José Andrés is an internationally recognized culinary innovator best known for bringing both traditional and avant-garde Spanish fare to America.
 

José is chef/owner of THINKfoodGROUP, the creative team responsible for some of Washington’s favorite dining concepts: Café Atlantico, Jaleo, Zaytinya, Oyamel and José’s critically-acclaimed minibar by josé andrés. His popular Washington DC restaurant Jaleo is one of the first critically and commercially successful tapas restaurants, setting the standard for other Spanish restaurants for the next 15 years.

 

Often referred to as Spain’s unofficial ambassador to the United States, José is the host and executive producer of Made in Spain, a 26-episode PBS television series focusing on Spain’s wine, food and travel. Drawing on his unrivalled expertise, José takes viewers to every corner of the country highlighting his favorite markets, vineyards, restaurants, artisans and more. The series is produced by José’s THINKfoodGROUP along with Philip Lerman Productions.

 

In 2007, José and THINKfoodGROUP partnered with SBE Hotel Group and designer Philippe Starck in the creation of SLS Hotels, a new paradigm for the luxury hotel experience. The first property, SLS at Beverly Hills, opened its doors in Fall 2008. José and his team oversee the food & beverage program for the new hotel group, including the signature destination restaurant The Bazaar by José Andrés. The Bazaar recently received a four-star rating by the Los Angeles Times, making it the only four-star restaurant in LA. It has also been praised by the New York Times and The Washington Post.  In 2009, the James Beard Foundation nominated The Bazaar for Best New Restaurant and Restaurant Design awards.

 

Throughout his career, José has drawn the praise of the public, the press and his peers for his vision, imagination and winning restaurant concepts In 2009 and 2008, The James Beard Foundation nominated José Outstanding Chef for his work at minibar by josé andrés. In 2008, José became a resident culinary expert for MSN Lifestyle. The Bravo Network awarded him the prize for A-List chef at the first ever Bravo A-List Awards. In 2007, José was inducted into the Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America. In 2004, Bon Appetit magazine named José Chef of the Year, Food & Wine included José in their “35 under 35” Tastemakers list, and Saveur included José on their “Saveur 100” list.

 

For many Americans the exuberant Spaniard is Mr. Spain thanks to frequent spots on NBC’s TODAY Show, his victory on the Food Network’s “Iron Chef America,” his profile on ABC’s “Nightline,” and his appearance on CBS’s “The Late Show with David Letterman,” NBC’s “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “The Martha Stewart Show.” On PBS, José has been profiled on “Chef’s Story,” “Gourmet’s Diary of a Foodie” and “Bittman Takes on America’s Chefs.” José has also appeared in major national media such as NPR’s “All Things Considered,” Food Arts, USA Today, “FOX News Sunday with Chris Wallace,” Gourmet, Taste of Home, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Financial Times, and the Wall Street Journal.

 

José is Chairman Emeritus of DC Central Kitchen and he lives in Maryland with his wife and three daughters.