18 November 2025
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Congratulations to José Andrés, chef of minibar and the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Northeast Cities Mentor Chef Award Winner, presented in partnership with Blancpain!
For the last thirty years, Chef José Andrés has been at the forefront of pursuing technique-driven culinary innovation. It’s no wonder our MICHELIN Inspectors awarded his world-famous minibar Two MICHELIN Stars, calling it a “culinary oasis.”
Half a dozen of his restaurants have been recognized by The MICHELIN Guide, including minibar, Zaytinya (Bib Gourmand), Oyamel (Bib Gourmand), Jaleo, San Laurel and Bar Mar. Offering a range of different cuisines, his restaurants never stop delighting and surprising diners.
Not limiting his knowledge of food to the chefs in his own restaurants, Chef Andrés has long spread his talents and heart globally. He has mentored chefs on his TV show “Yes, Chef!”, authored many books like Change the Recipe and led 100 million meals served through his nonprofit, World Central Kitchen.
His example has led to a massive cascade of positive impact to the chef community worldwide.
Below, learn more about Chef Andrés’ reflections from his journey so far.
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-Starred 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.
Many of your restaurants began in Washington, D.C. What makes the city special?
Washington in many ways is 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.
You were a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. What does this mean to you?
As an immigrant, I’m humbled to have received 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.
Hero image: ©José Andrés Group
