés was fired by Ferran Adrià after working at El Bulli for three years. This event led to his decision to move to the United States.
1991
José Andrés immigrated to the United States
José Andrés moved to the United States in 1991, initially settling in New York City before later moving to Washington, D.C. where he co-founded a successful group of restaurants.
1993
Jaleo by José Andrés
A chain of restaurants in various locations including Washington, D.C., Orlando, Las Vegas, Chicago, and Dubai, serving traditional Spanish tapas. The DC branch is listed in the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand list.
1995
Takeover of Café Atlántico in Washington, D.C.
Two years later, José Andrés was asked to take over Café Atlántico in Washington, D.C. This opportunity was pivotal in shaping his future in the culinary world.
2000
José Andrés introduces traditional and avant-garde Spanish fare in the United States
José Andrés brought both traditional and avant-garde Spanish cuisine to the United States, captivating the food-loving public with his innovative dishes.
2002
Opening of Zaytinya
In 2002, José Andrés opened Zaytinya, a restaurant featuring eastern Mediterranean cuisine served on small plates.
2003
Opening of minibar
The year after opening Zaytinya, José Andrés launched minibar, a unique restaurant concept within a restaurant, inspired by Adrià's creativity.
2004
Chef of the Year, Bon Appétit magazine
Achieving the prestigious title of Chef of the Year by Bon Appétit magazine in 2004.
2005-11
Tapas: A Taste Of Spain In America Book Publication
José Andrés, in collaboration with Richard Wolffe, published 'Tapas: A Taste Of Spain In America' in November 2005.
2006
Formation of ThinkFoodGroup with Robert Wilder
In 2006, José Andrés partnered with Robert Wilder to establish ThinkFoodGroup, becoming a co-owner in his restaurants and expanding their presence in cities like Miami, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Puerto Rico.
2007
Induction into Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America for José Andrés
In 2007, José Andrés was recognized for his contributions to the culinary world by being inducted into the prestigious Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America.
2008-11
Made in Spain Book Publication
José Andrés, along with Richard Wolffe, published 'Made in Spain: Spanish Dishes for the American Kitchen' in November 2008.
2009
Man of the Year by GQ magazine
In 2009, José Andrés was honored as the Man of the Year by GQ magazine for his remarkable achievements and contributions.
2010
Foundation of World Central Kitchen
After returning from Haiti, José Andrés collaborated with Robert Egger to establish World Central Kitchen, an international version of DC Central Kitchen. This organization focuses on providing food to those in need during crises and disasters.
2011
James Beard Award for Best Chef
In 2011, José Andrés won the James Beard Award for best chef in the country, adding to his collection of prestigious culinary awards.
2012-10-29
Teaching course on how food shapes civilization at George Washington University
On October 29, 2012, José Andrés announced his return to the classroom to teach a course on how food influences civilization at George Washington University, marking a new educational endeavor for him.
2013-12
Naturalization as U.S. Citizen
José Andrés became a naturalized U.S. citizen in December 2013.
2014-05
Receiving Honorary Doctorate Degree from George Washington University
In May 2014, José Andrés received an honorary doctorate degree in public service from George Washington University and also served as the commencement speaker at the university's graduation ceremony held at the National Mall.
2015
National Humanities Medal by President Obama
In 2015, José Andrés was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Obama for his contributions to humanity.
2016
minibar by José Andrés Receives Two Michelin Stars
In 2016, minibar by José Andrés in Washington, D.C. was awarded two stars by the DC edition of the Michelin Guide. The restaurant serves a prix fixe menu of about 25 small courses to twelve diners at a time.
2018-05
Receiving Honorary Doctorate Degree from Tufts University
In May 2018, José Andrés received an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from Tufts University and served as the commencement speaker for the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University.
2021
Jeff Bezos donates $100 million to Andrés
In 2021, Jeff Bezos, the owner of The Washington Post and Amazon, awarded Andrés $100 million through his Courage and Civility Award.
2022-06-13
Andrés announces return to open restaurant at former Trump International Hotel location
On June 13, 2022, José Andrés declared his intention to open a restaurant at the location where he had originally planned to in 2015.
2023-02-08
The Bazaar by José Andrés opens
On February 8, 2023, The Bazaar by José Andrés officially opened, marking the return of Andrés to the location he had planned to open a restaurant in.
2023-10-16
Andrés responds to tweet on Israel-Hamas war
On October 16, 2023, during the Israel–Hamas war, José Andrés reacted to a tweet by Ione Belarra, Spanish Minister for Social Rights, criticizing the Israeli treatment of Palestinian civilians. Andrés expressed his opinion that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez should dismiss Belarra.