Who is chef José Andrés and what restaurants does he own?
BEFORE winning a huge cash prize from Jeff Bezos, chef José Andrés was credited for bringing Spanish influence to the American food scene.
Andrés has many titles before cash prize winner: chef, restaurateur, and non-profit founder.
Who is José Andrés?
José Andrés is a Spanish-American chef, restaurateur, and philanthropist renowned for his award-winning work and humanitarian efforts.
The James Beard Award winner grew up in Spain and enrolled in culinary school in Barcelona at the age of 15.
When completing military service at 18, he was assigned as a cook for an admiral.
After working at a restaurant in Barcelona under Ferran Adrià for three years, he was fired, leading him to move to the United States.
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In the US, Andrés worked at many restaurants in New York City and Washington DC.
He started his own cooking show, Vamos a Cocinar, in 2006 and published his first book the same year.
Andrés has taught college courses in cooking and Spanish culture at Harvard University, George Washington University, and the International Culinary Center.
As a response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Andrés founded World Central Kitchen, which provides food to those touched by disasters.
He is historically credited for introducing the small-dish style of cuisine to America.
Andrés has two Michelin stars under his belt, as well as four Bib Gourmands.
What restaurants does José Andrés own?
Andrés owns a total of 19 restaurants all over the world.
- minibar by José Andrés – Washington, DC
- é by José Andrés – Las Vegas
- The Bazaar – Los Angeles and Miami Beach
- Agua Viva – Los Angeles
- barmini by José Andrés – Washington, DC
- Beefsteak – Washington, DC, Bethesda, Maryland, and in the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio
- Butterfly Tacos y Tortas — Washington, DC
- China Chilcano – Washington, DC
- China Poblano – Las Vegas
- Fish – Paradise Island, Bahamas
- Jaleo – Washington, DC, Orlando, Las Vegas, Chicago, and Dubai
- Mercado Little Spain – New York City
- Nubeluz – New York City
- Oyamel – Washington, DC
- Pepe – Washington, DC, and Orlando
- Pigtail by José Andrés – Chicago
- San Laurel – Los Angeles
- Spanish Diner – Bethesda
- Zaytinya – Las Vegas, Washington, DC, and New York City
What is José Andrés' net worth?
Andrés has a net worth of $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, with much of his revenue coming from the profits of his restaurants, cooking shows, and cookbooks.
In January 2021, just days before his space launch with Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos awarded Andrés $100 million.
Also awarded to CNN commentator Van Jones, Bezos labeled the money the "courage and civility award."
The two winners will be able to give the cash prize to a charity of their choice.
"It's easy to be courageous, but also mean. Try being courageous and civil. Try being courageous and a unifier. That's harder and way better [and] it makes the world better," Bezos said at the press conference.