José Andrés

Often called Spain’s unofficial ambassador to the United States, José is the host of Made in Spain, a 26-episode public 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 Full Plate Media and presented by KQED-TV. Made in Spain began airing on public television stations across the country in February of 2008. A companion book will be published by Clarkson Potter in fall 2008.

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 past 15 years. THINKfoodGROUP oversees all of José’s creative endeavors such as cookbooks, television programming, concept consulting and new restaurant projects.

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, will open its doors in summer 2008.

Throughout his career, José has drawn the praise of the public, the press and his peers for his vision, imagination and winning restaurant concepts. The James Beard Foundation recently nominated José “Outstanding Chef” thanks to his work at minibar by josé andrés. In 2007, José was inducted into the Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America joining only 191 members for this prestigious recognition. 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. In 2003, José won the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef of the Mid-Atlantic Region.

For many Americans the exuberant Spaniard is Mr. Spain thanks to his best-selling cookbook Tapas: A Taste of Spain in America (Clarkson Potter) and frequent spots on NBC’s TODAY Show, his victory on the Food Network’s Iron Chef America and his appearance on CBS’s “The Late Show with David Letterman.” 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” and Gourmet.

José lives in Maryland with his wife and three daughters.