1A Best Of: Chef José Andrés On Building A Better World
Jun 24, 2025
José Andrés, a Michelin-starred chef and humanitarian, shares his journey in feeding millions through World Central Kitchen. He discusses the emotional power of food, revealing personal stories that connect it to love and significant life events. Andrés reflects on his childhood culinary experiences, the challenges of providing aid in conflict zones like Gaza and Ukraine, and the resilience of humanitarian heroes. With his new memoir, he emphasizes food's role in cultural understanding and social change.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Food as First Love
- José Andrés connects his love of food to the first experience of love through his daughter being fed by his wife.
- He realized food is the first tangible form of love we all receive, shaping our lifelong attachment to it.
Learning to Love New Foods
- Andrés refused to eat green peppers but finally tried them after his mother insisted.
- He learned that with a little imagination, unfamiliar food can be delightful, shaping his inclusive food philosophy.
Joy in Simple Food
- Andrés recalls visiting a relative who made a simple dish of sautéed breadcrumbs and bacon fat topped with a fried egg.
- Watching his mother enjoy the humble meal taught him the joy found in simple, shared food experiences.
