For the last thirty years, Chef José Andrés has been at the forefront of Washington, D.C.’s culinary growth. Offering a range of different cuisines, his restaurants never stop delighting and surprising diners.
In the city, many of his spots have been recognized by The MICHELIN Guide, including minibar (Two Stars), Zaytinya (Bib Gourmand), Oyamel (Bib Gourmand), and Jaleo. Outside of the city, delicious spots abound, such as San Laurel in Los Angeles, Bar Mar in Chicago, and Jaleo in Dubai.
Not limiting his knowledge of food to his own restaurants, Chef Andrés has long spread his talents and heart globally to those who need it the most. He founded World Central Kitchen to provide fresh meals in times of crisis, which earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
With a remarkable palate and genuine care for others, where does the chef himself eat? From Maryland blue crabs to Vietnamese Bún Chả Hà Nội, learn where Andrés dines in Washington, D.C., the city he calls home.
What makes Washington, D.C. special?
Washington is not only the political capital of the country…I would say in many ways it’s our culinary capital too! Here you’ll find that the flavors, dishes, and ingredients from all across the world are celebrated in our small but diverse and very international city. For me personally, Washington holds a special place because I’ve called it home for 30 years, and it’s where I met my wife and raised three amazing daughters. And of course it’s where I became an American citizen.
What is your favorite restaurant in D.C.?
Would I ask you to pick a favorite child, or a favorite friend? This is sometimes an impossible choice, there are so many restaurants in D.C. that I love, since I’ve lived here for so many years. I would say that I have special love for my friend Patrick O'Connell and his Inn at Little Washington, where they have been creating magic for nearly 50 years.
Where do you go for simple comfort food?
For me, a boy of Spain where we are surrounded by the ocean, seafood is my comfort food, so one of my favorite places for simple, good food is Bethesda Crab House—there is nothing more comforting and wonderful than enjoying blue crabs on a hot summer day there. Or if you want to drive a bit farther, you can go to Crab Claw out in St. Michael’s. That tastes like home.
Who has the most creative menu?
I know I am biased, but minibar! Not because it is my restaurant, it’s the restaurant of the most incredible creative minds at work together, like a symphony, all coming together for an unbelievable dining experience. I would also say that my good friend Chef Johnny Spero at Reverie is a culinary force whose cooking you must experience for yourself.
Where do you go for a classic D.C. meal?
Maybe the most classic of classics is Old Ebbitt Grill, which opened even before Lincoln lived in the White House, one block away. You can get lost in time there, eating some of the best oysters in the area, drinking a beer or a glass of sparkling wine, having a conversation with the bartenders.
Where is best to bring the whole family?
I don’t know about your family, but my family loves to eat. One of the best places for a big, satisfying dinner that will take me back to my own childhood is Casa Teresa, run by the brilliant chef Rubén García, who used to work with me at minibar. He is cooking classic Catalan dishes like the ones he grew up with (and me too!) so this is a perfect place to share with the people you love.
How about for a business meeting?
I know it’s not a fair answer, but I usually prefer to cook at my own house when I’m having a big conversation…I can pick the menu, pick the wines, set the seating arrangements…it puts everyone in a better mood around the table, which makes for better business!
Where would you go for a big celebration?
Jaleo! That’s exactly what Jaleo is all about - gathering around a big paella with your friends and family to share the very best rice dish on the planet. Kevin Tien’s Moon Rabbit is another incredible place to celebrate. I love the Bún Chả Hà Nội, crispy skin pork belly, or to just let Chef Kevin decide and eat whatever he thinks is best that day!
Any hidden gems in the city?
Is it hidden if I tell you?
Do you have a favorite hotel in D.C.?
The Waldorf-Astoria, where José Andrés Group has The Bazaar, was for many years DC’s Old Post Office. From 1892 to 1899 it was the U.S. Post Office Department Headquarters and is the second-tallest structure in the nation’s capital, after the Washington Monument. It’s a beautiful landmark building on Pennsylvania Avenue right between The White House and the U.S. Capitol near National Mall museums, the Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial…and the hotel rooms are beautiful!
What are your favorite attractions?
The National Portrait Gallery is right in between my first restaurant, Jaleo, and Zaytinya so I like to take the long way between the two and will duck in and take a moment to reflect and dream. I am so honored to have my own portrait here created by Kadir Nelson.
Which chef would you like to invite next to Longer Tables?
One of the most amazing chefs you’ve never heard of is a woman named Cristeta Comerford, she was the Executive Chef at the White House and cooked there for 30 years! Talk about a legend…I’d love to talk to her on the podcast.
What advice would you give to newer chefs?
To understand the power of “we the people” is the greatest gift America has given me. When you are starting out in your career, it’s easy to think it’s all about proving what you know, what you can do, but the real power is when you realize it is not about you but WE. Nothing can be done well in a kitchen without being in harmony with one another.
Besides your family and closest friends, who would you invite to eat a Michelin Star meal?
I would be happy to invite to dinner anyone who sees the world differently than I do. I think that eating together is a powerful way to connect to someone, a moment to see beyond the differences and reach a deeper understanding, no matter where you are coming from.
You were a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. What does this mean to you?
When I first arrived to Washington D.C. in 1993, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan told me…“if you love America, America will always love you back.” As an immigrant, I’m humbled to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I know that immigrants can be bridges…we build the longer tables that connect us all. And I believe we all share a responsibility to create an even better America, one where the American dream can be achieved by everyone…regardless of what you look like or where you come from. Chefs like me feed the few, but our destiny is to feed the many. To be an army of goodness where a plate of food becomes a plate of hope…a light in dark times.
Nowadays, what’s your dream?
It is very simple, food is a universal human right. Feeding each other, cooking and eating together, is what makes us human.
Address Book
Bethesda Crab House
4958 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
Casa Teresa
919 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20006
Jaleo
480 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
minibar
855 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Moon Rabbit
927 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Reverie
3201 Cherry Hill Ln, Washington, DC 20007
The Bazaar by José Andrés
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Crab Claw
304 Burns St, St Michaels, MD 21663
The Inn at Little Washington
309 Middle St, Washington, VA 22747
National Portrait Gallery
8th St NW & G St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Zaytinya
701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Hero image: José Andrés
